System overview
How Malaysia is governed
A plain-language guide to Malaysia's constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, federation and three branches of government.Direct answer
Malaysia is a federation and a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Public power is divided among the legislature, executive and judiciary, and between federal and state governments.
- System
- Parliamentary democracy
- Head of state
- Yang di-Pertuan Agong
- Federal legislature
- Parliament
- States
- 13
Four ideas explain the system
Malaysia combines four structures: a constitutional monarchy, parliamentary government, a federation of states and a constitutional division of public power.
- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the federal head of state and performs constitutional functions.
- The Cabinet exercises federal executive government and is responsible to Parliament.
- Parliament legislates at federal level, while each state has its own legislature.
- Courts exercise judicial power and interpret the law.
Federal does not mean every issue is national
The Federal Constitution distributes legislative subjects between federal and state institutions. Some matters are shared. Local authorities operate within state authority, with federal coordination in defined areas.
- Federal examples include defence, foreign affairs and many national laws.
- State examples include land and matters assigned to the State List.
- Local services are commonly delivered through a local authority or PBT.
Common questions
Is Malaysia a presidential system?
No. Malaysia uses parliamentary government. The Prime Minister and Cabinet depend on confidence in the Dewan Rakyat.
Does Parliament control every government service?
No. Responsibilities are distributed among federal, state and local institutions.
Where can I see the current federal election record?
Open InfoUndi's Malaysia Parliament map for the current seat composition and constituency evidence.