Malaysia Needs Political Transformation, States and Federal Government Can Differ: Mohd. Sharkar

Malaysia should embrace political transformation, moving away from a system where state and federal governments must always align, according to UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd. Sharkar Shamsudin. He believes that allowing differences in perspective between state and federal administrations can act as a catalyst for democratic maturity.

Sharkar emphasized that states should be granted the space to implement policies that better suit their local requirements, while the federal government would retain its role as a coordinator of policies impacting national interests. "It is time we leave the old approach. States do not necessarily have to align with the federal government on all matters. These differences can actually enrich democracy and benefit the people," he told Utusan Malaysia.

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It is time we leave the old approach. States do not necessarily have to align with the federal government on all matters. These differences can actually enrich democracy and benefit the people.

This political transformation, he explained, would have implications for states in strengthening their administrative autonomy. This would enable each state government to be more responsive to local issues such as economic development, public welfare, and resource management. The federal government would continue to play a crucial balancing role, ensuring that major national policies do not conflict with overall national interests.

"This transformation is not about division, but a form of political maturity that allows states and the federal government to move with their respective identities, yet remain united on major issues," Sharkar stated. He pointed to Sabah and Sarawak as examples of regions with distinct political powers and local parties that differ from the national mainstream, suggesting other states might see the emergence of state-based political parties in the future.

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This transformation is not about division, but a form of political maturity that allows states and the federal government to move with their respective identities, yet remain united on major issues.