Whereas power is an individual ability to influence people to do and act in a particular manner, authority is, on the other hand, based on the legitimacy of occupying a specific position. However, both actions influence people to perform or act in a given manner.
Power is an individual ability to influence people to do or act in a certain manner, and it is based on wisdom and expertise. In contrast, authority is a legal responsibility bestowed on a person to command and give directions generally in a formal way. Authority is donated based on position and office held by a person.
The central government represents the whole country, and it is tasked with national security and asserting authority across the boundaries of a nation. On the other hand, the local government is tasked with taking responsibility and running the state’s internal affairs.
Both central and local governments are tasked with the provision of governance and administration within their jurisdiction.
In Classical Liberalism, individuals are left alone, and there is no much influence asserted by the central government. Therefore, under classical liberalism, personal responsibility is emphasized as a significant ingredient of success. On the other hand, in Classical Conservatism, the government upholds traditional social norms; however, economic freedoms are left in people’s hands.
Both classical liberalism and classical conservatism had the objective of reducing the influence of powerful and centralized authorities and bestow them on individuals.
Malaysia’s parliamentary system is based on a constitutional monarchy where the prime minister is indirectly elected. The prime minister’s position is filled by a member of the majority party or coalition. This makes the parliamentary system vulnerable through defections to form alliances, just like it happened when Mr. Muhyiddin defected with over 30 MPs to join his old party bringing down the government.