1. L-030-3(03) Prepared by: Eng Kok Siong Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Constitutional Monarchy Tourist Guide Level 3

2. Constitutional MonarchySlide 2 Background of the Constitutional Monarchy 1874 Pangkor Engagement between the Sultan of Perak and the British. Sultan is obliged to accept a British Resident. 1877 Hugh Low convinced the Sultan to set up an advisory Council of State. Foundation of the Malaysian Constitution is laid. Function of council was later extended to include both legislative and executive functions. 1948 Federation of Malaya is formed by 2 agreements: State Agreement Federation of Malaya Agreement Sir Hugh Low Perak’s Second British Resident

3. Constitutional MonarchySlide 3 The Malaysian Constitution The Malaysian Constitution was formulated by the Reid Commission; consisting of constitutional experts from Australia, India and Pakistan, and presided over by Lord Reid, a Lord of Appeal from the United Kingdom. In accordance with the London Agreement of 1956 between the British Government, the Conference of Rulers, and representatives of the major political parties in Malaya. The Reid Commission February 1957 The Commission’s report was published. UMNO, MCA, and MIC, played a major part in this commission. Federal Legislative Council passed as the country’s new Constitution on 30 August 1957. The Federation of Malaya as an independent nation was born on 31 August 1957. Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore were later joined as part of Malaysia but Singapore left the Federation in 1965.

4. Constitutional MonarchySlide 4 Main Features of The Constitution Named "Malaysia" with provision for the admission of new states. Supreme Head of the Federation is called the "Yang Di-Pertuan Agong" Parliamentary democracy system Islam as the Federation religion but other religions may be practiced. Westminster type of parliamentary government. Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Malaysia

5. Constitutional MonarchySlide 5 Citizenship of Malaysia Only the following may become citizens by registration: Wives and children of citizens; Any person under the age of 21, one of whose parents is (or was at death) a citizen; Persons born in the Federation before Merdeka Day; and Persons resident in Sabah and Sarawak on Malaysia Day. MyKad Malaysia (1999-Present) Kad Pengenalan Malaysia (1975-1999)

6. Constitutional MonarchySlide 6 Federation of Malaysia A constitutional monarchy with a system of parliamentary democracy. Comprises of 13 states as well as three federal territories, including the Federal capital Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Each state has its own head of state and an elected assembly. Nine of the states are ruled by hereditary sultans who; under a unique system, elect one of their own to be the constitutional monarch or Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for a period of five years. Malaysia has a non-political, professional civil service, army and police and also an independent judiciary.

7. Constitutional MonarchySlide 7 The Malaysian Parliament Comprises the Senate (Dewan Negara) and the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat). The Senators serve a (3) three-year term, Members of the House of Representatives are elected for a (5) five-year term in a single member constituency system. Elections of the House of Representatives have been held regularly every five years or less. Malaysia has been ruled by the National Front (Barisan Nasional) coalition dominated by the UMNO since the first general election. The coalition consisted of UMNO, MCA and MIC.

8. Constitutional MonarchySlide 8 The National Palace Also known as Istana Negara, has several spacious halls designed for special purposes and functions such as 2 main halls (Balairong Seri & Royal Audience Hall). The Ambassador Room is used by Yd-PA to receive the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, dignitaries, and foreign diplomats for formal audience/meetings. Entrance of Istana Negara The Throne (Singgahsana)

9. Constitutional MonarchySlide 9 Royal Regalia and Ceremonial Items ‘Muskat’ is the official attire of His Majesty Yd- PA and the ceremonial officials of the National Palace. First used in 1960. It is worn with a pair of trousers, a shirt, a headdress, a buckle, a belt, decorative sarong, and a keris. The keris holds an esteemed place in Malay customs and traditions. The most essential instrument in the installation ceremony. Symbolizes sovereignty and power. This keris is only worn by His Majesty Yd-PA during special ceremonies.

10. Constitutional MonarchySlide 10 Royal Regalia and Ceremonial Items Originated from Negeri Sembilan, The Royal Headgear is made from woven silk. Black in color inter-woven with gold thread. A Malaysian crescent in front accompanied by a 14-pointed star of platinum studded with diamonds. Both the royal umbrellas are essential items that comprise the royal regalia. Numbering 20 in all, are made of royal yellow silk which is exclusively reserved for royalty use. At the apex of each umbrella is a crescent and a star.