I AM delighted that the prime minister is interested in seeing the devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak expedited, which hopefully, will mean more autonomy to the two states to govern their own affairs. Not surprisingly, this decentralisation of federal powers to the states is being widely welcomed in East Malaysia as it recognises their desire to be self-governing, in line with their original intention when they joined Malaysia as members of a federation of states. I believe other states will also welcome more autonomy, as it will make their responsibility of governing easier. Unlike a unitary state, Malaysia is made up of several states with their own constitutions, administrations and traditions, especially for the sultanates. Many states have their own civil service, dating back 150 years to the time of the British Raj. All regard themselves as equals in a big family called  the Federation of Malaysia.
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