Centre–State Relations and Intra-Party Dynamics in Malaysia: UMNO and the Case of Johor

Abstract

As multi-level governance structures led by multiple political parties, democratic federal systems can experience two types of tensions—those between central and state governments, and those between parties in power at those different levels. This has made the study of centre–state relations in Malaysia challenging, as one coalition has been in power at the federal level since independence. Most visible centre–state conflicts have occurred in states led by the opposition or minor coalition members. However, the majority of state governments are led by the United Malays’ National Organization (UMNO)—Malaysia's most powerful political party and coalition leader. Given this, it is instructive to analyse centre–state relations in a state that has also been led by UMNO, as this enables the elimination of inter-party strife as a source of conflict. Johor lends itself well to this exercise. Like the federal government, it has been led since independence by the ruling coalition, and is intimately linked to UMNO. Despite this congruence, the Johor state government has experienced serious conflict with the central government, demonstrating that the same party affiliation does not eliminate clashes and highlighting the need to further explore centre–state relations in UMNO-led states.