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Federation of Malaysia Federal Constitutional Monarchy is a government established based on a constitution that was drafted by the Federation of Malaysia in 1957.

 Federalism - States in which the federal governments shares power with semi-independent regional governments. In many cases, the central government is (in theory) a creation of the regional governments; a prime example is the United States. - the federation of Malaysia currently has 13 states and 3 federal territories.

 Parliamentary - A parliamentary republic is a system in which a prime minister is the active head of the executive branch of government and also leader of the legislature. The president's degree of executive power may range from being reasonably significant (eg. Poland) to little or none at all (eg. Ireland). Where the president holds little executive power, their function is primarily that of a symbolic figurehead.

Federation of Malaysia Executive Yang di- Pertuan Agong (Head of the Federation ) Prime Minister Legislative Dewan Negara (Senate) Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives ) Judiciary Federal Court Court Of Appeals Higher and Lower Courts Islamic Courts

 While the Prime Minister heads the government, the Yang di- Pertuan Agong remains as the symbolic head of the federation being selected from the line of the Sultan.  The structure of the Malaysian government is a result of its multi-ethnicity which caused the establishment of ethnic- based political parties: - United Malays National Organization - Malayan Chinese Organization - Malayan Indian Congress  The differing ideologies also contributed to the internal division of Malaysia.

 Each branch of the government utilizes corporate communications; however; it is often called by other names.  Areas would include communication with regard to political issues, support of political efforts and actions, government agencies, political action committees and coalitions, and lobbying

 Huge growth area and is expected to continue growing—job outlook good  The government is the largest single employer of corporate communications professionals ◦ Since l970, more than 20 new federal regulatory agencies have emerged ◦ Growth in political interest groups ◦ Nation’s defense establishment offers 7,000 public relations jobs ◦ An estimated 40,000 government communicators in the U.S

 1913 Gillette Amendment—Appropriated funds may not be used to pay a publicity expert unless specifically appropriated for that purpose.  The Gag Law prohibited using any part of an appropriation for services, messages, or publications designed to influence any member of Congress in his attitude toward legislation or appropriations

 As a results of those early congressional acts and a president having too much persuasive power, today no government worker may be employed in the practice of public relations.  Names such as public affairs officers, information officers, press secretaries, or communications specialists are used

Government Hierarchy Federal Legislative—Representatives and Senators Executive—President, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies State Legislative—Representatives and Senators Executive—Governor, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies County Executive County Officials, Commissions and Depts. City Mayor or City Manager City Council, Officials, Commissions and Depts.

 Press briefings  Maintenance of Secretary of State homepage content  Operating foreign press centers  Managing public diplomacy

 Radio (example, Voice of America)  Film and Television  Media  Publications  Exhibitions  Libraries and Books  Educational programs  Electronic information

 Department of Defense (DOD) is more active in war time.  Public affairs dept. headed by the assistant secretary of defense  Network includes communicators in the armed forces, as well as Hqts. ◦ Maintains Armed Forces Radio & TV Service and Stars and Stripes newspaper  3 million active duty forces, reserves, and civilian employees

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Federal departments and regulatory agencies use public relations to provide information, track fraudulent practices, and other related activities

The President…..is news He didn’t land that jet on the USS Abraham for nothing.  The presidential press secretary provides the White House press corps (group of national reporters assigned to cover the president) with announcements and daily press briefings.

 The presidential press secretary is the chief corporate communications person for the administration  Communicating the policies and practices to the public with increasing responsibilities  High public profile  Most come from public relations careers, rather than journalism careers

 Facts & figures  40,000+ registered with the U.S. Senate  Roots Lobbying Act of l946 and 1995 Lobbying Disclosure Act  Stereotypes: Influence peddlers to crooks  Purpose: to inform, persuade, and contact

 Duties: Inform, persuade, contact, and have the appropriate information available  Six Specific Activities are fact-finding, interpretation of government and company actions, advocacy, publicity and support of sales.  E-lobbying—web sites, , along with other technology have become the normalized tools

The lobbyists are coming the lobbyists are coming….

 PACs give groups a voice in selecting their representatives.  4,000+ PACs exist ◦ The 4 largest are (1) U.S. Realtors $2.5 million (2) Trial Lawyers $2.4m (3) State/County/Municipal Employees $2.4m (4) American Medical Association $2.3m ◦ Criticism stems from influence and funding elections $

 Corporate communications is evident in local, state, and regional government, not only in campaigning, but forums, debates, media interviews, and direct contact are necessary to keep the public informed and communication lines open.  Opinion leaders in communities, sectors such as labor unions, teachers, civil service workers all are important to building relationships to influence public policies and assure the quality of life

 Development of company position on issues  Lobbying  Administration of PACs  Organize grassroots  Education of employees 9-24

 Environment  Forestry  Tax & Trade  Human Resources  Energy, Transportation, etc. 9-25