Malaysia politics and Malaysian political system
The politics of Malaysia is based on a federal constitutional monarchy, in which the King is head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the federal government and the 13 state governments. Federal legislative power is vested in the federal parliament and the 13 state assemblies. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature, though the executive maintains a certain level of influence in the appointment of judges to the courts.
On this page:
King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong)
The Federation of Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy. Officially the head of state is the Highest Governor or Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the king). The Malaysian kings are chosen for a 5 year term from the 9 sultans of the states of the Malaysian peninsula. The present King is Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, successor of Mizan Zainal Abidin. On the 14th of October 2011 it was decided during a special meeting of the Conference of Rulers that the 83 year old Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah would become the next and 14th King of Malaysia. It will be the first time a Sultan is crowned King two times, as Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah was already King of Malaysia between 1970 and 1975.
The former King of Malaysia; Mizan Zainal Abidin was the 17th sultan of the Terengganu province, and with just 36 years of age he was the youngest sultan ever. Mizan Zainal Abidin is the 13th Malaysian king, and the second youngest king in the country's history. He was chosen as king at the age of 44. As almost all sultans in Malaysia, Mizan Zainal Abidin received his education abroad, and before becoming sultan he occupied several high positions at home and abroad.
All Kings of Malaysia
| # | King | Sultanate | Period | |
| 1. |  |
Abdul Rahman | Negeri Sembilan | 1957 - 1960 |
| 2. |  |
Hishamuddin Alam Shah | Selangor | 1960 - 1960 |
| 3. |  |
Syed Harun Putra | Perlis | 1960 - 1965 |
| 4. |  |
Ismail Nasirrudin Shah | Terengganu | 1965 - 1970 |
| 5. |  |
Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah | Kedah | 1970 - 1975 |
| 6. |  |
Yahya Putra | Kelantan | 1975 - 1979 |
| 7. |  |
Ahmad Shah al-Mustain Billah | Pahang | 1979 - 1984 |
| 8. |  |
Mahmud Iskandar | Johor | 1984 - 1989 |
| 9. |  |
Azlan Muhibbudin Shah | Perak | 1989 - 1994 |
| 10. |  |
Ja'afar | Negeri Sembilan | 1994 - 1999 |
| 11. |  |
Salehuddin Abdul Aziz Shah | Selangor | 1999 - 2001 |
| 12. |  |
Syed Sirajuddin | Perlis | 2001 - 2006 |
| 13. |  |
Mizan Zainal Abidin | Terengganu | 2006 - 2011 |
| 14. |  |
Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah | Kedah | 2011 - 2016 |
| 15. |  |
Sultan Muhammad V | Kelantan | 2016 - 2019 |
| 16. |  |
Al-Sultan Abdullah Al-Haj | Pahang | 2019 - 20xx |
Government & Prime Minister
The government has the Executive power. It is conducted by the premier (from 2009 and on: Najib Tun Razak, and before that, for 6 years Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). The Congress exists of two Houses: the senate (Dewan Negara) and the House of Commons (dewan Rakyat). The Malaysian constitution states that the premier has to be elected from the House of Commons, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (king) eventually picks the new prime minister.
All Prime Ministers of Malaysia
| # | Prime Minister | Period | |
| 1. |  |
Tunku Abdul Rahman | 1957-1970 |
| 2. |  |
Tun Abdul Razak | 1970-1976 |
| 3. |  |
Tun Hussein Onn | 1976-1981 |
| 4. |  |
Mahathir bin Mohamad (Dr. M) | 1981-2003 |
| 5. |  |
Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Pak Lah) | 2003-2009 |
| 6. |  |
Najib Tun Razak | 2009-2018 |
| 7. |  |
Mahathir bin Mohamad | 2018-20xx |
The Government is composed of members from both Houses of the Congress, and accounts to them. Early 2004, the government moved to the newly build Putrajaya. All 69 members of the senate have a 6 year term of office; 36 are elected by the 13 state meetings, and 42 are appointed by the king. The representatives of the House are chosen from districts with a member by ways of general voting. The 193 members of the House of Representatives are elected for a maximum term of office of 5 years. The legislature is divided between the federal law departments and those of the state.
More pages with information about Malaysia
- Climate and monsoon
- Country information
- Facts and details
- Flora and fauna
- Food and famous dishes
- Geography
- History and historical facts
- Hygiene and healthcare
- Newspaper headlines
- Politics and political system
- Population and demographics
- Public holidays and national festivals
- Top 10 highlights and attractions
- Tourism events
- Visa information
