MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the recent proposal to make Malacca a federal territory is a good idea, but such a move would be untimely at the moment.
Idris described Federal Territories minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s idea as being far-sighted, but one which would not be viable for another 50 years or more.
"Malacca and Penang are both states without Sultan or King. Both, together with Singapore, historically speaking, were under the British as the Straits Settlements.
"This may be why Tengku sees this idea as viable.
“However, other factors, including the socio-political, geo-political and constitutional structures must be considered," he said.
Idris added that he will not be meeting with Tengku Adnan over the proposal, but accepts his idea.
"One day, there may come a time when all areas in the federal territories are fully-utilised, and they may need to expand elsewhere.
"Then they may need a new federal territory, after considering the political and socio-economic scenario (that would) allow for that," he said.