Malaysia · Government
Government and administration in Malaysia
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Head of state — Yang di-Pertuan Agong
- Elected for five years by the Conference of Rulers from among the nine state rulers.
- Executive — Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Responsible to the Dewan Rakyat.
- Legislative — Parliament
- Dewan Rakyat (222 elected) and Dewan Negara (70, mostly appointed).
- State — 13 State Assemblies
- Legislate on State List matters including land and Islamic law.
- Advisory — Conference of Rulers
- Consulted on constitutional amendments affecting rulers, Islam and Malay privileges.
How legislation is made
Bills pass both houses; the Dewan Negara can delay but not block, and money bills originate in the Dewan Rakyat. Royal assent is required and, since a 1994 amendment, is deemed given after 30 days if withheld. Amendments affecting the rulers, the special position of the Malays, citizenship or the position of Sabah and Sarawak require additional consents beyond the two-thirds majority.
Enforcement institutions
- Royal Malaysia Police
- Federal force covering all states.
- Attorney General's Chambers
- Public Prosecutor with wide discretion over charging.
- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
- Investigates corruption; prosecutes with AG consent.
- Inland Revenue Board (LHDN)
- Income tax and real property gains tax.
- Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
- Company and business registration.
- Securities Commission Malaysia
- Capital markets, including the Islamic capital market.
Government bodies and regulators
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