blogtunm.blogspot.com Tun M
1. I do not want to be involved in the controversy over Penang. But suggesting that Sanusi, the MB of Kedah is committing a crime for giving his views of the history of that island is too much.
2. Historically the Sultan of Kedah agreed for the British East India Company to take over the island on payment of 6000 Spanish dollars a year. Later a strip of the mainland opposite was added for 4000 Spanish dollars a year.
3. In addition the agreement required the British company to help in the defence of Kedah if attacked by foreign countries. We know that the British failed to honour their words.
4. The agreement with regard to the ceding of Singapore was different. It was clearly a straight forward sale. The British made a one time payment of 60,000 Spanish dollars to the Temenggong.
5. It is worthwhile noting that Sultan Ali, the Sultan at that time did not sign. He was awarded a house in Kampung Gelam in Singapore. This generosity was not accompanied by British recognition of Ali as the Sultan.
6. The difference between the Penang deal and the Singapore deal is obvious.
7. I will not say anything about what happened to these two territories of Malaya except to admit that I persuaded Guan Eng as Minister of Finance to give more than RM10,000 to Kedah every year.
8. I am not asking anyone to believe me.
9. So you can take this story with a dollop of salt.
