Explain the concept of devolution as practiced by local government in Malaysia.

(25 marks)

Local government have certain autonomy and given the power through devolution
process. The statutory granting of powers from the central government of a sovereign state to
government at a subnational level, such as a regional, local or state level. The moving of power
of responsibility from a main organization to a lower level, or from a central government to a
regional government. The powers devolved may be temporary and ultimately reside in central
government.

The devolution of power to local authorities is a form of decentralization of power that

gives units within government institutions more independence and authority. The central
organization releases multiple roles or creates a new unit that is outside of its direct control
through the devolution concept. Decentralization of authority, according to Azmi & Arifin (2015),
is a necessary component of an organization's administration. Decentralization, according to
this concept, is the transition of power and accountability from the federal government to local
governments, allowing all levels of society to benefit from the administration system. Local
governments will be able to launch lower regulatory structures as a result of this, ensuring the
well-being of the local population.

A competent authority transfer’s power to subordinate authorities by enabling them to

exercise the authority granted to them to enact laws or regulations within their jurisdiction. The
goal is to make it possible for local government to serve the community. This is because local
councils have a greater understanding of the environment and community needs. The truth
given by the upper level to the lower level to pass by-laws or new rules at its administrative level
if it does not contravene law at the top level. Since it is only legally used in the region that
encompasses the jurisdiction of the subordinate authority only, is known as decentralization of
power from the federal government to the local government.

In conclusion, local governments in Malaysia depend on the patronage of higher levels

of government to fulfill their responsibilities to the public and to appear to be carrying out their
duties and functions. This requires some level of decentralisation and autonomy for lower-tier
governments to carry out their functions to the necessary standard. Local autonomy should not
be diluted as a result of disparities in political affiliation between the federal and state
governments. The power-sharing code should be followed, and the devolution process should
be preserved as much as possible to enable local governments to deliver from a position of
strength rather than weakness.