The State Government

Chief Ministers, Menteri Besar, EXCO Members & State Secretary

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a system of parliamentary democracy that practises a system of Democracy based on the Federation system. In accordance to this, Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah have agreed to the concept of the formation of the country of Malaysia.

It comprises 13 states as well as two local territories and one administrative capital including the Federal Capital Kuala Lumpur and Labuan; and Putrajaya as Malaysia's new Administrative Capital. Each has its own head of state and an elected assembly. Nine of the states are ruled by hereditary sultans whom under a unique system elect one of their own to be the constitutional monarch or Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a period of five years. Malaysia has a non-political, professional civil service, army and police and also an independent judiciary.

Each of the thirteen (13) States in Malaysia has its own State Government which manages State affairs, which comprises issues such as education, religious laws and natural resources.

Chief Minister and Menteri Besar

Heading the State Government machinery is a Menteri Besar (in states where there is a Royal Ruler) or a Chief Minister (in states where the ruler is a Governor) who is not only an elected Member of Parliament, but also an appointed representative from the political party with the highest number – and clear majority - parliamentary and state seats in the most recent general elections. The Menteri Besar and Chief Minister are selected by the State Assemblies (Dewan Undangan Negeri) advising their respective sultans or governors.

The Menteri Besar (for which there is no recognised close English equivalent) is deputised by a State Secretary. The State Legislative Assembly provides the foundation for the supporting machinery, holding executive and law-making powers for State affairs.

The State Governments of the 13 Malaysian states make up the respective State Governments. All state departments, local authorities, land and district offices and statutory bodies come under their respective state governments. Local councillors are appointed from among the ranks of the representatives elected during a general election.

Titles, Honours, Awards and Decorations

All Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers are given the honorific address Yang Amat Berhormat. State Secretaries are given the honorific address Yang Berhormat. Stae Secretaries are given the honorific address Yang Berhormat.