11 June 2026 – Interstate Forum on Federal – State Relations

Penang Institute Event Feature

Forum Antara Negeri Mengenai Hubungan Negeri–Persekutuan

Interstate Forum on Federal–State Relations

A non-partisan platform examining and reimagining state–federal dynamics in Malaysia, bringing together representatives, policymakers, legislators, and experts.

Event Summary

Overwhelming media coverage of the Interstate Forum for State–Federal Relations proves one thing: Malaysian federalism is an urgent national priority.

Held on 11 June 2026, this non-partisan event brought together representatives from Penang, Sarawak, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perlis, alongside policymakers, legislators, and subject-matter experts.

The forum served as a platform to examine and reimagining state–federal dynamics in Malaysia. Participants shared experiences of state–federal relations that revealed both common challenges and distinct regional realities.

Co-organized with the Penang State-Federal Relations Select Committee, Penang Institute was proud to facilitate this important public intellectual discussion. We remain committed to advancing ideas and dialogue that contribute to a more balanced and effective federal system for Malaysia.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the forum.

Details

Date: 11 June 2026

Venue: Penang Institute

Co-organizer: Penang State-Federal Relations Select Committee

Distinguished Guests & Speakers

Front Row: Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh (State Attorney-General of Sabah), YB Lim Siew Khim (Penang, EXCO), YB Dato’ Ng Suee Lim (Selangor, EXCO), YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow (Chief Minister, Penang), YB Gooi Hsiao Leung (Chairperson, Penang State-Federal Relations Select Committee), YB Wan Zikri Afthar bin Ishak (Perlis, EXCO), YB Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah binti Sayeed Aman Ghazali (Sarawak, Deputy Minister)

Back Row: Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng (Executive Director, Penang Institute), YB Nik Asma’ Bahrum bin Nik Abdullah (Kelantan, Deputy EXCO), YB Dato’ Haji Zairi bin Haji Mat Ali (State Finance Officer), YB Lee Khai Loon & YB Teh Lai Heng (Committee Members, Penang State-Federal Relations Select Committee), YBhg. Dato’ Hj Baderul Amin Bin Abdul Hamid (Mayor MBSP)