Cops to question Kedah MB today over Penang sovereignty row

Police will question Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today over the latter’s claim that Penang still belongs to Kedah.

Police secretary Noorsiah Saaduddin said police have launched an investigation paper in relation to the case, which is being investigated by Bukit Aman’s classified crimes investigation unit.

The case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, she said in a statement last night.

Section 505(b) of the Penal Code criminalises making statements that may cause others to “commit an offence against the state or against the public tranquillity”.

It is punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, meanwhile, criminalises the misuse of network facilities. Upon conviction, the offence is punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000, up to one year’s imprisonment, or both.

Sanusi (above) has been making the claim that Penang belongs to Kedah rather than being a separate state since at least February.

He claimed this was backed by academic studies and has demanded the Federal Constitution to be amended to rectify the “distortion of history”.

His claims have drawn criticism from leaders from both Penang and the federal government, and even from PAS’ allies in Gerakan.

During the Prime Minister Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that Penang’s status as a separate state from Kedah has already been resolved before Malaya’s independence and was reaffirmed in the Federal Constitution.

All past agreements signed with the British had been declared void. - Mkini