PENANG Deputy Chief Minister Jagdeep Singh Deo has called on Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor to work with Penang instead of seeking more federal royalties.
Jagdeep said that both Penang and Kedah enjoyed close neighbourly, family and friendly ties over the decades, especially since independence.
"We are part of one federation, and we live harmoniously together."
May folks may not recall, but Jagdeep's late father, the iconic DAP leader Karpal Singh Deo, although born in Penang, made Alor Setar, his base for his initial legal practise where he earned a reputation as a hard-nosed lawyer.
"Karpal also served one term in the Kedah legislative assembly in 1974 before returning back to Penang to contest the Jelutong parliamentary seat in 1978. It was at Jelutong, he earned the nickname as the Tiger of Jelutong."
Jagdeep, himself was born in Kedah but raised in Penang.
"We used to go back to Alor Setar for visits. I do not understand why Sanusi has these qualms about Penang. He has been ill advised."
Jagdeep was responding to Sanusi's disclosure in last week's Kedah legislative assembly sitting when he informed that Kedah is finalising a legal team to take the matter to court, his claim for royalties of up to RM100 million per annum.
This is on the basis that Penang was "leased" from the Kedah Malay Sultanate and the pact was broken when the then British colonial forces under Francis Light failed to honour the deal to protect the Sultanate from the marauding Siamese warriors.
Jagdeep advised Sanusi to stop throwing tantrums as he was ill advised by historians, who may have an ulterior agenda to pit both neighbours against the other.
"The supreme law in the land is the Federal Constitution and we, especially in Penang respect it. We are law abiding citizens."
So instead of causing friction with Penang, Jagdeep urged Sanusi to work together to prosper both states and the country generally.
"Sanusi is making an impossible demand. Taking Penang back cannot happen. The law will not permit this."
But if Sanusi insist on going on this path, Penang will march stronger to court and meet him head on over the issue of royalties and the state's sovereignty status.
Penang is the most industrialised and tech-driven state in the country.
"We are ready to help Kedah at all times. There is even competition from Kulim there but we do not say anything. We complement the Kulim (Hi - Tech Park)."
"Sanusi should come to Penang. Sit down and discuss with us. We can help each other," said Jagdeep.
He says that Penang has a network of 500 multinationals and 7,000 small medium enterprises which Kedah can tap to grow its own economy.
"Stop dividing us. Let us work together," said Jagdeep.
Sanusi, is a graduate of the Penag - based Universiti Sains Malaysia, an apex - level institution of higher learning and he had worked at the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) before joining PAS. - November 18, 2025.
