Malaysia · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Malaysia, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Federal Constitution
- Supreme; Article 4(1) voids inconsistent law.
- Federal and State legislation
- Divided by the Ninth Schedule lists.
- Judicial precedent
- Federal Court decisions bind all lower courts.
- Islamic law
- State-enacted; applied by Syariah courts to Muslims only.
- Native customary law (adat)
- Recognised for indigenous communities, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
The legislative process
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.
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