GEORGE TOWN: See you in court!

This was Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's message to his Kedah counterpart Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor after the latter said Kedah government had appointed a panel of lawyers to manage payment from Penang for raw water usage.

"We have been waiting to see them (the Kedah state government) in court.

"There is no use for us to just talk on the outside. It will not benefit anyone. 

"In fact, we really want this matter to be brought to court. We also have our points (to fight this case)" he said today.

He was met after the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) heritage recognition and awards ceremony held at the Bayview Hotel here.

Elaborating, Chow said it was something never done before, but said he left it entirely to Kedah.

"They (Kedah) has appointed a panel of lawyers to study the matter to see whether there is a case to be brought to court or not.

"We are waiting," he added.

On New Year's day, Muhammad Sanusi had reportedly said his administration had appointed a panel of lawyers to manage compensation from Penang for raw water usage.

He had said it showed his administration's seriousness in the issue after their request was unheeded by Penang.

Kedah had previously sought RM50 million payment from Penang for raw water usage.

Meanwhile, Chow said according to international conventions, anyone has riparian rights to raw water usage.

"Take for example the river in Europe which flowed to several countries.

"Based on international conventions, all countries are allowed to draw water from the river.

"Similarly, we have a right to draw water from Sungai Muda which originated from Kedah.

"We have a right to use the raw water as long as it does not affect the right of the future generation to use it," he added.

Riparian water rights is a system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path. It has its origins in English common law.