THE NEW AGE OF THE KINGS MODERN MONARCHIES IN MALAYSIA AND THE WORLD

• Main Author: Paridah Abd. Samad 1952- (Author)
• Format: Manuscript Book
• Language: English
• Published: Kuala Lumpur Partisan Publication 2014
• Subjects: Monarchy; Monarchy > Malaysia; Monarchy > Asia; Monarchy > Europe; Monarchy > Middle East; Malaysia > Biography > Kings and rulers; Asia > Biography > Kings and rulers; Europe > Biography > Kings and rulers; Middle East > Biography > Kings and rulers
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 Traditionally, people generally view the royal rulers as great and sacred. All affairs pertaining to the people's everyday life is centralised on the King as a symbol of power and unity. Today, most constitutional monarchies are still reflected as the centre of society. Malaysia has the only system that is uniquely federal, autochthonous, elective and rotative. The existence of the constitutional monarchy in Malaysia is closely related to, and in line with the development of the Malay civilisation. The different ethnic communities in Malaysia have consented to the existence of the constitutional monarchy as an extension of the Malay tradition into the political system. As an elective monarchy, the supreme head of state or Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected for a five-year term by a Conference of Rulers who hold a secret ballot. Therefore, unlike many other monarchies, it is difficult to remain popular and secure loyalty in view of the rotating order of the system. In fact, many young Malaysians are no longer interested in the affairs pertaining to royalty. However, with the emergence of educated and dynamic members of the royal family, the modern role for the Malay rulers beyond the passive and formal constitutional head of state is being re-defined. They have stepped up their vocal involvement in civil society, without entering the political fray directly. This phenomenon is seen all around the world as both monarchs and the people examine the past in order to delineate a new, modern purpose of Kingship in the 21st century. The background and current situation of the Malaysian monarchy in unparalleled in respect of other constitutional monarchies around the world. However, the power, roles and effects of these monarchies are comparable. This book represents a snapshot synopsis of modern monarchies both in Malaysia and around the world.