Penang MP dismisses Kedah’s territorial claim as frivolous, likely to be dismissed in court

PENANG MP Ramkarpal Singh has labelled Kedah’s claim over Penang and Seberang Perai as wholly trivial, insisting that any attempt to pursue the matter in court would almost certainly be dismissed.

Speaking during a debate on the Royal Address in Parliament, the Bukit Gelugor MP questioned the motives of the Kedah state government and its Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, for publicising a claim he described as completely unfounded.

“This is not a serious claim; it is a trivial one. Some opposition MPs there say, let’s go to court. Yes, we could go to court, but in a case where the action is trivial and baseless, it will undoubtedly be struck out,” Ramkarpal said.

He challenged the decision of Kedah’s leadership to raise the issue publicly, asking whether the state’s legal advisors had endorsed the proposal to pursue court action, given its frivolous nature.

“What is the purpose of Kedah’s government and Chief Minister in bringing this matter into the open? Surely it is extremely trivial,” he added.

Ramkarpal voiced his support for Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who previously invoked provisions of the Federal Constitution to affirm Penang’s sovereign status within Malaysia, stressing that the state’s position cannot be contested.

“This is a fact that must be accepted. As a son of Penang, I will defend Penang to the very end,” he declared.

Chow, who is also Batu Kawan MP, had earlier likened Kedah’s claim to the Sulu heirs’ claim over Sabah, describing it as unconstitutional and historically unfounded.

He emphasised that Penang has been a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia since independence in 1957, and that its status was further reinforced under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which places the state under the Federal Constitution rather than historical claims predating independence.

Muhammad Sanusi, on 7 January, reportedly stated his belief that legal proceedings regarding Kedah’s claim could commence this year, following completion of document analysis.

He argued that Penang, including Seberang Perai, historically belonged to the Kedah Sultanate and was allegedly occupied unlawfully by colonial powers beginning 9 August 1786.

Ramkarpal’s remarks reflect strong federalist sentiments in defence of Penang’s constitutional status, portraying Kedah’s assertion as legally and historically unsustainable. - January 29, 2026