MPU 2163 MALAYSIAN STUDIES

CHAPTER 1: HISTORY AND

POLITICS

1. National Historical Background

2. Independent
3. The Formation of Malaysia
4. System and Structure of the State Administration
5. Parliamentary Democracy in Malaysia
1. National Historical Background

a) Melaka Sultanate
b) Johor Sultanate
c) The Formation Of Sultanates In Other States
d) Colonial Era
 Early Kingdoms
Funan
Majapahit
Langkasuka
Srivijaya : 7th – 13th century, Maritime
empire, Hindu-Buddhism
Khmer
Kutai
Gangga Negara
 a) Melaka Sultanate
The oldest Malay Sultanate in the history of
Malaysia.
Srivijaya kingdom was centred in
Palembang, South-east Sumatra.
In 1391, Srivijaya was attacked by
Majapahit (another empire in Java) and
forced a Palembang prince named
Parameswara and his followers retreated to
Temasek (Singapore), then to Malaya.
 a) Melaka Sultanate
Fishing village had already existed when
Parameswara arrived in Melaka. He named
the village as Melaka, named after a tree
named ‘Malaka’.
Starting from the king to his successors,
Melaka developed and became a centre of
trade, the spread of Islam and the world-
renowned science in the 15th century.
 a) Melaka Sultanate
Melaka was ruled by 9 Sultans. (1400-1513)
When Melaka rulers embraced Islam
(spread by merchants from Middle East), the
rulers were called “Sultan” / “Syah”.
1403-1409 Melaka was acknowledged by
China, thus was shielded from attacks by
Siam (Thailand) & Majapahit.
Fourfold Dignitary System
Dign
itary
4

Dignitary 8

Dignitary 16

Dignitary 32
Vassal Territories of the Ministers
of Melaka
2.
1. Bendahara Penghulu
Bendahari
3. 4.
Temenggung Laksamana
Officials Roles / Responsibilities:
Bendahara 1) Main minister / Advisor to the
King
2) Must be royal blood
3) Could act as regent in the absence
of the King
4) has a role in choosing the next
King
Penghulu 1) Treasurer of the Kingdom
Bendahari 2) Controls finances, collect taxes
and state revenues
3) Head of all harbor masters
(syahbandar)
Officials Roles / Responsibilities:
Temenggung 1) Executor / Head of legal
matters, state laws and security
2) Head of police
3) Prosecutor
4) Head of protocol
Laksamana 1) Warrior during times of war,
especially at sea
2) Bearing the Royal Sword
during official functions
3) Diplomat to escort royal
envoys.
Factors that contributed to the Golden Age of Melaka
1) Melaka is located in the middle of
international oceanic trade routes
(between India and China).
2) Narrow strait pathway:
(a) good spot to dock, protected from
Geographical
factors strong winds.
(b) The point where 2 main monsoon
winds beneficial to seafaring boats met.
3) Rich natural resources (Forest
produces, minerals, gold, tin mining, sea
life etc.) available for trade.
Factors that contributed to the Golden Age of Melaka
1) Enjoyed a luxurious abundance of trading
Economic
items.
factors
2) Major trading hub
1) Relationship between China and Melaka.
2) Comprehensive security measures &
military system:
(a) Hukum Kanun Melaka (the first ever instance of
Political written law)
factors (b) Undang-undang Laut Melaka
3) Well-organized treasury system.
4) Adoption of Bahasa Melayu (Malay
language) as the medium (lingua franca) of
communication facilitates trade process.
 The Fall of Melaka
1) Internal factors:
(i) Incompetence rulers: ignored justice /
weak court officials
(ii) Weak defense system: Lack of warriors
(iii)Disunity among its people
(iv)Attitude of the nobility towards people
(v) Weak understanding of religion
 The Fall of Melaka
2) External factors:
(i) Discovery of Cape of Good Hope by
Portuguese.
(ii) Internal betrayal among the
nobilities.
(iii)Spying & information gathering by
the Portuguese.
(iv)Assaults on Melaka by Portuguese
(year 1511, by Alfonso de
 Sultan Mahmud Syah
(Melaka)

Raja Ali Raja Muzaffar

(Sultan Alauddin (Sultan Muzaffar
Syah) Syah)
(Johor) (Perak)
 b) JOHOR
 During the 14th century, Johor become dependent
territories of Majapahit Empire until it became one of
the colony of Melaka Sultanate (1400 -1511).
 In 1511, Melaka was dominated by the Portuguese
and Sultan Mahmud Shah together with their
followers retreated from Melaka to the south.
 Johor Sultanate was founded by Sultan Alauddin
Shah Mahmud II (Raja Ali), the son of Sultan
Mahmud Shah in 1528.
 Johor became famous trading centre in the 17th
century. Beside that its also became the centre of
Islam spread when the role played by the Aceh
earlier decline.
 Johor emerged as an important
trading center:
Strategic location
A wide river
Good warehousing & market
facilities
External merchandise
The role of Orang Laut
Friendship with the Dutch
 c) THE FORMATION OF SULTANATES IN OTHER
STATES
1. Perak
The establishment of the Perak Sultanate
closely related with the Melaka Sultanate.
Sultan Mahmud and his sons retreated to a
place in order to regain Melaka and prevent
Portuguese counter-attack.
When Sultan Mahmud died in Kampar, Raja
Muzaffar, left for Perak and was later
crowned as the first Sultan of Perak.
2. Selangor
Founded by Raja Lumu who was Prince
Daeng Chelak or Pali Bugis.
Raja Lumu was known as Raja Selangor
before known as Sultan.
In 1766 Raja Lumu being crowned as the
first Sultan of Selangor and called Sultan
Sallehuddin Riayat Shah.
3. Pahang
Descendants of the Melaka Sultanate already take
place in Pahang for long time ago when Raja
Muhammad, son of Sultan Mansur Shah Sultan
Pahang instated as the first title of Sultan
Muhammad Shah.
Government of the royal descendants of Melaka
Sultanate had power almost 200 years and ended in
1614.
After that Pahang government moved to the sons of
Tuan Habib Abdul Majid, Bendahara Padang Saujana
Johor.
 d) COLONIAL ERA
In 1511, Melaka fell to the Portuguese
In 1641, Malaya fell to the Dutch
In 1824, Malaya fell to British through the
English-Dutch agreement
In 1942-1945, Malaya fell to Japanese.
Our country was colonized for 446 years
(1511-1957).
 d) COLONIAL ERA
British Invasion was the longest occupation - gives
greater impact to Malaya.
British interferes in the administration of Malaya, which
was previously managed by the Malay rulers with the help
of state dignitaries.
British intervention provoked dissatisfaction of local
residents. Some people protest against the invaders but
their efforts are usually being done by single person rather
than by a group.
Among the personalities who rose up against the
occupiers is Dol Said, Tok Janggut, Dato’ Bahaman,
Rentap, Dato’ Maharajalela and etc.
 British:
1) Federated Malay States (FMS)
Introduced the Resident System:
Perak, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri
Sembilan.
Formed in year 1896, due to:-
Financial problems in Pahang.
Weakness in the Resident System
Reducing Administration Costs
1st Resident General: Frank Swettenham
 British High
Commissioner

Resident
General (Kuala
Lumpur)

Sultans &
Residents
 British:
2) The Straits Settlements (SS)
Singapore, Penang, Melaka
Formed in 1826, headed by Governor

3) Unfederated Malay States (UFMS)

Formed in 1909, British & Siam signed the
Bangkok Agreement.
Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and
Johor.
British advisors were placed.
In the 1920s and 1930s, many people in Malaya
began to get an education, whether from the
Middle East or the local education.
As a result, Tunku Abdul Rahman was
motivated that Malay can become administer to
their own country. Resulted from that, educated
class emerged and began to fight for spirit of
nationalism.
An associations such as the Kesatuan Melayu
Muda (KMM) and Kesatuan Melayu Singapura
(KMS), which aims to expel the occupiers and
establish self-government.
Japanese Occupation of Malaya began at the
end of 1941 until 1945 before their giving up
due to the bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
Japan's resignation give chances to the
Malayan Communist Party (MCP) to take
control over Malaya.
MCP become violence by killing and
destroying public property, forcing the
British to declare a state of emergency in
Malaya (1948-1960).
Returning of British after the Japanese
occupation, they are trying to introduce the
Malayan Union but received strong
opposition from local residents.

On 11 May 1946, the establishment of the

United Malays National Organisation
(UMNO), has fuelled the resistance and thus
sowing the seeds of struggle towards self-
government.
A summary of the characteristics of colonialism and
colonization

Colonizer Period Remarks

Portuguese 1511- • Concentrated in Melaka.
1641 • Opposition from people of Melaka with
help from Acheh.
• Not much left its mark on the country,
except in language, the spread of
Christianity and dance.
• A Famosa (by Alfonso de Albuquerque)
to protect Melaka from Sultan Mahmud
Syah.
• Trade war between Portuguese in
Melaka, Acheh & Johor.
Colonizer Period Remarks
Dutch 1641- • Formed United East Indies
1824
Company (Vereenigde Oost-
Indische Compagnie / V.O.C.)
-To control spice & monopolising
tin trade.
• Focused on Melaka.
• Not much impact because the
focus directed at the Indonesian
colonization.
• Opposition from the Malays who
often get help from Bugis.
Colonizer Period Remarks

British 1824- • Colonize the entire country in Malaya.

1942 (i) Domination of Penang Island: 1786
1945- (ii) Domination of Singapore: 1819
1957 (iii)English-Dutch Agreement: 1824
(iv) Pangkor Agreement: 1874
• There are two levels of occupation.
(Before and after the Japanese
occupation)
• Many effects in the society (political,
economic and social).
• Many opposition from local peoples.
Colonizer Period Remarks

Japanese 1942-1945 • Colonize the whole of Malaya.

• Give many effects especially in
public life with regard to race
relations.
• Opposition from residents of the
state.
• Raise the spirit of nationalism and
political awareness among the local
community to achieve
independence.
• Japan has used propaganda 'Asia for
the Asians'.
Japanese Occupation: Japan’s victory

British were unprepared.

Delay in British reinforcements from London
& India.
Japan attacked by sea and not air.
Thorough preparations by the Japanese army
(trained, experienced, highly motivated,
efficient combat tactics).
 Effects of the Japanese Colonization
Political
-Political awareness for independence
-The Malays get a lot of opportunities and experience in
administration.
-Awareness of the weakness of the British power.
-Encouraged nationalism
Social
-Subjugation of the Chinese people.
-Forced labour to build the Death Railway connected Thailand
and Burma
-Lack of food
-Health problem
-Biased, hostile to China
 Economic
-Depression
-The company's tin and rubber products declined
-Necessities were hard to obtain that cause its price to inflate.
-The value of the currency falls
 2. INDEPENDENCE
a) Malayan Union
b) The Federated States of Malaya
c) Communist Threat
d) Independence Negotiations
e) Malaya Merdeka
 a) MALAYAN UNION
1. BACKGROUND
• Entertain the idea of a uniform administration under the
British colonization system.
• The British had thought of the Malayan Union since the
Japanese conquest of Singapore in 1942. The Colonial
Office in London found that one of the key factors to the
fall of Malaya is the coordination problems, namely the
existence of different administrations. (Straits Settlements,
Federated Malay States and the Non-Federated Malay
States).
• Main purpose: to protect the economic interests of the
British in Malaya.
 2. Contents and Main Conditions of
Malayan Union
Comprised of nine Malay states, Penang and Malacca.
British Governor is the chief administrator based in Kuala
Lumpur. The Governor is assisted by the Executive
Council and the Legislative Council.
Rulers just acts as an advisor of the Governor, while their
sovereignty as a king in their own country abolished. King
is ruling in the matter of Islam and Malay Advisory
Council only.
State Council retained for the purpose of managing local
government, but is still subject to central government
control.
 2. Contents and Main Conditions of
Malayan Union
Singapore was not involved in Malayan Union and retained as a
British colony under the authority of a British Governor-
General.
Aspects of citizenship based on the principle of jus soli.
Citizenship may be obtained if:
Foreigners who are 18 years or older and a resident of Malaya
for 10 years from 15 years before February 15, 1942
A person born in Malaya after the establishment of the
Malayan Union.
Equal rights of citizenship irrespective of race or ethnic
origin; This includes admission to the civil service and the
right to vote in general elections.
 3. The process of formation of the
Malayan Union
Harold Mac Michael was accountable on
obtaining the consent of Malay Rulers through
intimidation and coercion.
On 1 April 1946, Malayan Union was
officially declared, and Sir Edward Gent was
appointed as the first Governor.
 4. The effects of the formation of
Malayan Union

The sovereignty of the Malay rulers abolished.

Traditions and political systems as well as of

Malay supremacy eliminated.

Privileges and status quo of the Malays

eliminated.

The granting of citizenship rights to loosely

based on the principle of jus soli.
 5. Resistance to the Malayan Union
i. Opposition by Malays
 Malay opposition is divided into two stages:
1. Individual level: Malay protest through mass media in
Malay newspapers such as Majlis, Utusan Melayu and
Warta Negara. Send letter of protest to the British
government in London.

2. Collective level: through Malay organizations at state

and national levels. These associations hold
demonstrations, throughout Malaya to protest against the
invaders.
 Factors of Opposition from Malays
against Malayan Union

Removal of power and sovereignty of the

Malay rulers.

Extortion by MacMichael in obtaining

signatures of approval from the Malay
rulers.

The granting of citizenship rights

(citizenship) for jus soli.
Opposition Towards Malayan Union
 ii. Resistance from Political Parties

In Selangor, Malay Unity Congress held on 1-4

March 1946.
Agreed to boycott the launch of the Malayan
Union by urging the rulers to not attend the
opening ceremony of the appointment of the
Governor of Malayan Union.
On 1 April 1946, the Malays boycotted the
ceremony by a wearing white cloth and tying a
white band on their songkok.
 ii. Resistance from Political Parties

2nd Malayan Malay Congress was held in Johor

Bahru on May 11, 1946 approved the
establishment of the United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO), which aims to unite the
Malays against the Malayan Union.
UMNO has the support of the Malays throughout
Malaya.
Dato 'Onn bin Jaafar was elected the first
President of UMNO.
 iii. Non-Malay Opposition
Opposition from former British officers in Malaya, i.e.
Frank Swettenham, RO Winstedt, George Maxwell &
Cecil Clementi Smith. They voiced their objections
through newspapers in London and urged the British
to protect the interests and rights of the Malays.
Non-Malays were not interested in the Malayan Union
as a focus of nationalism is directed to their origin
country.
Some non-Malays channelling their protests through
the establishment of the Malayan Democratic Union
(MDU) because they can’t get any special advantage
of Malayan Union and is said to be democratic.
 Newspaper
(The Malay tribune, 2 April 1946)
b) THE FEDERATED STATES OF MALAYA
British set up the Federated States of Malaya on 21 February
1948 to replace the Malayan Union.
The nine Malay states, Penang and Melaka were to be unified
in the Federation and led by the British High Commissioner
who will be appointed by the British Government.
Singapore however was to be separate Crown Colony under
British control.
The authority of the Sultans was to be restored and they were
to be given back the power to oversee their own states.
The conditions for citizenship were to be tightened and Malay
special rights recognized again.
 c) The threat & influence of the Communists
Malayan Communist Party (MCP) launched an armed
insurgency in Malaya in June 1948.
Factors encouraging the rebellion of MCP:
1. Influenced by the decision of the Asia Communist
Youth Congress held in Calcutta in February 1948.
The congress decided to hold an armed uprising to
achieve their goals.
2. MCP failure to achieve their ambitions to dominate
the country through constitutional or peace.
c) The threat & influence of the Communists
In 1948-51, MCP launched an attacks on farms,
mines, police stations and public.
MCP used guerrilla warfare tactics which are
terrorist groups are small, easy to move and easy
to change, known as cells, without the official
front line.
MCP strategy: crippling the economic of
Malaya, by take over big cities and towns (as a
base) and eventually drove the British and
subsequent control of Malaya.
 Measures towards
Communist Insurgency

1. Declaration of Emergency
 On June 17 1948, emergency was declared
throughout Malaya.
 Emergency Law enacted in 1948 to allow the
police and military to detain and arrest suspects
without trial. (Restriction of roads, curfews).
 Registration system was introduced. Population
aged 12 and over must have identification cards.
 Measures towards
Communist Insurgency

2. Briggs plan
 Introduced by Sir Harold Briggs. Placing the
squatters from the outskirts of the forest to the
village.
 Aiming to prevent the supply of food, medicine
and information to the communists who were
hiding in the forest.
d) INDEPENDENCE NEGOTIATIONS
The Alliances Party’s victory in 1955 General Elections
paved the way to self-government. In January 1956, Tunku
Abdul Rahman led an entourage to London to negotiate for
independence.

1. Election
 After World War II, emergence of political parties that
strived for independent such as:

a. United Malays National Organization(UMNO)

b. The Malayan Indian Congress (MIC)
c. The Malayan Chinese Association (MCA)
• Combination between UMNO-MCA-MIC form
multi-ethnic coalition party known as Alliance
Party.
• The UMNO-MCA-MIC partnership showed the
cooperation between the three main ethnic groups in
the Malay Peninsula.
• In the 1955 Malayan General Elections, the
Alliance Party won 51 out of 52 seats that were
contested.
• This victory also led to fresh negotiations for
independence for the Federated States of Malaya.
2. Independence Negotiations
 In January 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman led an
entourage to London to negotiate for
independence.
 The Reid Commission was formed not long
after the negotiations.
 In 8 February 1957, agreement was signed
and Federated States of Malaya would be
given independence on 31 August 1957.
3. The Reid Commission and Constitution
• Assign in 1956.
• Led by Lord Reid and the members included Sir Ivor
Jennings (British), Sir William Mckell (Australia), B.
Malik (India), dan Hakim Abdul Hamid (Pakistan).
• Responsible on drafting the Constitution of Federated
States of Malaya.
• In the process of drafting the constitution, the
commission had to take into account the views of the
local, including 131 written memorandums which had
been written by individual and organizations.
• The most important memorandum are from Sultans
and Alliance Party.
The Malays agreed to loosen the condition for
citizenship and extend it to included non-Malays.
While the non-Malays through the organization
such as MCA and MIC acknowledged the status of
Malay Sultans, recognized Islam as the national
religions and also the special rights of the Malays.
Eventually the constitution was drafted and
approved by the Federal Legislative Council on 15
August 1957 and put into effect on 27 August
1957.
The charactheristics of the Constituition
Yang Di Pertuan Agong would be the leader of the
country and selected from the nine Malays Sultans.

The head of the government was to be the Prime

Minister, who would be elected from the House of
Representatives.

Bahasa Melayu was to become the national language

Citizenship was to be given to anyone were born in the

Malay Peninsula after its independence.

Agama Islam to be recognized as official religion.

3. THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA

a) Factors influenced the formation of Malaysia

b) The Formation Process of Malaysia
c) The Singapore Referendum
• The idea behind the formation of Malaysia was ignited on
27 May 1961, through a speech delivered by the
Federation of Malaya Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul
Rahman, during lunch before South-East Asian
Association of Foreign Journalists at the Adelphi Hotel in
Singapore.
• Tunku had raised an idea to generate a form of economic
and political alliance involving the Federation of Malaya
with the British colonized regions of Singapore, Sabah,
Sarawak and Brunei.
• This idea was born from the awareness that Malaya and
the involved regions had been finding it hard to stand
independently as well as separately, especially in the face
of competition at the international level.
 The Factors Affecting the Formation
of Malaysia
Granting independence to
The threat and influence of the
Sabah, Sarawak, brunei and
communists
Singapore

Defending the native

The sharing of economic communities in Sabah and
benefits Sarawak

Preserving the rights of the

Bumiputeras in all the regions
involved
 1. Granting independence to Sabah, Sarawak,
Brunei and Singapore

• Through the establishment of Malayia, states like Sabah,

Sarawak, Brunei and Singapore would be gaining
independence earlier than expected.
• This was due to the fact that these states were still under
British colonization when the proposal was raised.
• In this matter Sabah and Sarawak was placed in the
colonized states status, whereas Singapore and Brunei
were place as patronage states.
 2. Defending the native communities in Sabah
and Sarawak

• The fate of people residing in these territories was not

similar to those in the Malay Peninsula, especially the
native groups.
• If both territories were included in the Federation of
Malaysia, it was a possibility that special treatment
given to the Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak would
be greater.
 3. The threat and influence of the communists

• Bigger worry centered on the influence of the

communist that were infiltrating more into the left-wing
group.
• The British and the Federation of Malaya did not want
the administration of Singapore to be taken over by the
leaders with communist ideology.
• The British government had planned to grant the
independence to Singapore in mid 1963.
 4. The sharing of economics benefits

• The joining territories would be able to hold

economic ventures and trading for mutual
benefits.
• Strengthen the economic growth especially
in Sabah and Sarawak.
 5. Preserving the rights of the
Bumiputeras in all the region involved

• If only Malaya and Singapore were to be

affiliated, the majority status that the
Malays enjoyed would be lost.
• To guarantee no threat to the position of the
Malays and the Bumiputeras, the entry of
Sabah and Sarawak was necessary.
 b) THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA
The idea of the formation of Malaysia
Tunku Abdul Rahman has provoked mixed
reactions.
Most leaders welcomed the proposal Tunku
Abdul Rahman to form Malaysia.
 Malaysia Solidarity Consultative
Committee (MSCC)

1. In July 1961, a meeting of Commonwealth

Parliamentary Association of Malaya and Borneo
branch was held in Singapore that aims to explain the
concept of Malaysia more clearly to the representatives
of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. The explanation helped
to reduce any misunderstanding especially among the
leaders of the three regions about the formation of
Malaysia.
2. As a result of this understanding, the Malaysia
Solidarity Consultative Committee was set up. The
committee members comprised representatives
from all the regions involved in the formation.
3. Once the committee was established, it held
meeting 4 times:
(i) August 21, 1961 at Jesselton,
(ii) December 18, 1961 in Kuching,
(iii) January 6, 1962 in Kuala Lumpur,
(iv) February 1, 1962 in Singapore.
 Function of
MSCC

Explain more clearly the

concept of Malaysia, Getting a consensus of
especially to people of the political leaders in all
Sabah, Sarawak and affected areas
Brunei
 The Cobbold Commission
1. Cobbold Commission was founded after a negotiation
took place between the Federation of Malaya
government and British government in November
1961.
2. The goal: to seek the opinions of the people of North
Borneo and Sarawak regarding the formation of
Malaysia.
3. Review by the committee was created in February 19
until April 1962 and received 2000 memorandums.
4. The findings indicate that approximately 80 percent
of the population in these two states had supported
the affiliation.
 3. Inter-governmental Committee (IGC)
1. After the Cobbold Commission had produced its report,
the duty to plan the terms and conditions of the
Federation in detail fell into the hands of the Inter-
Government Committee (IGC).
2. The committee formed a constitution, incorporating
requests made by Sabah and Sarawak which were based
on the memorandum that had been received from
political parties in Sabah and Sarawak.
 3. Inter-governmental Committee (IGC)
3. IGC has used the 1957 Federation of Malaya
Constitution and the Cobbold Commission Report
together with the proposal made by the MSCC as its
foundation.
4. The constitution that was formulated was validated
by the British government on July 9, 1963.
Among the issues that served as the core of the constitution were:

Islam was to be the official religion of the Malaysia

Federation except in Sabah and Sarawak.
Malay is the official language of the Federation of Malaysia,
but flexibility was given to Sabah and Sarawak to use
English in official matters for 10 years after the entry into the
Federation.

The state governments of Sabah and Sarawak would retain

control of immigration but budget allocation would be under
the control of the central government. This provision sought
to give confidence to Sabah and Sarawak and convince them
that the aim of Malaysia was not to colonize the states.

The system of education would be sustained until the State

Council had made amendments.

Sabah was given 24 Parliament representatives seats whereas

Sarawak had 16 seats and Singapore had 15 seats.
 The Singapore Referendum
 The Government of Singapore decided to hold a referendum as a way to
examine the opinions of the people of Singapore and to ascertain the
stance of Singapore regarding the establishment of Malaysia.
 Held on 1 November 1962.
 In this respect, Singapore was given three options:
1. Option A- the people agreed to join the affiliation based on terms and
condition determined by the government of Singapore and the
Federation of Malaya through the White Paper in November 1961.
(received 397,626 votes)
2. Option B- the people agreed to combine without the terms, with the
status of Singapore being reduced to be like the other Malay states in
the Federation of Malaya. (received 9,442 votes)
3. Option C- the people agreed to combine with the terms and benefits
which were similar to those obtained by the Borneo regions through
this affiliation. (received 144,077 votes)
 c) THE ISSUES OF BRUNEI AND SINGAPORE
BRUNEI
Brunei Majesty shocked everyone when he later cancelled the plan to join
Malaysia because several request that had been made were not agreed to
by the Federation of Malaya government. Among the demands were:
1. 10 Parliamentary seats.
2. Domination of all oil revenues.
3. Autonomy in financial matters at the early stage.
4. Sustaining all its investments.
5. Sustaining low tax rates.
6. Continuing education and welfare programmes.
7. Demanding that Brunei's security in Malaysia be guaranteed.
8. Requesting that the sultan of Brunei's domination in the royal council
start from the date of his reign as a sultan and not from the date Brunei
had entered Malaysia.
The main claim is about power and about his dominance
over the country's oil revenue.
All requests were agreed upon by Tunku Abdul Rahman,
nevertheless the Sultan of Brunei made the decision not to
sign the agreement, as his opinion was that the issues of His
Majesty’s domination was not given enough consideration.
Brunei People's Party started an armed riot on 8 December
1962 toward the Brunei government itself so that it would
decline participation.
SINGAPORE
On August 23, 1961, an official meeting was held between
Singapore and the Federation of Malaya and they came to
an agreement on several issues.
After 2 years joining Malaysia, however the relationship
between Malaya and Singapore became strained due to
disagreements between the government of Singapore and
the Government of the Federation of Malaya.
Singapore felt disappointed because after Malaysia was
established, not much economic progress achieved.
On 21 July 1964, an outbreak of a riot happened, and
finally in August 1965 the Singapore government decided
to withdraw from Malaysia.
4. THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE
MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT SYSTEM.

1. Cabinets
2. Ministry
3. Local Government
4. The Commission
 THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE MALAYSIAN
GOVERNMENT SYSTEM

The Legislative Body The Executive Body: The Judiciary Body:

Formulates the drafts laws Carries out administrative matters in To execute and dispense
the country justice

PRIME MINISTER
PARLIAMENT CHIEF JUSTICE

SENATE CABINET SUPERIOR COURTS

HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVE
MINISTRY HIGH COURT
S

COMMISSION SUBORDINATE
COURTS
The Executive Body (Administration)

Executive power

Federal Level State-Level

Yang King (Raja) /

Sultan / State
di-Pertuan Governor (Yang
Agong Dipertua Negeri)
 Federal Executive Power
• From a constitutional standpoint, the federal executive power
is in the hands of Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).
• In carrying out the duties of the executive, the YDPA must act
on the advice of the cabinet appointees or advice of a minister
authorized by the Cabinet.
•   Cabinet appointed as follows:
-YDPA appoint the Prime Minister in order to preside over
Cabinet
-YDPA appoint ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
-YDPA does not have absolute authority to act as he pleases.
 1. CABINET
• Cabinet is the executive body exercising powers vested by
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).
• The Cabinet is formed by the political party that obtained the
majority of seats in Parliament. Successful political party in
one election are eligible to govern the country because the
people have given the mandate to govern.
• Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister and comprises
ministers appointed by the YDPA on the advice of the Prime
Minister.
• The Prime Minister is assisted by a political secretary. While
each minister is assisted by a deputy minister.
• Every minister is in charge of their respective ministries and
is a carrier of a motion or a bill the government.
 1. CABINET
• The primary role of Cabinet members is determining
government policy and provide guidance for
implementation by the government machinery at the
federal and state levels.
• To perform this role, the members of the Cabinet will hold
a meeting in camera and are usually held on the
Wednesday of each week.
• The meetings are secret and be recorded by the Secretary
of the Cabinet of the Secretary General.
• A policy that would be implemented by a ministry is to be
presented at a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet paper by the
relevant minister.
 2. MINISTRY

Ministry

Public
Department Corporation
(Jabatan) (Perbadanan
Awam)

Statutory Non-Statutory Bodies

Bodies (Badan (Badan Tidak
Berkanun) Berkanun)
1. The Ministry is the highest agency in the federal
administrative machinery.
2. A minister is assisted by a deputy minister appointed by
the YDPA on the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. The main administrative head of a ministry is the
Secretary-General.
4. The role of the Ministry: Establishing policies, planning,
controlling and coordinating the implementation of
tasks under the portfolio of the ministry.
5. The duties and responsibilities of the ministries are then
distributed to the various departments and public
corporations established under the ministries.
1. The Department is the government agency that is
responsible for performing administrative matters and
policies as prescribed by the government through
their respective ministries.
 Department led by Director-General.
2. Public corporation is set up to assist the smooth
administration by giving a bit of power over a few
things.
3. There are two types of public corporations which are:
I. Statutory Bodies (eg: Inland Revenue Board - IRB)
II. Non Statutory Bodies (eg: Malaysia Airlines
System Berhad - MAS).
 Ministry of Human
Resources

Minister

Deputy minister

Chief Secretary
(Secretary General)

Department of Human
Resources Department of Trade Unions Affair

Department of Occupational Health

Corporate Court
and Safety
 Examples of the Ministry
1. Prime Minister
2. Ministry of Defence
3. Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities
4. Ministry of the Interior
5. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
6. Ministry of Youth and Sports
7. Health Ministry
8. Ministry of Housing and Local Government
9. Ministry of Finance
10. Ministry of Rural and Regional
11. Ministry of Tourism and Culture
* Nama dan bilangan kementerian boleh diubah, ditambah atau dikurangkan mengikut keperluan
negara.
 Examples of the Ministry
12. The Ministry of Women, Family and Community
13. Ministry of Transport
14. Ministry of Human Resources
15. Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
16. Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism
17. Ministry of Public Works
18. Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water
19. Ministry of Education and Higher Education
20. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
21. Ministry of International Trade and Industry
22. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
23. Ministry of Federal Territories

* Nama dan bilangan kementerian boleh diubah, ditambah atau dikurangkan mengikut keperluan
negara.
 3. COMMISSION

• Ensure administrative tasks are carried out wisely,

fairly, and efficiently to establish the state of peace
and harmony.
• Free and no interference from certain quarters.
• Its members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan
Agong after consultation with the Conference of
Rulers.
 3. COMMISSION
• The types and functions of the commission:

a) PERMANENT COMMISSION
• Public Service Commission: Appoint, confirm, enter into the
permanent or pensionable establishment, promote, measure and
exercise disciplinary control over members of the public service
covers the jurisdiction.
• Election Commission:
• Conducting elections for the House of Representatives and the
State Legislative Assembly and elections when vacancies exist
from time to time.
• Prepare and check Electoral Roll for all constituencies in each
year.
• Review and revise electoral districts once every 8 to 10 years
because of changes in population
 3. COMMISSION

a) PERMANENT COMMISSION
• Education Service Commission: Appoint, manage,
service promotion and disciplinary control of members
of educational services with sufficient quality to meet
the educational sector.
• The Police Service Commission: Appoint, confirm, enter
into the permanent or pensionable establishment,
promotion, transfer and disciplinary control over
members of the police force.
• Armed Forces Council: Manage administrative,
disciplinary and things related to the Armed Forces.
 b) NON-PERMANENT COMMISSION
Also named Special Commission.
Role: To study the matters or certain issues.
Some examples of non-permanent commission which was
set up in our country are:
Public Inquiry Commission
Royal Commission
e.g. The Cabinet decided that a Royal Commission with special
jurisdiction to assess the interrogation methods used by the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and confirm if
there had been violations of human rights during Teoh Beng
Hock, political secretary to one EXCO state government, died
suddenly on the 5th floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam.
 Executive Power of the State Level
• The Constitution provides that the executive power of the
state is run by the Raja / Sultan / Yang DiPertua Negeri.
• Raja / Sultan / Yang DiPertua Negeri authorizes the
appointment of the Chief Minister / Menteri Besar from
among those who led the party that won the majority of
votes in the elections at the state level.
• Raja / Sultan / Yang DiPertua Negeri will also approve the
appointment of the members of the State Executive
Council (EXCO) / Cabinet on the advice of the Chief
Minister / Menteri Besar.
 5. Parliamentary Democracy

a) Definition of Parliamentary Democracy

b) Election
 a) Definition of Parliamentary Democracy
 System of governance by elected representatives.
 The government is formed only after an election, in which
the people will choose their representatives who will
become members of Parliament .

 Benefits practice of parliamentary democracy

1. Political stability and maturity allows the government to
formulate, enact and implement national development
strategies.
2. Promote the growth of economic activity and increase
employment opportunities.
3. Promote national unity.
 b) Election
Conducted to elect representatives.
General described the elections as a way of making a
political choice by voting.
Voters can choose candidates who will help them to
solve community issues.
 1. History of Election in Malaysia
• 27th July 1955, the 1st General Election in
Malaya was held.
• The party that participated are:
1. The Alliance Party (UMNO, MCA and MIC)
2. National Party led by Dato 'Onn
3. Parti Islam Se-Tanah Melayu (PAS)
 2. Function of Elections
To form a democratic government.
To ensure continuity of national leadership.
Choose candidates for top government
posts.
Stabilize and legitimize an organization or
political community.
 3. Types of Elections
• General Election: Held once every 5 years to elect
members of the Parliamentary and the State
Legislative Assembly.
• By-Election: Held when there is a vacancy in any
Parliamentary or the State Legislative Assembly
because of death, resignation or removal of elected
representatives.
 4. The Election Commission
The function of the Election Commission:
1. Review and delineate new electoral divisions
2. Handle the registration of voters and revision for
electoral rolls
3. Hold general elections and elections for smaller
districts.
4. Register contesting candidates and ensure all
candidates fulfil the required criteria and are
eligible for election.
 4. The Election Commission

The requirements of EC members:

1. Not a bankrupt
2. Not older than 65 years
3. Not holding any other salaried position.
4. Not a member of any political party, either
Parliamentary or State Legislative Assembly.
 5. Important Elements of the
Election
a) The number of seats
 A candidate is elected to represent the people of that
constituency in Parliamentary (House of
Representatives) or State Legislative Assembly seats.
 To date there are 222 House of Representatives seats
and 587 State seats.

b) Reviewing Constituency Borders in Elections

 EC to review boundaries for parliamentary and state
constituencies at intervals of no less than 8 years.
 6. Registration and Qualifications of
Candidates
 Eligibility of candidates:
1. Malaysian citizen who lives in Malaysia.
2. Older than 21 years on nomination day.
3. Lives in whichever state she/he wishes to contest in.

 A candidate is disqualified if:

1. Found or declared insane
2. Has been declared bankrupt.
3. Holds any office of profit.
4. Fails to submit a report of election expenses.
5. Found guilty by a court in Malaysia and sentenced to
imprisonment for a term not less than one year or fined not less
than RM2,000 and has not been pardoned.
6. Has obtained foreign citizenship.
 7. The Election Process
a) Nomination Day
• For candidates to submit their nomination papers to the
Returning Officer to contest in the election.
• Nomination papers must be submitted between 9.00 a.m.
to 11.00 a.m. on nomination day.
• A deposit of RM 10,000 for Parliamentary seats and RM
5,000 for State seats before or on Nomination day.
• The deposit will be lost if a candidate fails to get at least
1/8 of the total votes.
• If a candidate represents a political party, she/he can use
the symbol of the party if the party leader gives a written
consent.
b) Campaigns
EC has drawn up a set special rules for campaigning, as
stated in the 2002 Election Offences Act.
The campaign can only begin after the completion of the
nomination process and end at 12.00 a.m. on polling day.
Examples of the election campaign:
Distribution of leaflets and brochures
Posters
Closed and open talks
House-to-house campaigning
Political parties are allowed to present and clarify their
manifesto.
Deposit will be refunded if the candidates remove all
posters and other campaigning materials within 14 days
after polling day.
c) Polling day
 Polling time from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
throughout Malaysia.
 Usually, the EC will issue a notice to inform the
public regarding:
1. Voting date
2. Voting location
3. Time for voting in all location
4. Vote tallying centres.
EC Booths
 The law prohibits a candidate from setting up booths in any
voting centre.
 The EC will set up booths in the voting centres to help
voters check their serial numbers in order to ensure the
polls are carried out orderly.

The officers allowed to enter the polling station:

 Members and officers of the Election Commission
 Chairman and his election staff
 Candidates and representatives of the candidates
 Polling agents and counting agents
 Those authorized by the EC
d) Voting methods
 A voter can only vote for one candidate, namely by marking
an 'X' next to the candidate's name.
 After that, the ballot paper is folded by a line on the ballot
paper and put in the ballot box.
 If elections are held simultaneously (House of
Representatives & Legislative Assembly, ballot papers must
be marked, folded and put into two separate boxes either
“Parliament” or the “State”.
** Postal ballot:
Postal votes are sent as early as possible to those
who are eligible to vote by post.
The postal ballot papers must reach the Returning
Officer no later than 5:00 pm on polling day.
e) Counting of votes
Persons authorized to be in place to count the votes:
1. Members and officers of the EC
2. Officers appointed by the EC
3. The counting clerks
4. Candidates, representatives and counting agents
- ensuring that the voting process is carried out in
accordance with the laws and regulations.
After the vote count completed, the results will be taken to
the Returning Officer at the election tally centre.
Returning Officer for the constituency will declare the
candidate receiving the majority vote as the elected
representative of the constituency.
f) Elections petition
The election results can be challenged in court.
A petition can be made for the following reasons:
1. Bribery or extortion that could affect the
election.
2. Non-compliance with the laws and regulations of
the elections by any party.
3. Corruption / illegality committed by agents and
candidates.
4. Candidates or their agents disqualified.
g) Election expenditure statement
A candidate is entitled to spend money for the
election but shall not exceed:
1. RM 200,000 for the Parliamentary Elections
2. RM 100,000 for State level Elections
Expenditure reports must be submitted to the
Director of State Elections within 31 days after
the date the election results being published in the
media. Failure to do so is an offense against the
law of elections.
h) Storage and Disposal
• Documents must be stored in special containers and
sealed in the presence of the representatives of the
candidates.
• Special containers will be stored for 6 months under
the supervision of the Returning Officer. This is to
guarantee the secrecy of the vote.
• These box can only be opened on the orders of the
Supreme Court if there are cases of petition.
• After 6 months, the Returning Officer shall dispose
of the ballot papers and documents.
• Officer will produce a certificate of disposal to the
Director of State Elections.