Book indicates Penang ‘belongs’ to Kedah, says PAS MP
Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden says a book published by the Oxford University Press in 1971 noted that Kedah never agreed to hand over Penang to the British.FMT Reporters - 08 Mar 2023, 12:02am
PETALING JAYA: A PAS MP caused an uproar in Parliament today when he questioned the sovereignty of Penang based on the contents of a book published in 1971.
Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) said according to the book “Kedah: 1771-1821: The search for security and independence” by R Bonney and published by the Oxford University Press, Kedah never agreed to hand over Penang to the British.
“This document shows that there is a different history between Kedah and Penang. We have been taught in the history books since we were children that Penang was established by Francis Light, but here it says that the sultan never agreed to surrender Penang to Light.
“In fact, according to this document, there was no agreement to give Penang to the British. Therefore, according to this book, Penang still belongs to Kedah,” he said while debating the supply bill in the Dewan Rakyat.
In an excerpt read out by Afnan, Bonney said that “Penang was neither leased, granted nor ceded by any written treaty or agreement”.
It goes on to say that: “Pulau Penang (sic) was an integral part of Kedah. Light not only committed by European standards a breach of international law, but cheated Sultan Abdullah as well.
“The declaration of Pulau Penang as British possession was therefore illegal for no such verbal or written permission was given.”
This caused a commotion in the Dewan Rakyat with several lawmakers questioning Afnan’s motive for bringing up the matter.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said Afnan’s statement questioned Penang’s sovereignty which is guaranteed by the constitution.
“What is the point of bringing this up? Retract your statement. Don’t cause a fight between the people of Kedah and Penang,” Rayer said.
He also urged the deputy speaker to ask Afnan to retract his statement.
Deputy speaker Ramli Nor asked Afnan to explain why he brought up the issue of Penang’s sovereignty.
“I am not forcing the Dewan to listen to these writings. If we want to discuss the sovereignty of the state, then we have to look back at all existing history and facts, whether there was an agreement or not. I don’t have any intention to cause racial strife. I am just saying this was in history,” Afnan said.
Ramli then ruled that Afnan’s statement was in breach of Standing Order 36(10).
“We know Penang is a state that is recognised by the constitution. My ruling is that Alor Setar has to take back his comments. If you are not satisfied, submit a motion.”
Afnan then retracted his statement.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...ah-says-pas-mp/
