ALOR STAR – The Kedah state assembly session this morning got rancorous when Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed that Penang is a state leased from Kedah and therefore should not criticise its neighbour for its affairs.
Sanusi (Jeneri-PAS) said he understood Penang’s concerns over several major projects announced by Kedah which are thought to give it competition.
However, he said it should be remembered that Penang was leased, and it should not interfere or criticise the affairs of the administration of Kedah.
“Penang is not a state that exists by itself. According to the history of the country, Penang is a state leased from Kedah.
“If we lease someone’s land and then we become angry with the landlord we lease it from, that is not appropriate,” he said.
He said this in responding to an additional question from Mohd Azam Abd Samat (Sg Limau-PAS) who wanted to know about the Kedah government’s strategy in dealing with “jealousy” from neighbouring states following the announcement of several high-impact projects in Kedah.
The answer given by Sanusi seemed to receive support, with many of the elected representatives thumping on their tables to show approval.
Sanusi added that as a “good neighbour” the state government assures that Penang will always be peaceful and need not feel threatened.
For example, he said, the Kulim Airport (KXP) project will only be pursued to complement the Penang International Airport (PIA), and is not meant to compete.
“It is common knowledge that efforts to expand PIA cannot be done due to land constraints. So, KXP will complement PIA, and not be a competitor.
“We will maintain our goodness so that our neighbours feel safe. This is the way Islam has enjoined for us,” he said.
Earlier, Sanusi answered oral questions on the status of five high-impact Kedah projects, namely Kedah Science and Technology Park, Kota Perdana, Kedah Rubber City, KXP, and the Sidam Logistics, Aerospace and Manufacturing hub.
Sanusi said all the high-impact projects would be game-changers for Kedah, and significantly change the state’s economic landscape. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
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