The Monarchy in Contemporary Malaysia

The Monarchical System

7 The Monarchy in Contemporary Malaysia plays an important and effective role in maintaining a democratic parliamentary system by remaining politically neutral and being seen to be unbiased. Islam provides a moral compass. The Rulers are the Head of Islam in their state. Just rule is interpreted according to the tenets of Islam, which at the same time resonates with universal values found in all religions, thus providing another binding force. The alchemy of all three — monarchy, democracy, and Islam — creates the desired cohesion. This has provided continuity and brings with it a dividend of social harmony that enhances the functioning of democracy and the underlying political as well as social stability. The Monarchical System The sultanates — and there are nine of them left — have been in existence for over six centuries with their roots in fifteenth century Malacca. It is interesting that Malacca is one of the states where the monarchy has since disappeared. What is pertinent is that the denizens of these past Malay sultanates considered themselves living not so much in geographically defined states in the European convention, but under Rajas. The Malay word 8 Raja Nazrin Shah for “government” to this day is ke-raja-an, of Sanskrit origin, incorporating the word “Raja” and signifying “being subject to the Raja or Ruler”. The first kingdoms were imported by Hindu traders based on the maharaja model. The title “Raja” for royalty to be found, for instance, in my own state is a survival from that first era. The Arab traders, who followed, brought Islam and converted the kingdoms to sultanates in the Middle Eastern tradition. Nine Sultans remain as hereditary Rulers in their respective states. This proved a stumbling block to British imperialist ambitions for outright colonies resulting in the residency system, a form of indirect colonialism or de facto rule, which nevertheless preserved the semblance of Malay sovereignty, so as not to provoke the wrath and the resistance of their loyal Malay subjects. Treaties, separately negotiated with each Sultan in turn, resulted in a colonial scenario that was a bit of a patchwork. The British, however, were percipient in one important respect. They were careful to accord reserve powers to the Rulers on sensitive matters pertaining to Malay custom and religion. The principle applies to this day. The Sultans remain not only as Head of their respective states, but also, as stated earlier, 9 The Monarchy in Contemporary Malaysia Head of Islam.2 They deliberate on matters of religion and Malay custom (adat) as their special area of competence, with a responsibility towards both Muslim and Malay identity. The Independence Formula With Independence, the monarchy became a constitutional monarchy with clearly defined parameters prescribing the sphere of influence left to the Sultans. The system of monarchy itself, too precious to relinquish, was prudently retained both in the federal and state constitutions along with Islam as the official religion,3 and Malay as the national language, but with inbuilt provisions for freedom of worship4 and recognition of other languages.5 Malaysians are very accepting. Accommodation is part of the national ethos. The position of the Rulers has since been constitutionally placed beyond debate. Their position as Head of State and Head of Islam remain unaffected. Independent Malaya had chosen to endorse its time-honoured monarchy, but in contemporary form. This then appeared to go against the modern trend. Monarchies in many countries, some of which had been in existence for several hundreds of years, came to be regarded as redundant. Newly emerging ...