Malaysia is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. The modern political history of the state started on August 31, 1957, when Malaya (what is now Peninsular Malaysia) gained independence from the United Kingdom. The federation of Malaysia (Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak) was established on July 9, 1963.
The federation consists of 13 states and two federal territories (the capital Kuala Lumpur and the island of Labuan). Each of the 13 states has its own state government, which is regulated by the federal constitution. Nine of the states still retain hereditary rulers - Sultans or Rajahs, who act as the custodians of Malay culture and religion. One the other hand, the Malaysian Government appoints the governors of Malacca, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak. The constitution also provides for the appointment of a paramount ruler, whose political role is mostly ceremonial. Sultans and Rajahs elect this leader every five years from among themselves.
Legislative power is represented by a bicameral parliament comprising of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) and the Senate (Dewan Negara). The House of Representatives has 192 members elected directly by the people for a five-year term. The Senate consists of 70 members, 40 of which are appointed by the Head of State, while the country's 13 regional assemblies elect the other 30.
The Prime Minister, who heads the strongest political party in the House of Representatives, holds executive power. He is formally appointed by the paramount ruler. The Prime Minister governs with the assistance of an appointed ministerial cabinet.
The judiciary branch is headed by the Lord President and consists of the Supreme Court, the High Court and magistrates. The legal system is based on English common law. |
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Name: Malaysia |
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Area: 330.000 sq. km. |
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Capital City: Kuala Lumpur |
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Population: 19.7 million |
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Language: Bhasa, English, Chienese |
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Currency: Malaysian Ringitt |
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Time Zone: GMT +8 hrs |
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Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Tao |
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