The powers vested on the states and federal government are stated in the constitution. In due course, the Federal government has somehow tightened the grip over the states by acts of commission and omission as and when circumstances deem neccessary. The check and balance has become lopsided in favour of the federal. Why is it so?
In the first instance is that the ruling authority on the basis on its own political stratagem has unjustifiably ignored the rights of the state as in the case of the oil royalty for Kelantan. It has reneged on the dutifully signed Petroleum Development Act.
Another aspect is that states have mismanaged their resources. Many are bankcrupt or failed states. Poor governance, abuse of power, corruption, cronyism, and inefficiencies at all levels. Each keep on demanding increased allocation from year to year. With such dependencies, it’s no wonder that the federal has gained more control over the states.
The root of financial mismanagement begins of course at the district levels run by incompetent officers who over-delegate, misplaced prioritisation, poor budgetary and personnel control. It seems that their office buildings and surroundings are the only ones in town worth keeping, an epitome of ego-centrism forgetting that the money come from the people they are suppose to serve; not to serve themselves with such and end-of the year trips overseas.
The MBs and CMs have to bear the responsibility of failed states. What such fiascos as Bkt Pelanduk becomes Bkt Babi, stashing RM10 million overseas illegally, collapsed stadium the more reason they have to resign.
If the states are not sustainable the country will be constantly in debt needing more foreign borrowings from IMF and the likes.
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