The Monarchy in Contemporary Malaysia

Federal-State Relations

13 The Monarchy in Contemporary Malaysia prior consent, for example, any changes relating to the national language, the special position of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, and the position of the Rulers.17 These are all safeguards. The Conference thus provides an effective forum for consultation, participation, and, in some cases, sanction in the federal-state relationship, but all based on mutual respect. It is a forum for eliciting and making known the views of the Rulers, an instrument for them to exercise influence. The cornerstone of the democratic system as we know it is the well-known doctrine of the separation of powers — the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary being the three entities. One could make a case for the Conference of Rulers to be considered a fourth entity. Federal-State Relations The Conference of Rulers reinforces the concept of federation. The concept is relatively new, and really only came in with Independence in a country where state loyalties run deep — where the people take pride in local heritage, customs, and traditions. It is a way of introducing more balance in the federalstate equation. 14 Raja Nazrin Shah The new federalism, again with laudable diplomacy, did not attempt to concentrate powers at the centre, but selectively devolved it to the states, guaranteeing them a degree of autonomy. One of the basic precepts embodied in the Constitution is the distribution of sovereign power between the thirteen states and the federal government. Within the spirit of the Constitution, the Sultan’s traditional role is now extended to a wider sphere. He participates in the governance of the country. The Agong has a formal and highly visible role which underlines his prestige, supports the dignity of the throne and, in some cases together with his brother Rulers, provides important checks and balances to the government of the day. The Agong formally appoints, but does not select, the Prime Minister.18 He reserves the right to dissolve Parliament.19 He may declare a “state of emergency”.20 Correspondingly , the Rulers at state level appoint the Chief Ministers and have the right to dissolve the State Legislative Assemblies.21 This then brings me to the factor of Islam in the equation. The Islamic Factor The Sultans are the custodians of Islam in ...