Abstract
As Malaysia continues to evolve within a federal framework, the question of how much power should be devolved to state governments remains critical — especially for progressive and economically vibrant states like Penang. While calls for decentralisation are not new, the urgency for reform has grown in the face of uneven development, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and growing demands for local autonomy.This forum brings together two prominent voices to explore the structural and political pathways toward meaningful decentralisation in Malaysia. Prof. Wong Chin Huat, a leading scholar on federalism, democracy, and electoral systems, will provide a deep dive into the institutional reforms needed to empower states. Joining him is YB Gooi Hsiao Leung, ADUN for Bukit Tengah and former Member of Parliament, who will share practical insights from his experience navigating both state and federal governance.Together, they will examine:The current limitations of Malaysia’s federal systemWhy decentralisation matters for Penang’s futureLegal, political, and fiscal reforms needed to empower state governmentsHow states can lead the charge for a stronger, more democratic MalaysiaThis forum is organised in conjunction with the reactivation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations in the Penang State Assembly.
About the speakers
Prof Wong Chin Huat is a political scientist at Sunway University working on electoral system, parliamentary democracy, federalism and ethnic politics. Before that (2012-2019), he was the head of Political Social Analysis and fellow at Penang Institute. He is a member of Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek SAMA). He writes political commentaries in English, Malay and Chinese.YB Gooi Hsiao Leung, Chairman of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations, ADUN for Bukit Tengah and former Member of Parliament for Alor Setar and legal practitioner.