Malaysia: About Malaysia
From ExecutivePlanet.com
About Malaysia
Malaysia, located near the equator, is a country that consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories in Southeast Asia. The country is separated into 2 regions – Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo – by the South China Seas, and has a total landmass of 329,847km2. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. Malaysia is headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and politically led by a Prime Minister.
Malaysia as a unified state did not exist until the mid 20th century. In the late 1700s, a set of colonies was established by the United Kingdom. This group of colonies was known as British Malaya until its dissolution in 1946, when it was reorganized as the Federation of Malaya and later recognized as an independent nation in 1957.
In September 1963, Singapore, Sarawak, British North Borneo and the Federation of Malaya joined to form Malaysia. The early years of the new union were marred by an armed conflict with Indonesia, and Singapore was later expulsed. The population of Malaysia is approximately 26 million, with the Malays forming the majority of the population, with Chinese and Indians the minorities. Islam is the largest as well as the official religion of the federation. The Malay language, known as Bahasa Malaysia is the official language. As a former British colony, Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Developing 9 Countries.
Geography
The 2 distinct parts of Malaysia – Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo – separated by the South China Seas, share a largely similar landscape. Both East and West Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to densely forested hills and mountains. The local climate is equatorial and is characterized by annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons.
Kuala Lumpur remains the commercial and financial capital of Malaysia, whereas Putrajaya is the newly created administrative capital for the federal government of Malaysia. Other major cities include George Town, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Malacca and Klang.
Government
The system of government in Malaysia is closely modelled on that of the Westminster Parliamentary system, a legacy of British colonial rule. Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy.
1. Of the 13 states in Malaysia, nine are ruled by a Ruler ( Raja, Sultan or Yang Di-Pertuan Besar ) whereas 4 states i.e. Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka and Pulau Pinang are headed by a Governor ( Yang Di-Pertua Negeri ).
2. Each of the nine Rulers takes turns to be the Paramount Ruler or the King (The Yang di-Pertuan Agong). The four Governors ( Yang Di-Pertua Negeri ) are not entitled to be the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
3. The Agong is elected during a Special Rulers’ Conference ( Mesyuarat Khas Majlis Raja-Raja ).
4. The Ruler who becomes the Agong holds the post for five years and, during that period, the state where he comes from is ruled by a Regent ( Pemangku Raja / Sultan or Yang Di-Pertuan Besar ).
5. At the end of his term as the King, he goes back to his home state to continue as the Ruler ( Raja / Sultan or Yang Di-Pertuan Besar ) of his state.
6. The five-year term might not be completed in case of his demise or if he decides to abdicate the throne.
7. The first Yang di-Pertuan Agong was the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan (1957) and the present Agong i.e. the Sultan of Terengganu is the 13th. Agong. His term of office will end on 12th December 2011.
8. The parliament consists of the Lower House – the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (Chamber of the People) and the upper house, the Senate or Dewan Negara (Chamber of the Nation).
9. The 222-member House of Representatives is elected from single-member constituencies that are drawn based on population for a maximum term of 5 years.
10. All 70 Senators sit for a 3-year term. 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, 2 representing the Federal Territory of KL, 1 each from federal territories of Labuan and Putrajaya. 40 are appointed by the King.
11. Besides the Parliament at the federal level, each state has a unicameral state legislative chamber (Dewan Undangan Negeri) whose members are elected from single-member constituencies.
12. Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years, with the last general election being in March 2008.
Climate
Malaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 86ºF (30ºC). The major change in seasons is marked by the arrival of the monsoons that bring heavy downpours on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the Northeastern part of Sabah and the western end of Sarawak (from November to February). The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.
Religion
Malaysia is a multi-religious society and Islam is the official religion. Approximately 60% of the 26 million population practice Islam, 20% Buddhism, 10% Christianity, and 5% Hinduism. The remaining 5% are other faiths including Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, etc. All non-Muslims who marry a Muslim must renounce their religion and convert to Islam. Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah courts when it comes to matters concerning their religion. One who wishes to leave Islam makes a legal declaration, but this is still not recognized by the Malaysian civil courts. One has to obtain a declaration of apostasy from a Syariah court.
Legislation
Upon entry into Malaysia, visitors will be given a Malaysian Disembarkation Card to complete and present to Malaysian immigration upon arrival. While in Malaysia, visitors are encouraged to carry their passports with them at all times. Travellers are required to carry their passports for travel from Peninsular Malaysia to Eastern Malaysia. Social visit passes (visas) issued at immigration points at KLIA airport, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu for entry into Peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into Sarawak. New social visit passes must be obtained upon arrival at Kuching or Miri airports in Sarawak.
