KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's federalised system will remain amid new demands from various quarters, including religious groups and state governments, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"It will continue for decades to come. This is the system we have inherited, and I think we need to ensure we mature in this process," he said.
Anwar, according to an FMT report, said despite the demands, he did not see the federal government's ties with any state or group as being problematic or cumbersome.
"We need to ensure this process of negotiation (premised on) trust, understanding and respect continues," he said when asked how national unity could be strengthened as several states call for greater administrative autonomy.
"(Malaysia's is) a federal system. We navigate, we negotiate, but we draw the line (if the need arises).
"We have to empower states where it is necessary. At the same time, the state can make demands. Sometimes they have the capability, sometimes they don't," he said.
Penang and Johor have called for a greater share of tax revenues collected from their states, while oil-producing Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, and Terengganu have long called for a larger share of royalties.