Happy New Year 2014

Happy a brand new year 2014 for all of you fellow Malaysian and for the rest of the world. This year is a special year for Malaysia. This is the Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Malaysia is a federation consist of 13 States. We are not a huge country in the world, not even in South East Asia. But Malaysia are ranked among the most diverse nation in the world. We are diverse in our own right, each of the 13 States has their own unique traits and specialty. As this blog is obviously covering Malaysia Royalty, hence, I will promote certain covering for all royal events hunters out there a little scope of our interesting places.

Royal Palaces

The most important places for our royalty is definitely the Istana Negara (National Palace) located in the Federal Capital, Kuala Lumpur. Whether it is the current occupied new Palace, or old Palace located in Jalan Istana, both are open for public to see. In the National Palace, the important event would be 'The changing of the guards' at the Palace's entrance. While in the old Palace, it has been opened to public as a royal museum. Be sure to see both of it.

The National Palace
The Official Residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

 

The Old National Palace
Currently serves as a royal museum

In the State level meanwhile, there are various interesting Palaces throughout the Federation. Among the most interesting would be the Old Palace of Seri Menanti, which has been dubbed as "The tallest timber palace in the world". It is the previous royal seat of Yamtuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan before it been removed to the new palace. It also has been changed into a museum. It is located in the Royal Capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seri Menanti.

The Istana Lama of Seri Menanti
Birth place of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaya

From Negeri Sembilan, you can travel south to witness the Grand Palace of Johor Bahru. The royal seat of the Sultan of Johor. It is scheduled that the coronation of the Sultan of Johor would take place in May 5th, 2014. The palace had been undergo massive renovation since 2012 where the blue tile roof also had been changed to its original colour, Red.

Grand Palace of Johor Bahru
The official seat of Sultan of Johor. Also a home for Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

From Johor, you can travel to the north to the State of Terengganu and Kelantan, where both States has been exclusively a core Malay States since the independent of the Federation of Malaya. Both also have exclusively interesting Palaces such as the Syarqiyyah Palace, the new royal seat for the Sultan of Terengganu. Then, you can travel further north to the State of Kelantan, where several timber palaces since the State foundation still standing, such as Istana Jahar.

The Syarqiyyah Palace.
Official Palace of the Sultan of Terengganu

The State of Kelantan historical royal palaces is among the oldest in Malaysia, has been around since 1840. And the palaces is not to far apart.

Istana Balai Besar of Kelantan
Official Palace of Al-Sultan of Kelantan. Still in use for royal events

Istana Batu
Kelantan's royal museum

Istana Jahar
All these three palaces in Kelantan are situated near to each other

And from Kelantan, traveling to the oldest State in Malaysia, Kedah is not a bad idea. Here standing among the grandest wooden palace, the Balai Besar Palace. Kedah as the oldest State in Malaysia also a home to massive historical buildings. Such as also this one. This run-out building were a palace for one of the Sultan consorts, the Sepahchandra Palace.

Istana Balai Besar of Kedah
Its architecture design signified the grandness of the State past history

Istana Sepanchandra
Built by Sultan Abdul Hamid of Kedah to one of his consorts, Lady Sepanchandra

And from Malaya, it is a good thing also to visit the diversity of the Northern part of Borneo, in the State of Sarawak and Sabah. Also is a home to a former European citizen who been installed as the Rajah of Sarawak, the Astana in the past.

The Astana
The official residence of Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak. Previously the home of the Brooke Rajah

That's it from me for now. Have a nice trip to Malaysia if you have made a mind to coming here. This is just a little tip of the iceberg of our interesting places. Happy New Year 2014 to all.

Discussion ; The power of the King

Malaysia, our country today is among the most unique country in the world. In term of power sharing, we are consist of 4 branches of Government - Executives, Legislative, Judiciary and Monarchy. So what are these branches do? In easy word, Executives is the administrator (Prime Minister and his cabinet), Legislative is the one who makes law, Judiciary is the one who enforces the law. The monarchy on the other hand, approve the law.

Technically that is the unique traits of Malaysia's power sharing. Each had been design to have check and balance in the government. Nevertheless, this unique traits have been protected by generation of Prime Ministers, until the time of Tun Mahathir Mohamad as the Prime Minister that is. The Tun Mahathir at the time not only removed the power of Parliament, but at several extend changing the Judiciary as well. Even how the Malaysian hate Tun Mahathir, something that they can agree on is many of them actually praise Tun Mahathir for removing the powers of the monarch. Nevertheless, that is the same action that has resulted the problems that we faces today.

Even when the the power of the Parliament and the Judiciary was removed at the time, the people still does not hate the Kings enough to let Tun Mahathir removed the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong 30 years ago. This gave the King and the Prime Minister a good check and balance because the King still has the authority of not signing the laws which he considered un-democratic, and that is a good thing. Because it prevented Malaysia to become dictatorship, because the Prime Minister need to have the consent of the King to do anything, or to pass any laws.

Nevertheless, the Tun Mahathir need to back down as his first attempt to remove the power of the monarchy failed.

The attack on Rulers

In the Tun Mahathir first attempt, not only the people are objecting the idea reducing the power of Monarchy, several prominent UMNO members were also against the idea. Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Ku Li was opposed with Tun Mahathir at the time, and even went all over Malaysia to campaign against it. Personally he is related to His Royal Highness Raja Perempuan Anis of Kelantan. When Tun Mahathir realized that not all faction of UMNO supported him, the one who opposed him was left out when UMNO was re-registered as UMNO (Baru) and were forced to formed Semangat-46 in the end.

As clever as he may be, Tun Mahathir does not back down with the idea, but instead launch a consecutive personal attack to the monarchies by his fellow apprentices, his deputies. His deputies, the late Tun Ghafar Baba and Anwar Ibrahim are both hailed from Melaka and Pulau Pinang respectively. Thus, lacking the spirit of 'unreserved loyalty to the King' like many of the Malay in other states has. So, what does they do?

They have created a consecutive coverage of the royals ill-doing or abused of power in the government controlled mainstream media. Some of these stories were true. Regarding the Sultan of Johor (the murder issues) or the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan (selling of awards and titles) and so on. But there were also lies.

1. Anwar accused His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan of smuggling. Among others were also allegation of the tax on the car (Sultan's Lamborghini) had not been paid. Anwar said the Conference of Rulers approves only a certain number of tax-free cars for the Rulers and that the Sultan of Kelantan had exceeded his quota.
   This is downright lies because it is not the Conference of Rulers but Kelantan UMNO State's Government that approves the number of tax-free cars for the Sultan of Kelantan. And the Sultan had not exceeded his quota of tax-free cars.
2. The media then covers the footage of a Chinese towkay's mansion in Penang and said that the house was a house built by the Raja Muda of Selangor (now Sultan) using taxpayers money. The same footage also showed a Kedah House along Northam Road in Penang and said that this was a mansion owned by the Sultan of Kedah, and also built with the taxpayers money.
   The so-called mansion is an old colonial and rundown house owned by the UMNO Kedah State Government for the use of Kedah Civil Servants who visit Penang on business and is not owned by the Sultan at all.
3. Then, the media showed a 'revelation' of a person called 'Tengku Wong' in Pahang, who was alleged to be the business partner of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, was ripping off the State's of millions in timberland. Nevertheless, this so called 'Tengku Wong' were the Menteri Besar's (Tun Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob) business partner who was a strong supporter of Anwar.

And the list went on and on until the people could no longer take it and there was much hatred against all Rulers all over the country. And that is the time when he launched a second successful attempt to amend the law so that any laws pass will become laws in 60 days even without the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The aftermath

People until today went on and on stating that Tun Mahathir was good for 'controlling' the monarchy. But looking at the current circumstances, which branch of Government that need to be control? Who is the one who has the power to increased the payment of GST, toll prices and etc nowadays? And all of us say, Tun Mahathir was brilliant to reduce the power of the monarch? Yes, very not wise. Returning back to the topic, what is the result that exactly we gain by reducing the power of the Monarch?

We have lost the only power that can denied the Prime Minister. When British left this country, it has gives us a very good system of power sharing and check and balance system between the government branches. But that all change in 1980s when the Prime Minister gain control of all government branches. In my opinion, the royal authority should be restored. Because, this is the only power that can denied any ruled that is un-constitutional and un-democratic.

Reference :-
Malaysia Today - The Myth of the Constitutional Monarchy

Chin Peng ; The Villain of Malaya for eternity

This year we have celebrated the 50 years anniversary of Malaysia formation and also the 56th Independence celebration for the States of Malaya. The independence of the States of Malaya were achieved on 31st August 1957 through the formation of the Federation of Malaya. In history lesson, we were thought that Malaya achieving her independence in peace and harmony without any to bear any arm. Well, it is true for one part, but mostly it is not entirely true. Why? Because many lives had been lost in order to gain the independence for Malaya. And among the challenges that we have faced including the revolt of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). And recently, a news broke out that the leader of MCP during the communist insurgency had died. After 56 years, a figure that for once had brought terror to the realm had been considered as hero by several factions of Malaysian.

This is the price that had to be paid by Malaysia's peace and harmony for all this while. We have lost in touch with our bitter history. Has anyone ever learned of the history of MCP? Who's exactly is Chin Peng and what has been done to our nation? Did everything that he has done was even worthy enough for us to be considered him as hero? No. Absolutely not.

Chin Peng or his true name, Ong Boon Hua was a leader of currently defunct Malayan Communist Party. The Communist Party of Malaya was formed in 1930, as an agent of Communist Party in Vietnam. So, what does it aim? "Overthrow British Colonialism, Abolish Malay Feudalism and set up a Malayan People's Republic". These three are the main aim of MCP, and it is true they are the freedom fighter and some point (because British at that time need support to fight the Japanese Invasion), but trying to abolish the Malay Rulers and set up a Communist State under the name of Malayan People's Republic is something that can't be considered as hero. And somehow, this idealism still inherited through their followers up until this very day.

MCP has been acknowledge as one of Malayan political parties after the war. Nevertheless, the political atmosphere at the time diminished its relevance in Malaya. Because in 1948, the Federation of Malaya was formed with restore the Malay rights and priviledges, scrapping the idea of Malayan Union which offered equal citizenship to both Malays and non-Malays. This is the very reason why the MCP started to revolt. Today, the chinese dominated party of MCA and DAP strongly lobbying for Chin Peng to return or today, to be laid in peace in Malaysia. It is very ironic because the very person also the one responsible for the death of many Chinese during the insurgency. The same tone does not even heard from this faction when the late Rashid Maidin died in 2006.

And because of this, the British government's even made a request to the Malay Rulers to gives settlement to the Chinese in formed of 'Kampung Baru' (new village). Since then, even when the loyalty of Chinese to the government were questioned when they are reluctant to join the national service, the Kampung Baru still enjoyed facilities far better than the Malay villages despite the Malay community is a strong supporter of the government. (History did repeat itself I guess even after 56 years). 

So, personally in my point of view, Chin Peng does not even deserves any sympathy from Malaysian for what he has done. Chin Peng personally does not applied for Malaysia citizenship and does not even seek forgiveness from Malaysian and considered what he has done is a just way. Yes, he wants to establish the Malayan People's Republic under the banner of Communist Party just like what has been done in North Korea where the Kim's family reign supreme. So, for those of Ching Peng supporter or known as Ching Peng Zhee, please re-consider your actions. All of you has eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to feel. What Chin Peng has done is seriously not a just way. Are you seriously thinking throwing a baby into the fire in Bukit Kepong is a just way?

Think Again.

10 Individuals was held in front of Istana Negara

Police Monday arrested 10 people who had gathered at a gate of the Istana Negara and claimed to be the heirs of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The eight men and two women, attired in black and who had come in three cars, were held at Gate 1 of the palace at about 4 pm, said Brickfields Deputy OCPD Supt Aida Abdul Hamid. She said the individuals claimed to be from the 'Kumpulan Panji Hitam' of the so-called 'Timur Empayar Langkasuka Nusantara' and stated that they had come to the palace because they were the real heirs of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Their cars were also seized and they were brought to the Travers police station, she added.

Aida said no weapons were found on them except for 13 flags which bore words in Jawi and several letters of allegiance in the cars. Preliminary investigation showed that seven of them were from Melaka, Perak and Kedah, she added.

RADIN'S BLOG OFFICIAL STATEMENT II

The so called Kumpulan Panji Hitam is a cult group who's claimed as followers to Tuanku Sultan Raja Merongmahawangsa II who claimed the rightful heir to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's throne. Nevertheless, his claimed is baseless and another self-proclaimed king as the position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong is appointed from a rotation circle of 9 Malay Rulers who ruled 9 of Malaysia's State. Not just only the position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he also claimed as the ruler of Empayar Langkasuka Nusantara, a imaginary kingdom which he claimed consist of an area of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, The Philippines, Japan, Southern India, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, China and Australia. 

In this post, Radin's Blog will not tolerate this kind of behavior and from this day onward reject, deny and will not acknowledge claims from Kumpulan Panji Hitam neither to the Malaysia's throne nor to the East Asia and Australasia continent. 

13th General Election of Malaysia ; The Result

The 13th General Election has come to past. After securing 133 seats of 222 contested seats in the election, the Barisan Nasional (National Front) succeeded in forming a federal government with simple majority. The National Front even though by and large won the election, they still suffers a minor set back compare to that of 2008 election. In the State election however, they manage to take back the State of Kedah and securing victory in the State of Perak. Even though there are still controversy of their victory in the State of Terengganu. 

The Chairman of Barisan Nasional, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Malaysia yesterday before His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. The ceremony was held yesterday on 4.07 pm attended by Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. Also present in the ceremony were former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi, Tun Hjh Rahah Noah and leaders of Barisan Nasional and its component parties. 

The ceremony started with the Prime Minister sworn in and signing the instrument of appointment as the Prime Minister witnessed by the Chief Justices of Malaysia, Tun Arifin Zakaria and the General-Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa. The appointment made by the King is according to the Federal Constitution Chapter 2 (a) Article 43. 

2013 Lahad Datu Standoff ; Radin's Blog Official Statement

On 1 March 2013, three days after Malaysia's extended deadline for the intruders to leave Lahad Datu, a firefight between the Malaysian Security Forces and Filipino armed intruders broke off in the silent village of Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah. The Filipino intruders, claiming themselves as the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo was sent by Jamalul Kiram III, one of the pretenders to the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu. They arrived from Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi of Southern Philippines on 11 February 2013. Their objective is to resolved their unresolved territorial claim to eastern Sabah. They arrived in the number of 235 people and some of them were armed. 

14 people were killed in the skirmish where 2 of them are Malaysian Police Commandos. The Police also has ordering the armed intruders to surrender by sending a leaflets through from airdropped both in Malay and Suluk reading : "Warning, Lay down your arm. Surrender. Surrender. Surrender." The armed intruders had been cordoned off by the police on Feb 12 after their arrival and put their claim in Sabah. Due to the skirmish, the town of Lahad Datu is almost deserted with many of the business premises closed down and the dwindling of the number of vehicles. 

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak has stated that, he had given Malaysian Security Forces to take "any action" against the group. He also added that there will be no compromise for the sultanate's forces and that "either they surrender or face the consequences". 

Jamalul Kiram III, the false pretender

Who is exactly Jamalul Kiram III and what is his relation with the Sulu Sultanate? He is one of many pretenders to the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu. It is unclear the reason why he wants to claim the Sabah territory even though his claim is a false one, as he is among those of fake pretenders trying his luck to become a Sultan of Sulu. His bloodline is actually descended through his father Sultan Punjungan Kiram by his wife, Sharif Usna Dalus Strattan. His father is not a royalty by blood but only a stepson to Sultan Mawallil Wasit, brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II who died childless. Sultan Punjungan Kiram were actually a son of Sultan Mawallil Wasit's wife named, Mora Napsa Laga by her previous husband, an Imam named Amil Hamja before she been coerced to marry Sultan Mawallil Wasit. 

So, Jamalul Kiram III is actually does not even have the rights to the throne of Sulu as he is only a descendant of the stepson of the royal. Thus, from his behavior we can actually stated that he is unfit to rule and not qualified even by moral to be installed as the Sultan of Sulu.

Radin's Blog Official Statement

Due to recent conflict arose in Lahad Datu and the problems they have caused to Sabah, the State Beneath the Wind, it is obvious he doesn't even has the basic of a true monarch. A Sultan need to be compassion and try his best to protect his subjects well-being and not declaring war to others just for his own personal gain. Radin's Blog from this day onward reject, deny and will not acknowledge any claims from Jamalul Kiram III and his descendants to the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visits Malaysia

This afternoon, I just finally get a hold of a public holiday which is very hard to come by in this period of time. My hectic working life just getting even worse. Nevertheless, with the arrival of a meaningful Malaysia Day tomorrow gives me 2 days of public holiday. Especially with the decision from our Project Manager here in Bakun stated that holiday will follow to that of our Main Contractor. (Amending the previous decision from our Construction Manager which wants us to working continuously 7-day a week!). And, the Site Supervisor from our Main Contractor also wish me a happy weekend. It is the month of September, and I will cover several main event that occur in Malaysia, especially around our royalty circle.

First of all, on previous 8th September 2012, it is the 91st Birthday Celebration of His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng. The Yang Dipertua Negeri, commonly refer to as 'TYT' by the local here in Sarawak, are commonly popular. He is also the first of any Yang Dipertua Negeri in Malaysia who serves twice as the Head of State.

Wishing His Excellency will be bestow a long live and may long he served for his people. Just imagine ruling the State which even larger that the peninsular of Malaysia but with a scarcely populated region of 2.5 million people. Really challenging if you ask me.

And another important events occur in the month of September is the visit from the most popular royal couple in the world, Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. It is in conjunction of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.


The visit also encouraging due to the fact that the Princess William wearing a scarf. How lovely to see a royal princess wearing a scarf.


Another important and historical event is the Malaysia Day celebration on 16th September. The day where Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah federate with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya and the new federation later known as Malaysia. It is a hotly discussed topic around this week I presume, especially the fact of whether Sarawak and Sabah exist as a Country in par of the Federation of Malaya or a State in par status with 11 States in the Malaysia peninsular.

After staying in Sarawak for about 3 months now, I would presume that Sarawak exist as a Country in par status with Sabah and Federation of Malaya is not a bad idea. After all, the State is exceptionally huge and have an abundant sources of natural resources. Whatever the definition may be, I let the politician to deside. For me.. I would say Sarawak and Sabah still have the par status with the 11 States of Federation of Malaya.


This is because, in 1948 Malaya exist as a Federation of Malaya and no longer a Malayan Union. Where the 11 States still exist as a separate British Protectorate which each of one have a same status as a single Crown Colony. For example, The State of Johor under the agreement with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland during the reign of Queen Victoria acknowledge Johor as an independent State in par with Great Britain (The same status bestowed to Sarawak in 1850).


Well, it is just my personal view anyway. For me, rather that debating about status, lets just focusing our energy to make Malaysia a better place to live.

Selamat Hari Malaysia
Happy Malaysia Day

Malaysia Act 1963

Below is the "Malaysia Act 1963" which was printed in England in order to enable the State of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to federate with the Federation of Malaya in 1963. Even though, it is clear today that Malaysia is a federation country, there is unanswered issue of what kind of federation that Malaysia stands?

Is Malaysia is a Federation consist of 13 States of Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya?

OR

Is Malaysia is a Federation consist of 3 entities of The State of Sabah, the State of Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya?

Even when I'm searching for a qualified person for the job, a lawyer, different answers will come to me. The most clear answer I received up until know is from Raja Menangis, who answered that Malaysia indeed consist of three entities, but the entities are the Malay States, the Straights Settlements and the Borneo States.

So, in my research to find the right answer, I've found the 'Malaysia Act 1963'. And even though it's not clearly answered the status of States inside Malaysia, but it is for some part answered a question regarding the status of Malaysia as a whole.

In my opinion, the first chapter of the act, clearly stated that the States of Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo is to federate with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya (in the act mention it as "the Federation"), not to formed a new country, but only resulted "the Federation" to only changed her name from "the Federation of Malaya" to "Malaysia". (I hope I doesn't need to explain the meaning of 's' between State and States).

This is what it said in the act :-

1.-(1) For the purpose of enabling North Borneo, Sarawak

and Singapore (in this Act referred to as " the new States ") to

federate with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya

(in this Act referred to as " the Federation "), the Federation

thereafter being called Malaysia, on the day on which the new

States are federated as aforesaid (in this Act referred to as " the

appointed day ") Her Majesty's sovereignty and jurisdiction

in respect of the new States shall be relinquished so as to vest in

the manner agreed between the United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland, the Federation and the new States

(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council enact State Constitu-

tions to take effect for the new States immediately before the

appointed day.

Okay that's all for this time,I will continue this in the next segment. For refference, the full version of the act can be refer to at the link HERE

Malay Translation

Cuba lihat ayat 'with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya'.. jika anda terjemahkan ke dalam Bahasa Melayu.. maksudnya adalah 'dengan negeri-negeri Persekutuan Tanah Melayu yang sedia ada'

Maintain the current team

His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah

The Deputy President of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), His Royal Highness the Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang wants the current Malaysian Football National Team to be maintained. The wish was expressed by the Crown Prince of Pahang to the National Coach Datuk K. Rajagopal to maintain the current National Team which primarily consist of players in average of 23 and 24 years old.

His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah were among the VVIPs attended the match between Malaysia and Singapore on 28th July 2011 where the game ended up in draw 1-1 and Malaysia was eliminated from the Asian preliminary round of World Cup 2014. He stated that the team has a brighter future to come as the team is still young.

In the match, Safee Sali, 27 is the most senior player in the Malaysian National Football Team while the Singaporean team consist of many experience player such as Duric, 41; Daniel Bennet, 31; Mustafic Fahrudin, 30 and Qiu Li, 30.

Legislative

The third institution in Malaysia after Monarchy and Executive is the Legislative Branch. The Legislature body in Malaysia is called as The Parliament of Malaysia (Malay = Parlimen Malaysia). The Parliament was closely based on the Westminster System. Malaysia Parliament is a bicameral type parliament and consists of two parts, The Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate).

Parliament Building located in Kuala Lumpur. Both Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat convened here.

Dewan Negara (Senate)

The Senate is the upper house in the Parliament, specifically to revise and to check any bills that have been passed by the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives). There are 70 seats all together in the Senate, where the members shall be known as Senators. All bills approved by the Dewan Rakyat shall be presented to the Senate. If the bills were passed by the Senate, it will be sent to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The Supreme Ruler) for royal assent. Nevertheless, if the Senate rejects a bill, it can only delay the bill’s passage to the Supreme Ruler by a year before it is sent to the Supreme Ruler.

There are two types of memberships of the Dewan Negara (Senate) :

• An appointed member by the Supreme Ruler on the advice of the Prime Minister. There are 44 appointed members by the Supreme Ruler.
• Each 13 States Legislatives shall send 2 persons to become a member of the Senate. There are 26 members chosen by 13 states.

Term of membership :

• Senator shall serves for 3 years term.
• Can be re-elected only once and can serve for maximum 2 terms, consecutively or non-consecutively.

The Senate is headed by the President of the Dewan Negara. The incumbent President is Tan Sri Abu Zahar bin Dato’ Nika Ujang. He was sworn in as the President of the Dewan Negara on 26^th April 2010.

Tan Sri Abu Zahar bin Dato' Nika Ujang
President of Dewan Negara

Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives)

Dewan Rakyat is the lower House in the Parliament and the ultimate legislative body in Malaysia. It is responsible for passing, amending and repealing acts of law. There are currently 222 seats all together in the Dewan Rakyat, where all the members are known as Member of Parliament, MPs (Malay = Wakil Rakyat). The Supreme Ruler of Malaysia shall choose the Prime Minister from the members of Dewan Rakyat, usually a leader from the largest political party in the Dewan Rakyat. Later, the Prime Minister shall choose his Cabinets members and commonly from the members of Dewan Rakyat. The Opposition Leader exists in the Parliament as a check and balance to the Prime Minister and his cabinets. Since independence, the largest party in the Dewan Rakyat has always be Barisan Nasional (Previously known as The Alliance).

To become a member of Dewan Rakyat, he/she must be a Malaysian citizens and been elected from the General Elections. The Dewan Rakyat is headed by the Yang di-Pertua (Speaker) of Dewan Rakyat. The incumbent Speaker of Dewan Rakyat is Tan Sri Pandikar Amin bin Haji Mulia.

Tan Sri Pandikar Amin bin Haji Mulia
Speaker of Dewan Rakyat

MEDIA

Here are among the videos during the debate session in Dewan Negara.

Here are among the videos during the debate session in Dewan Rakyat.

Speaker of Dewan Rakyat in the Parliament

Prime Minister Najib in the Parliament (Kelantan State Oil Royalty)

Opposition Leader Anwar in the Parliament (APCO issues)

Executives

The second Institution of Malaysia after Monarchy is the Executive Branch. It is the institution which headed the Government of Malaysia. The Executives members must be a Member of Parliament of Malaysia, either an elected Member of Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), or appointed member of Dewan Negara (Senate).


Prime Minister

The incumbent Prime Minister of Malaysia is Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak. He is the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Prime Minister of Malaysia is indirectly elected Head of Government of Malaysia. To become the Prime Minister of Malaysia :-

1. Officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, who in His Majesty’s judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of Dewan Rakyat.
2. A member of Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives)

After the appointment, the Prime Minister shall appoint his Cabinet Ministers to holds certain portfolio under his administration.


Deputy Prime Minister

The incumbent Deputy Prime Minister is Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Deputy Prime Minister is the second highest political post in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the position does not been mention in the Constitution of Malaysia. Thus, the Prime Minister can actually choose not to appoint anyone to become his Deputy. And it is also possible to have more than one Deputy Prime Minister at one time.


Cabinet Ministers

One of the responsibilities of a Prime Minister is to form his Cabinet. The cabinet is a council of Ministers that are accountable collectively to the Parliament led by the Prime Minister. Each Minister is responsible for certain Ministry portfolio. Formally, Ministers are :-

1. Appoint by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on the advice of the Prime Minister.
2. Members of Cabinet must be either a member of Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara.
3. All member of Cabinet including Ministers and Deputy Ministers must not be a member of State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri, DUN).

Each Minister shall be assigned with certain portfolio and lead a Ministry. Usually there will be one Minister for one Ministry. Nevertheless, to reduce cost, there will be circumstances where several portfolio/ministries shall be in charge under one Minister. Under political reasons, there can be also two Ministers in charge under one Ministry.


Deputy Ministers

Deputy Ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister. The same as Ministers, Deputy Minister must also a member of either Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara. Nevertheless, not all Ministries have a Deputy Minister.


Parliamentary Secretary

In the Westminster Style Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary exists to help a Senior Minister with their official duties. Originally a training ground for future ministers. During the administration of Tun Abdullah as the Prime Minister, there was several Parliamentary Secretaries appointed in several Ministries. The position must also be filled by the member of the Parliament.

Monarchy

Malaysia adapted the system of Constitutional Monarchy. Most of the topic about the Malaysian Ruler and Constitutional Monarchy can be refer in the Royal Library under the title of Yang di-Pertuan Agong. In this topic of Monarchy, it will refer to the incumbent/ ruling Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as the member of the Conference of Ruler.

This post is subjected to amendment. The latest amendment was in 8th March 2014.


Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The Supreme Ruler)

The incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Agong is HM Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah ibni almarhum Sultan Badlishah. He is the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. His 5-years term started on 13th December 2011 and his term is expected to end on 13th December 2016.

Appointment and Installation Ceremony of Yang di-Pertuan Agong ::
not available for the moment

Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, (malay = Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong) exercises the functions of the Head of State during the absence or inability of the incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The Supreme Ruler) to exercise functions owing to illness or infirmity. The incumbent Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong is HRH Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan.

In the Conference of Ruler 226th Meeting held on 14th October 2011, HRH Sultan Muhammad V was elected as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong starting effectively on 13th December 2011.

Majlis Raja-Raja (The Conference of Ruler)

Majlis Raja-Raja or the Conference of Ruler is Malaysia’s Legal Body founded under the Article 38 of Malaysian Constitution as a place where the Malay Rulers and Governors will convene. Under several circumstances, the Federal Constitution reserves the power to the conference, where the government needs to hear the advice of the conference. The Conference has the power to elect the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong and also has the highest authority regarding of Islam welfare in Malaysia.

All nine Malay Rulers and 4 State’s Governors is a full member of the conference. The Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal is the Secretary of the Conference.

Member of the Conference of Ruler

Here is the member of the Conference of Ruler :-

HRH Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah

General-Councillor of Regency of Kedah

HRH Sultan Muhammad V ibni Sultan Ismail Petra

Sultan of Kelantan

HRH Sultan Ahmad ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar

Sultan of Pahang

HRH Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar

Sultan of Johor

HRH Sultan Azlan Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuf

Sultan of Perak

HRH Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir

Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan

HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah

Sultan of Selangor

HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Almarhum Syed Harun Putra Jamalullail

Raja of Perlis

HM Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin

Sultan of Terengganu

HE Pehin Sri Abdul Taib bin Mahmud

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak

HE Tun Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka

HE Tun Dr Hj Abdul Rahman bin Hj Abbas

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Pulau Pinang

HE Tun Juhar bin Hj Mahiruddin

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah

Penyimpan Mohor Besar Raja-Raja (Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal)

The incumbent Keeper of the Ruler's Seal is Datuk Syed Danial bin Syed Ahmad. He is appointed on the post on 8th January 2011.