Federalism in Malaysia

Federalism in Malaysia dates back to the establishment of the Federated Malay States in Peninsular Malaysia, then known as Malaya. Federalism in Malaysia took a more concrete form with the establishment of the Federation of Malaya. The merger of Malaya with Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak further complicated the situation. As of 2008, although Malaysia is a "de jure" federation, many perceive it as a "de facto" unitary state. Some suggest that opposition triumphs in several of the 2008 state elections will alter the political climate and approach towards federalism.

tate governments

The state governments are led by chief ministers ("Menteri Besar" or "Ketua Menteri", the latter term being used in states without hereditary rulers), selected by the state assemblies ("Dewan Undangan Negeri") advising their respective sultans or governors.

Resemblance of unitary state

Although Malaysia is a federal state, political scientists have suggested that its "federalism is highly centralised":

The 2008 general elections saw a loose coalition between the Democratic Action Party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and PAS win a majority in five of the thirteen state legislative assemblies. Previously, the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition controlled twelve of the state governments, with the exception of Kelantan. In an editorial, "The Sun" suggested that this would herald changes for the relationship between state and federal governments:

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