Spirit Of Montesquiue - A Study In Malaysia

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in the United States.

The Structure of Government in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the legislative branch of government contains three major elements - the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat . All three elements are crucial in passing bills or laws tabled at parliament. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Supreme Head of The Federation and also the Leader of Islam in his home state, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and states which does not have a monarch of their own namely Melaka, Pulau Pinang, Sabah and Sarawak . His majesty however does not have any power in the administration of the state. In his official capacity as the Sovereign of the country, His Majesty is compelled to accept advises from the executive branch of the government - the Cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister . In the United States however, as the Head of State and Head of the Government, the President holds full administrative power. He is however accountable to Congress (legislative branch).
The Dewan Negara (Upper House) has 69 members who are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Its job is to debate Bills passed by the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House or House of Representatives). The Dewan Negara does not have the authority to reject Bills but it has the authority to delay these Bills and to return them to the Dewan Rakyat for rectification and further debate. The Dewan Rakyat or House of Representatives has 192 members (1995) who are elected by the masses in elections which are held every five years. Its main function is to debate Bills introduced or proposed by the executive branch of government. In the United States, both members of these houses (Senate and House of Representatives) are elected to their positions by the masses in elections.

The executive branch of government in Malaysia is called the Cabinet or Ministers' Council. It consists of members from political parties which won the majority of seats in the elec...