He said the current political landscape, democratic system and federalism practised in the country would not allow for this to occur.

“I think under the federal system, all states have the same rights. The federal government and the states will continue to cooperate. So, I don’t see any problem at all.

“Democracy does not allow such things (the federal government sidelining the state government). If they still do it, then they are asking for trouble,” he told reporters here.

He was asked about the state government’s hopes for the new government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition remained steadfast in its decision to not join the PH-led government, adding that the coalition wanted to strengthen democracy and play an effective check-and-balance role in Parliament.

On polling in the Padang Serai parliamentary seat on Dec 7, Sanusi said he was confident that PN will have an easy victory.