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Respect the Constitution, Not Endless Historical Claims: Penang Exco Tells Sanusi to Focus on Progress Instead
3 Jul 2026 • 10:30 AM MYT
Image Credit: Kpost | Illustration generated by Chatgpt
Political disputes over history may generate headlines, but they do little to improve the lives of ordinary Malaysians.
This was the central message delivered by Penang state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who has urged Kedah Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor to stop reviving claims that Penang belongs to Kedah and instead focus on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring states.
Wong stressed that the issue of Kedah's alleged ownership of Penang remains a contentious and divisive topic that has no place in modern governance. He argued that the matter has long been settled by the Federal Constitution, which clearly recognises Penang and Kedah as two separate states within Malaysia.
According to Wong, the Federal Constitution, first enacted in 1957 and later updated in 1963 following the formation of Malaysia with the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak, provides the legal foundation that all Malaysians should respect. Rather than reopening historical debates, leaders should uphold the Constitution and concentrate on policies that benefit the people.
To reinforce his point, Wong noted that historical records themselves offer differing interpretations. He cited the existence of a Siamese border demarcation stone in Kepala Batas, bearing inscriptions in the Siamese language, which recognised the area as part of Penang rather than Kedah. He said this illustrates how northern Peninsular Malaysia was once influenced by the Siamese Kingdom.
Wong added that if historical influence were used as the basis for territorial claims, the debate would become endless. He pointed to archaeological evidence from the Bujang Valley and Kedah Tua, which suggests that parts of the region were once influenced by ancient Indian and Hindu empires. Likewise, large areas of present-day Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, were also historically shaped by Hindu civilisations.
"If we continue tracing history backwards, there will never be an end to claims and counterclaims," Wong said, arguing that such debates are unproductive in today's world.
Instead, he called on political leaders to prioritise economic growth, regional development and cooperation rather than promoting narratives that could create unnecessary tensions between neighbouring states.
Wong suggested that Sanusi's repeated remarks may be politically motivated to rally support among his constituents by portraying Penang as an adversary. However, he stressed that responsible leadership requires respecting constitutional principles rather than exploiting historical controversies for political gain.
"We are all Malaysians," Wong said, adding that the nation's strength lies in unity rather than division. He emphasised that when one state prospers, neighbouring states also benefit through increased investment, employment and economic opportunities.
The Penang exco member highlighted the close economic relationship between Penang and Kedah, noting that thousands of residents cross state borders daily for work and business. Many Penangites reside in Kedah while working in Penang's industrial sector, while others travel in the opposite direction, creating strong economic interdependence.
He also pointed to the shared use of water resources from Sungai Muda, explaining that both states possess riparian rights to extract water from the river. Rather than arguing over historical ownership, Wong said both governments should work together to ensure sustainable water management and support continued industrial development.
Wong concluded that while political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, they should never come at the expense of ordinary citizens whose livelihoods depend on the continued prosperity of both Penang and Kedah.
His remarks highlight a broader message that constitutional respect, economic cooperation and shared prosperity offer far greater benefits to Malaysians than revisiting centuries-old territorial disputes.
By: Kpost
This was the central message delivered by Penang state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who has urged Kedah Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor to stop reviving claims that Penang belongs to Kedah and instead focus on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring states.
Wong stressed that the issue of Kedah's alleged ownership of Penang remains a contentious and divisive topic that has no place in modern governance. He argued that the matter has long been settled by the Federal Constitution, which clearly recognises Penang and Kedah as two separate states within Malaysia.
According to Wong, the Federal Constitution, first enacted in 1957 and later updated in 1963 following the formation of Malaysia with the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak, provides the legal foundation that all Malaysians should respect. Rather than reopening historical debates, leaders should uphold the Constitution and concentrate on policies that benefit the people.
To reinforce his point, Wong noted that historical records themselves offer differing interpretations. He cited the existence of a Siamese border demarcation stone in Kepala Batas, bearing inscriptions in the Siamese language, which recognised the area as part of Penang rather than Kedah. He said this illustrates how northern Peninsular Malaysia was once influenced by the Siamese Kingdom.
Wong added that if historical influence were used as the basis for territorial claims, the debate would become endless. He pointed to archaeological evidence from the Bujang Valley and Kedah Tua, which suggests that parts of the region were once influenced by ancient Indian and Hindu empires. Likewise, large areas of present-day Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, were also historically shaped by Hindu civilisations.
"If we continue tracing history backwards, there will never be an end to claims and counterclaims," Wong said, arguing that such debates are unproductive in today's world.
Instead, he called on political leaders to prioritise economic growth, regional development and cooperation rather than promoting narratives that could create unnecessary tensions between neighbouring states.
Wong suggested that Sanusi's repeated remarks may be politically motivated to rally support among his constituents by portraying Penang as an adversary. However, he stressed that responsible leadership requires respecting constitutional principles rather than exploiting historical controversies for political gain.
"We are all Malaysians," Wong said, adding that the nation's strength lies in unity rather than division. He emphasised that when one state prospers, neighbouring states also benefit through increased investment, employment and economic opportunities.
The Penang exco member highlighted the close economic relationship between Penang and Kedah, noting that thousands of residents cross state borders daily for work and business. Many Penangites reside in Kedah while working in Penang's industrial sector, while others travel in the opposite direction, creating strong economic interdependence.
He also pointed to the shared use of water resources from Sungai Muda, explaining that both states possess riparian rights to extract water from the river. Rather than arguing over historical ownership, Wong said both governments should work together to ensure sustainable water management and support continued industrial development.
Wong concluded that while political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, they should never come at the expense of ordinary citizens whose livelihoods depend on the continued prosperity of both Penang and Kedah.
His remarks highlight a broader message that constitutional respect, economic cooperation and shared prosperity offer far greater benefits to Malaysians than revisiting centuries-old territorial disputes.
By: Kpost
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