Constitutional Federalism in Malaysia book launched

KUCHING: The outcome of the March 8 general election will invariably create stress in the relationship between the Federal Government and the five state governments formed by the opposition parties, said former Sarawak Attorney General Datuk J.C. Fong.

He said the relationship had to be handled with a firm understanding of the provisions in the Federal Constitution.

The provisions distribute and regulate the use of legislative powers and the nation’s financial resources, he said in the preface of his book Constitutional Federalism in Malaysia.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud launched the book at the State Library in Petra Jaya here on Thursday.

The book covers constitutional history, discusses the federal system of government under the Constitution involving, inter alia, the distribution of legislative and executive powers, and the rights and responsibilities of the federal and state governments.

Also covered are special protections for Sabah and Sarawak.

Fong said that understanding the historical background of the Federal Constitution was vital to appreciating the distribution of powers between the federation and the states, and the special safeguards entrenched therein for the Borneo States.

In his speech at the launch, Taib said the Constitution had to be a living organism able to adapt to changing times to ensure development of the states and nation.

“So far, we are lucky to see that the federal and state leaders have found ways to accommodate each other in development of the states and nation as a whole,” he added.

Taib said that Fong’s book would give readers a better understanding of the Constitution and federalism.

-TMB