COMMENT | No better time for a healthier distribution of power to the states

COMMENT | Nine of the thirteen states in the federation defied Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s seemingly hasty decision to re-opening the economy, while another two (Johor and Malacca) have yet to decide on the matter.

To students of the Malaysian Constitution, this is a pivotal moment in the development of federalism in the country. It is also a major loss of face and credibility for Muhyiddin.

Five of these nine states are aligned to Pakatan Harapan Plus, namely Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and Sabah. The other state governments, though politically aligned with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, nevertheless also acted against the decision of the federal government.

Prior to this, the PN government had made several blunders with regards to the states during the movement control order period (MCO) which began on March 18.

First, Muhyiddin made a hasty announcement at 10om on Monday, March 16 that the nation would go under lockdown from 12am on Wednesday, March 18. The various menteri besar and chief ministers, along with every other member of the public, were informed of this via telecast speech, and not before.

Obviously, the federal government should have contacted the various state governments first to negotiate and to get them to prepare thoroughly before announcing such a major decision to the public...