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Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang sets up committee to push for more autonomy, funds
Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said the committee will help protect Penang's rights and ensure the people's voice reaches the federal level clearly and effectively. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang assembly has revived a select committee on federal-state relations set up three years ago to press for greater autonomy and fairer funding from Putrajaya. In proposing the motion, Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubok) said the committee would look at federal policies and development projects in Penang that require allocations from Putrajaya. 'In a federal system, both the state and federal governments have their roles. But in practice, there are many gaps and imbalances that need long-term, structured solutions, not just one-off fixes. 'That's why this committee is important. It helps protect state rights and ensure the people's voice reaches the federal level clearly and effectively,' he told the state assembly today. Lee said the committee will also push for a more transparent revenue-sharing model, demand better federal-state cooperation in infrastructure, economic and social development, and seek greater autonomy through devolution of powers to Penang. He said the committee was first formed during the previous term of the assembly and needed to be revived to keep federal-state relations accountable and constructive. Lee nominated Gooi Hsiao Leung (PH-Bukit Tengah) to chair the committee, and for the other members to comprise himself, Azrul Mahathir Aziz (PH-Bayan Lepas), Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar), Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima), Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua), and Izhar Shah Arif Shah (PN-Seberang Jaya). The motion was passed without debate after the speaker urged the legislative assembly to proceed with a voice vote. Lee maintained that the committee would not act as a confrontational body but as an institutional platform to strengthen federalism and ensure local concerns are not ignored. 'This is about good governance, not politics,' he said.
Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sarawak shows the way: GRS info chief says solo contest in Sabah aligns with voters, won't hurt federal cooperation
KOTA KINABALU, May 14 – Citing the Sarawak state government as a prime example, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said a state government helmed by local parties does not hinder strong federal-state relations. Bangkuai, who is also state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister said the Sarawak government has maintained cordial and constructive ties with the federal government despite being administered by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'Even now, with GRS leading the state government, its working relationship with the federal administration has delivered tangible results,' he said during a presentation of appointment letters to Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen in Kiulu near here. Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief, said this model proves that contesting solo in the coming state election is both a viable and principled option for GRS. 'So, there should be no issue if GRS decides to contest solo. It is a move that aligns with the people's aspirations, to see Sabah led by a locally grounded coalition while maintaining cohesive ties with Putrajaya,' he said. Drawing further comparisons to the Sarawak experience, Bangkuai said GRS can and should emulate GPS's approach of governing independently while maintaining stable and mature federal cooperation. 'We can look to Sarawak. Although PH is in opposition there, and BN holds no presence, GPS continues to work constructively with Putrajaya as part of the federal government. 'The prime minister and the Sarawak premier meet regularly. This shows that political independence at the state level is not a hindrance, but in fact, a strength,' he said. His statement comes after national coalitions Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional announced their alliance heading into the coming state elections, prompting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to say that GRS was willing to contest independently if that were the case. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since called for collaboration among PH, BN, and GRS to ensure political stability and national progress. In response, Hajiji said GRS was still open to work together if a local party was leading the charge. The state government currently consists of GRS and PH, the latter which had 'saved' Hajiji from being toppled in early 2023 when Sabah BN withdrew their support for him and continues to act as opposition within the state. GRS consists of eight local component parties, of which at least half have stated their willingness to contest the election solo, without any other political party pacts.
