Overview of Malaysian Government Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the Judiciary according to the Constitution?

To enforce laws made by Parliament

To protect the supremacy of the Constitution (correct)

To manage the day-to-day operations of government departments

To set up the framework for inferior courts

Which of the following statements about Superior Courts is true?

They include the Syariah Courts.

They are inferior to the courts created by Parliament.

They are established by the Constitution. (correct)

They have the authority to decide all legal cases in the country.

What power does the Judiciary uniquely possess?

The power to create new laws

The power to amend the Constitution

The power to interpret the Constitution (correct)

The power to enforce laws passed by Parliament

Which courts are classified as inferior courts under federal laws?

Sessions Courts and Magistrates’ Courts Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Special Court created by the Constitution?

To hear cases related to the YDPA and other Rulers Signup and view all the answers

What is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) required to do when appointing judges?

Act on the advice of the PM Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can the YDPA act on his own discretion?

Withholding consent to dissolve Parliament Signup and view all the answers

Who is the head of government in Malaysia?

Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Cabinet in Malaysia?

It is the highest policy-making body and consists of all Ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a member to be appointed as Prime Minister by the YDPA?

Likely to command confidence of the majority in the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of public services in Malaysia?

They are independent of government changes Signup and view all the answers

How are Ministers appointed in Malaysia?

Appointed by the YDPA on the advice of the PM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forces is included in the public services of Malaysia?

Police force Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the legislature?

To legislate, amend or repeal laws Signup and view all the answers

Which house of Parliament consists of 70 members?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum term length for a Senator in Malaysia?

3 years Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a member of Parliament to be disqualified?

Both A and C Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces in Malaysia?

Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) Signup and view all the answers

At what age can a Malaysian become a member of the House of Representatives?

18 years old Signup and view all the answers

How are members of the Senate appointed?

Appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Signup and view all the answers

What must happen within 60 days of a vacancy occurring in the Senate?

The vacancy must be filled by appointment or election Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the Federal Government's executive branch?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

How is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) chosen?

By the Conference of Rulers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Government Structure

Government is divided into three branches: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Legislature

Main function is to legislate, amend, or repeal laws.
Federal level legislation is done by the Parliament of Malaysia; State level by the State Legislative Assembly.
Parliament can create laws under the Federal List or Concurrent List.
State Legislature can legislate under State List or Concurrent List.
Comprises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA), Senate, and House of Representatives.

Senate

Membership includes 70 Senators: 40 appointed by YDPA, 26 elected by State Legislative Assemblies, and 4 for Federal Territories.
Eligibility: Must be at least 30 years old.
Term of office lasts for 3 years; maximum of 2 terms.

House of Representatives

Comprised of 222 elected members: 209 from states, 11 from Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and others from Labuan and Putrajaya.
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old.

Disqualification Criteria for Parliament Members

Unsound mind, bankrupt, holding an office of profit, exceeding campaign spending limits, conviction with imprisonment over 1 year or fines over RM2,000, or dual citizenship disqualifies a candidate.

Vacancy Procedures

Vacancies in the Senate or House occur due to death, resignation, or disqualification and must be filled within 60 days by special election or appointment.

Executive

Composed of YDPA, Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Public Services.
The executive governs according to laws established by Parliament.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA)

Serves as the constitutional monarch and Supreme Head, elected for a 5-year term by the Conference of Rulers from among nine state rulers.
YDPA is head of Islam in specific states and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces.
Generally acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, except in specific situations like appointing the PM and withholding Parliament dissolution consent.

Prime Minister

Appointed by YDPA; must be a member of House of Representatives with majority support.
Usually the leader of the ruling party or coalition in Parliament.

Cabinet

Comprises all Ministers, serving as the main policy-making body.
Ministers must be members of either Parliament house and are appointed by YDPA on the PM’s advice.

Public Services

Includes police force, armed forces, and education services.
Officials maintain continuity across government changes by managing day-to-day operations.

Judiciary

Key courts established by the Constitution: Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts (Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak).
Special court exists for YDPA and other rulers.
Parliament can establish inferior courts; examples include Sessions Courts and Magistrates’ Courts.
Judiciary protects constitutional supremacy and interprets laws, ensuring adherence to the Constitution and checking abuses of power by the Executive and Legislature.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of the government structure in Malaysia, focusing on its three branches: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Explore the functions and memberships of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, along with their legislative powers. Test your understanding of the composition and roles within Malaysia's governing bodies.