00:00This has gone on for the last six decades and it will continue for many decades to come.
00:08This is a system we inherit and I think we need to ensure that we mature in the process.
00:16In an exclusive interview with FMT, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians
00:20to trust the nation's federalised system of government, saying it is an effective tool
00:25to manage federal-state relations.
00:32We've spoken a lot about the importance of unity, Prime Minister, and certainly unity
00:36is really at the core of your philosophy and framework.
00:41There have been increasingly louder calls for autonomy from states, for example, like
00:47Sarawak, Sabah, even Johor.
00:50How do you intend to strengthen unity within the federation?
00:55We have to empower states where it is necessary.
00:59I don't think we need to rest powers entirely to the federal authorities.
01:03At the same time, the state can make demands, but sometimes they have the capability, sometimes
01:07they don't.
01:08This is a federal system, we navigate, we negotiate, but we draw the line.
01:16The Prime Minister also said Putrajaya is constantly faced with various demands from
01:21diverse states and groupings.
01:25First the Islamic professionals and ulama, and then representatives of the church groups,
01:32and then the Tamilians and the Hindus, I mean, that's a stark reality.
01:37And you go to Sabah, Sarawak, of course there are new demands.
01:40So I think we need to ensure that this process of negotiations, of trust, understanding and
01:46respect continue.
01:47I don't find it to be too cumbersome or problematic.
01:54In recent years, states such as Penang and Johor have pushed for a larger share of national
01:59revenue, while Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and Trengganu seek more oil royalties.
02:05For instance, the Sabah Law Society is pursuing legal action to secure the state's 40% share
02:11of federal revenue, while Sarawak is pushing for greater control over its onshore and offshore
02:17oil and gas resources.
02:20In response to these demands, the federal government has pledged to double special grants
02:25for Sabah and Sarawak in the 2025 budget, signalling a stronger commitment to development
02:30in East Malaysia.
02:35For more UN videos visit www.un.org
