MALAYSIA

BRIEF HISTORY

The Federation of Malaya became an independent kingdom on 31^st August 1957. The original federation consisted of the peninsular states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Pinang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Trengganu. A new Federation, with the name of Malaysia, came into being on 16^th September 1963. It consisted of the original peninsular states, together with, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah (British North Borneo) on the island of Kalimantan (Borneo). Singapore withdrew from the federation and became an independent republic on 9^th August 1965.

The head of state is entitled the Yang di - Pertuan Agung (Supreme Head of State or King). The position is elective but only the rulers of the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Trengganu are eligible. He holds office for five years and enjoys the style of Majesty. His position as head of his home state remains in 'suspended animation', a regent fulfilling his role during his term in office. When his term expires, he resumes his role in his home state, and eschews the styles and titles he enjoyed as King. A Deputy Supreme Head of State, entitled the Timbalan Yang di - Pertuan Agung, assists the King, while continuing to fulfil his duties as head of his home state. The Deputy Supreme Head of State acts as regent during the absence or incapacity of the Yang di - Pertuan Agung, and succeeds as provisional Supreme Head of State if the incumbent happens to die in office.

STYLES & TITLES:
The sovereign: Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sri Paduka Baginda Yang di - Pertuan Agung Malaysia, i.e. King of Malaysia, with the style of His Majesty.
The Royal consort of the Sovereign: Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agung, i.e. Queen, with the style of Her Majesty.
The deputy head of state: Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Timbalan Yang di - Pertuan Agung, i.e. Deputy Supreme Head of State, with the style of His Royal Highness.
The Royal consort of the deputy head of state: Timbalan Raja Permaisuri Agung, not translated, but styled Her Royal Highness.

ORDERS & DECORATIONS:
See link below.

GLOSSARY:
See link below.

SOURCES:
Ensiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 1995.
Malaysia: Official Yearbook. Government of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 1963 - 1999.
The Leaders of Malaya and Who's Who 1957 - 1958. J. Victor Morais, Kuala Lumpur, 1958.
Who's Who in Malaysia and guide to Singapore. Who's Who Publications, J.V. Morais, Kuala Lumpur, 1967 - 1978.
Who's Who in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Who's Who Publications, J.V. Morais, Kuala Lumpur, 1978 - 2002.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Dato' Paduka Fong Soon Khiong.

 

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