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PETALING JAYA: The Federal Constitution is what determines the relationship between the federal government and the respective state governments, unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said.

Fahmi said Malaysia was formed with the agreement of every state based on the principles of federalism, which was a core of the constitution.

“The development and progress of the country is based on the strength of the federation and all the states.

“Therefore, the Federal Constitution is the basis that guarantees the rights of the states and determines the relationship between the federal government and state governments,” he said in a statement.

However, Fahmi said, matters involving Sabah and Sarawak were based on both the constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

On Sunday, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, called for a reform of the federal system, with Johor to be treated as a partner.

Tunku Ismail said Johor did not belong to Malaysia but was a partner in the federation, and expressed hope that the southern state would be able to obtain the return of 20% to 30% of its state revenue.

He said all of the state’s tax revenue, about RM49 billion annually, currently went to the federal government.

Separately, two days ago, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said certain states were challenging Putrajaya, citing as one example Sarawak’s decision to replace “chief minister” with “premier”, the establishment of Petroliam Sarawak Bhd (Petros), and its pursuit of educational autonomy.

The PKR MP drew parallels with separatist movements in other countries in the past, warning of potential threats to Malaysia’s unity if such demands were not addressed wisely.

However, an aide to Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state was only demanding what had been promised, and denied that Sarawak was challenging Putrajaya.