What specific claims led to the police investigation of Kedah MB?

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Kedah Menteri Besar Under Police Investigation for Alleged Statements on Penang's Ownership

The Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, is currently under police investigation following reports lodged concerning his alleged recent statements asserting that Penang is purportedly under Kedah’s ownership. These investigations are being conducted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which addresses statements intended to cause public fear or alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which pertains to the improper use of network facilities for harassment. Sanusi's statement has been recorded by the police, and the investigation papers are being compiled for referral to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Allegations of Penang's Ownership

The primary impetus for the police investigation stems from Sanusi's alleged claims regarding Penang's status as being under Kedah's ownership. These statements, made recently, have prompted multiple police reports, leading to the formal investigation. The authorities are examining whether these remarks fall within the ambit of offences related to public fear or incitement against the state, as stipulated by Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
Investigation Under Communications and Multimedia Act

In addition to the Penal Code, the investigation is also proceeding under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This section targets the improper use of network facilities or services, including the transmission of comments that are deemed offensive or menacing with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass another person. This suggests that the manner and platform through which Sanusi's alleged statements were disseminated are also under scrutiny.
Sanusi's Defence and Interpretation of Claims

Following the recording of his statement, Sanusi has reportedly asserted that his comments were misinterpreted and that he never sought an amendment to the Federal Constitution for Penang to revert to Kedah. He clarified that his intention was to negotiate with the federal government for increased payments to Kedah, framing it as compensation for the alleged lease of the state's land to Penang. Sanusi indicated his focus was on enhancing the lease payment, suggesting a figure of possibly RM100 million annually, with the actual assessment to be conducted by the Valuation and Property Services Department.
Historical Context of Lease Payments

The context of lease payments and historical claims dates back to the alleged lease of Penang island to the British in 1791 and Seberang Perai in 1800 by the Kedah sultanate. Following Malaya's independence, the federal government continued to make an annual payment of RM10,000 to Kedah. This amount was supplemented by an additional special annual payment of RM10 million introduced in 2018. In October 2021, Sanusi had previously publicly demanded an annual payment of RM100 million from the federal government for the purported lease of Kedah's land to Penang, a significant increase from the RM10 million paid since 2018.

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What specific claims led to the police investigation of Kedah MB?

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