Conference of Rulers

Introduction

When Malaysia received its independence in 1957, it chose to establish a government based on the concept of parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a Federal Government structure. The present constitution with its parliamentary and cabinet system is based on the British Westminster model. Since independence, Malaysia is being ruled by Barisan National coalition of political parties. Formerly it was known as Alliance, but in 1971 it became Barisan National.
Malaysia has a unique system of constitutional monarchy giving each of the nine State Rulers a chance to be King for five years in rotation. The rotation of the post was the brainchild of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister, when Malaysia gained independent in 1957. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by the Conference of Rulers’ meet to elect a successor. He holds office for five years or until his resignation or death. Upon elected the Yang di Pertuan Agong relinquishes all his functions as the Rule...