ALOR STAR – Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he is willing to “punch out” any opponents to his demand for RM100 million annually in compensation from Putrajaya to Kedah for the state’s lease of Penang to colonial Britain and subsequently the federal government.
Speaking at the state assembly today, the Kedah menteri besar stubbornly maintained his position on the matter, while adding that the media will most likely focus or sensationalise his “punching” remark.
“I don’t like to fight, but I will fight for what’s right if it is required. I am brave. I will work hard and punch out. But I doubt it will go that far. I don’t mind gomoi (Kedahan slang for playful wrestling) though,” quipped Sanusi to the amusement and laughter of the House.
Despite objections by prominent community leaders in Penang such as Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor and Penang Malays Association president Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff, Sanusi told the state assembly sitting that he will not compromise on the state’s stance.
He said he also wants the National Water Commission to pay an annual gratuity of RM50 million for the supply of raw water from Sg Muda, whose borders are shared with Penang, to states in the northern region.
“I will not cave in to pressure. I will not stop seeking for such compensation to be paid to Kedah. I believe eventually our critics will see our argument.
“I am not asking for myself personally. I seek what is fair to Kedah,” said Sanusi.
Putrajaya now allocates a RM10 million honorarium annually in view of an agreement between the founder of Penang, Sir Francis Light, and the sultan of Kedah at the time in 1786.
It is for the lease of the island in 1800 for Province Wellesley, now known as Seberang Prai – the mainland stretch of Penang.
Later, Sanusi got into a debate with state opposition leader Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi (Alor Mengkudu-PH) over how viable it is to construct a township next to the proposed Kulim International Airport.
Phahrolrazi said that at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, there are many land reserves to accommodate the airport and aircraft landing.
“It is for safety reasons that homes are not encouraged to be constructed next to an airport,” said Phahrolrazi, who is also the state Amanah chairman.
But Sanusi, who was his colleague when Phahrolrazi was in PAS, rebutted saying that industries are erected next to airports as it is convenient for them to export their equipment and to service aircraft.
The assembly sitting was then adjourned, and will continue tomorrow. – The Vibes, November 17, 2021
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