SHAH ALAM - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has disagreed with recent statements made by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim that state should be treated as "partners" and the Federal government should be revamped.
Dr Mahathir said these "ideas" could have serious implications for the country's constitutional framework and stability.
"He has released his statement, and it's not something we can welcome.
"We have set up Malaysia as a Federation.
"He (Tunku Ismail) seems to think that Malaysia should have one monarch and things like that.
"That is going to change our constitution, and that is not wise because when you do that, the whole country will crumble," he said during an episode of Sinar Daily’s Fireside Chat yesterday.
The former Langkawi MP also pointed out the historical context of Malaysia's federation, highlighting the importance of unity among the states.
"Before we became independent, the Malay states were separated. Each state had its own ruler and royalty.
"The states were small, weak, and poor, and they had to became subject to foreign powers like Thailand, Myanmar, and China.
"So if you break up the whole country, I am sorry to say the country will regress. Even the ones doing well will regress," he added.
When asked if he had any advice for Tunku Ismail, Dr Mahathir responded, "I think we have a good system with the federation.
"The British wanted to create the Malayan Union, which would have been one country with no states, just one government.
"Before, there were seven governments. The rulers and the people protested, and each agreed to the Federation."
The former premier also focused his attention on the benefits of the current federal system, which balances state autonomy with the responsibilities of a central government.
He stated that the federation has a central government, and it has state governments.
"So the states are on their own, but for the big things like foreign affairs and defence, it should be the responsibility of the Federal Government," he said, highlighting that the country and its people should show united front when dealing with external powers.
Over the weekend, during a podcast at the Johor youth meet-up programme, Tunku Ismail also known by his Malay moniker Tengku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), said that the Federal Government's system should be revamped, with Johor treated as a partner instead.
He said the system within the Federal Government needs to be changed and Johor does not belong to Malaysia.
"We are partners, so you must start treating us like partners," said the Johor Regent.
He also said that Johor provides about RM48 billion in tax revenue to the Federal Government, but only receives RM1.4bil in return through the annual budget.
Tunku Ismail also said Johor cannot remain a "beggar" and should have its own political party.
"Look at Sarawak, they get a lot of 'bargains' from the Federal Government because they have their own political party," the monarch said.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the ruling coalition in Sarawak, was formed after Barisan Nasional lost power in the 2018 General Election and has 23 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
The coalition holds 79 seats in the 82-seat Sarawak legislative assembly and is made up of four Sarawak-based parties, namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).