A recent development in Malaysian politics has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Penang. The story begins with a bold claim by the PAS-led Kedah government, demanding a substantial annual payment from Putrajaya for Penang, a neighboring state. This demand has not only caused a stir but has also revealed a divide within the PN coalition, specifically between Penang PAS and Kedah PAS.
The Impact of Penang PAS’s Silence
Political analysts are concerned that Penang PAS’s reluctance to criticize Kedah’s claim could significantly impact its credibility and, by extension, that of PN. Ooi Kee Beng, a renowned analyst, highlights the importance of a clear stance, especially when it comes to matters of historical significance and constitutional respect.
Ooi Kee Beng argues that Penang PAS’s defense of Kedah’s demand is a test of sincerity and an indicator of its ability to govern Penang. He believes that by publicly agreeing with what he calls “ridiculous claims,” Penang PAS risks losing the trust of voters, especially non-Malays who are crucial to PN’s success in Penang.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Penang PAS information chief Fawwaz Jan has a different take. He believes that the legal case Kedah intends to initiate should be allowed to unfold without political interference. Fawwaz argues that the court system will ensure justice based on historical facts, free from colonial distortions.
However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara disagrees. He believes that Kedah PAS’s fixation on the lease issue will hinder Penang PAS’s efforts to gain support from non-Malay voters. The pressure from Kedah’s Menteri Besar, Sanusi Nor, only makes it harder for Penang PAS to prove its governance capabilities.
And this is the part most people miss… The PN leadership’s silence on the matter is deafening. Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia warns that if Kedah PAS continues to push this issue, it could damage PN’s overall prospects in Penang during the next general election.
Azmil suggests that Penang PAS’s stance may be influenced by its fear of appearing aligned with DAP, a rival party. This fear has led to hesitation and indecisiveness, leaving voters unsure of Penang PAS’s true intentions.
The historical context adds another layer to this complex issue. Sanusi Nor’s claim that both territories were leased to the British in 1791 for a sum of 10,000 Spanish dollars is disputed by the Penang government and historians. They argue that the sultanate effectively ceded the territories after Merdeka, and there is no formal lease document to support the “lease” narrative.
So, the question remains: Will Penang PAS’s non-stance on Kedah’s claim ultimately hurt its chances of governing Penang? And what does this mean for the future of PN in the state? We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. This story is a reminder that politics is often a delicate dance, and every move can have far-reaching consequences.