Centralisation and Decentralisation of Powers

Decentralization of power should be viewed as a normal course of democracy especially in view of political, economic and cultural diversities. In the case of Federated Unions such as the United States of America, Local and State Governments are given extensive powers to self rule including formulating education policies and managing each level’s own security force. At the same time, Federal Government’s duty lies in formulating and enforcing economic, foreign and military policies. The USA has survived over the years even the American Civil War largely due to decentralisation and sharing of power by all three levels of Government.

European Union is another example where democracy based on sharing of power could reunite people of diversity. During Roman Empire, Europe was united by force, but now it has been reunited by democracy. While each individual European state’s language and culture is preserved, they are united with uniform economic policies and democratic values including respect for human rights, freedom og movement and self rule by local communities.

Decentralisation of power actually unites people who are diverse in culture, education and socio-economic backgrounds. People learn to accept coexistence in diversity as a way of life. They are empowered to rule themselves and to be more creative in managing their political and socio-economic life.

Albeit centralization of power may be used a weapon to unite diverse people by force and coercion, it is not an effective tool to redistribute wealth and power in an egalitarian way. The rights to local self determination and cultural diversity would often be striped off to create a false sense of consensus and unity in a centralised union.

Many are still reluctant to accept the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural society. We began with a federated system with substantial powers being given to State and Local Governments. But that idea of power sharing has actually been systematically eroded since local government elections were abolished. Governmental powers have been centralised; and centralisation of those powers had reached its peak during the Mahatir’s Era.

Not only our Malaysian democratic system has been undermined but also political parties chiefs have run their respective parties by the means of power centralisaiton especially the ruling UMNO. Centralisation of powers and resources in the top leaders’ hand, has made the elite rule class lose touch with the general public and grassroots members. This is the root cause of the political crisis faced by the present Government and UMNO.

Moreover, our judiciary independence has precisely been eroded by the concept of centralisation of governing powers and emergence of a new form of “elected tyranny”. Tyrants have been elected to rule the country and political parties. And even such legitimacy has been sought and our Federal Constitution has failed in safeguarding our people’s rights to basic freedoms and sharing of powers.

Sharing of power and acceptance of diversity are the key elements in uniting our people. It would also be the bearing for our country’s future development and the way forward.
Revival of true Federated Union system with delegation of self rule powers to local communities and each and every State Government would be vital to the survival of our democracy.




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