Monarchies in Malaysia
Encyclopedia
There are currently nine states
in Malaysia that have hereditary monarchies
. They are Kedah
, Kelantan
, Johor
, Negeri Sembilan
, Perlis
, Pahang
, Perak
, Selangor
and Terengganu
. In addition, the rulers of these nine states elect among themselves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
, the head of state
of Malaysia.
All of these states are constitutional monarchies
, which means that the rulers do not influence the politics
of the state, although this convention has been breached on occasion.In 2008, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu refused to appoint incumbent Idris Jusoh
as Menteri Besar despite the latter's party winning a majority in the state assembly. Another member of the majority party was appointed instead. The rulers play a constitutional role as head of the religion of Islam
in their respective states. Malaysia itself is a constitutional monarchy, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong performing the ceremonial role of appointing the prime minister
, who commands a majority in the Dewan Rakyat
, Malaysia's lower house of Parliament
. Similarly, the rulers appoint the heads of government in their states, known as Menteri Besar
(pl. Menteris Besar), who command majorities in the respective state legislative assemblies.
The four other Malaysian states that do not have hereditary monarchs have Yang di-Pertua Negeri
(roughly translated as governor) as their heads of state instead. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and their roles are also largely ceremonial.
Rulers and Yang di-Pertua Negeri convene triannually in the Conference of Rulers
. The Conference exercises powers over matters related to religion, observances and ceremonies in Malaysia. It also elects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong every five years.
, the Kingdom of Kedah was founded around 630 CE by Maharaja Derbar Raja, who arrived from Gameroon, Persia. The Sultanate of Kedah
was founded when the last Hindu
king, Phra Ong Mahawangsa, converted to Islam
in 1136. He took the name Sultan Mudzafar Shah
. Sultan Mudzafar's descendants continue to rule Kedah today.
The seat of the Sultan of Kedah is Anak Bukit
.
, Siam and Terengganu
, Long Muhammad, son of Long Yunus, declared himself Sultan in 1800 and gained recognition as a tributary by the Siamese. Control over Kelantan was transferred to the British
under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909
.
The state capital, Kota Bharu
, also serves as the royal city. The main palace for ceremonial functions is Istana Balai Besar, while Istana Negeri serves as the current sultan's residence. The previous sultan, who is still living, resides at Istana Mahkota.
. The first Sultan, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II
was the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, who reigned from 1528. In the 19th century, with support from the British
, the Temenggong family gained recognition as rulers of the state. Its first sultan, Maharaja Abu Bakar is known as the founder of "modern Johor". His descendants rule the state today.
The Sultan of Johor resides in the capital, Johor Bahru
.
(Yamtuan Besar) of Negeri Sembilan.
The first Yamtuan Besar was Raja Melewar
, who united the nine small states of Negeri Sembilan, each of which were ruled by a local chieftain. He was sent from the Pagaruyung Kingdom at the request of the Minangkabau
nobility in the nine small states in the Malay Peninsula
in the 18th century. Raja Melewar was succeeded by other princes sent from Pagaruyung, whose sons did not inherit the throne until Raja Raden in 1831, who was the son of Raja Lenggang.
The seat of the Yamtuan Besar is Seri Menanti
.
is elected among the four noble houses, Waris Jelebu, Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin and Waris Kemin. Undangs of Johol are a succession of members of a single family in the female line. The son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is usually the heir. The Undang of Rembau alternates between the two major noble houses in the Luak, namely the Waris Jakun (who inherit the title Dato' Lela Maharaja) and the Waris Jawa (Dato' Sedia di-Raja). As with the undangs of Johol, the son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is the heir in the family.
has its own hereditary ruler, known as the Tunku Besar. The Tunku Besars of Tampin are descendants of Sharif Sha'aban Syed Ibrahim al-Qadri, the son-in-law of Raja Ali, a member of the state royal family who challenged the reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar in the early 19th century.
, and a daughter of Sultan Dziaddin of Kedah
, was recognized as Raja of Perlis by the Siamese
after helping them suppress a rebelliong by the Raja of Ligor, a microstate in the Pattani
region. The Jamalullails are of Arab
descent and continue to rule the state of Perlis.
The seat of the Raja of Perlis is Arau
.
of the state is nominally elected by a council of Four Ruling Chieftains (Undang Empat), although succession stays within the state royal family. In 1967, after the death of Tuanku Munawir, his son, Tunku Muhriz was not selected as the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar because of his youth. Instead, the Chieftains elected his uncle, Tuanku Jaafar, to succeed his father. In 2008, upon the death of Tuanku Jaafar, the Chieftains passed over Jaafar's son and elected Tunku Muhriz as the next ruler.
. A consort may only use a title if it is granted to her either by order of the ruler or during a coronation ceremony. The consorts of different states have different titles, some do not even receive one. The title of a consort in a state may also change depending on the ruler. For instance, the wife of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin of Terengganu was known as the Tengku Ampuan Besar, while the wife of his grandson Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is known as the Sultanah (formerly Permaisuri).
Titles of consorts usually take the form Cik Puan, Raja Perempuan, Sultanah, Tengku Ampuan, Raja Permaisuri, Tengku Permaisuri, or Permaisuri.
States of Malaysia
Malaysia is a federation which consists of thirteen states and three federal territories . Eleven states and two federal territories are located on the Malay Peninsula while the remaining two states and one federal territory are on the island of Borneo.-The states and federal territories:Malaysia...
in Malaysia that have hereditary monarchies
Monarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
. They are Kedah
Kedah
Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice...
, Kelantan
Kelantan
Kelantan is a state of Malaysia. The capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu. The Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Naim, ....
, Johor
Johor
Johor is a Malaysian state, located in the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the most developed states in Malaysia. The state capital city and royal city of Johor is Johor Bahru, formerly known as Tanjung Puteri...
, Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan, one of the 13 states that constitutes Malaysia, lies on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur and borders Selangor on the north, Pahang in the east, and Malacca and Johor to the south....
, Perlis
Perlis
Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south...
, Pahang
Pahang
Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak and Sabah, occupying the huge Pahang River river basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, to the south by Johor and to the east by Terengganu and the South China Sea.Its state...
, Perak
Perak
Perak , one of the 13 states of Malaysia, is the second largest state in the Peninsular Malaysia bordering Kedah and Yala Province of Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, Selangor the Strait of Malacca to the south and west.Perak means silver in Malay...
, Selangor
Selangor
Selangor also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity") is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west...
and Terengganu
Terengganu
Terengganu is a sultanate and constitutive state of federal Malaysia. The state is also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Iman...
. In addition, the rulers of these nine states elect among themselves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Yang di-Pertuan Agong
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence....
, the head of state
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
of Malaysia.
All of these states are constitutional monarchies
Constitutional monarchy
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it be a written, uncodified or blended constitution...
, which means that the rulers do not influence the politics
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
of the state, although this convention has been breached on occasion.In 2008, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu refused to appoint incumbent Idris Jusoh
Idris Jusoh
Haji Idris bin Jusoh was the former Menteri Besar of the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation which is part of the nation ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.- Crisis in Terengganu :...
as Menteri Besar despite the latter's party winning a majority in the state assembly. Another member of the majority party was appointed instead. The rulers play a constitutional role as head of the religion of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
in their respective states. Malaysia itself is a constitutional monarchy, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong performing the ceremonial role of appointing the prime minister
Prime Minister of Malaysia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state, who in HM's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives , the...
, who commands a majority in the Dewan Rakyat
Dewan Rakyat
The Dewan Rakyat is the lower house of the Parliament of Malaysia. All bills must usually be passed by both the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara , before they are given Royal Assent by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong...
, Malaysia's lower house of Parliament
Parliament of Malaysia
The Parliament of Malaysia is the national legislature of Malaysia, based on the Westminster system. The bicameral parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The King as the Head of State is the third component of Parliament....
. Similarly, the rulers appoint the heads of government in their states, known as Menteri Besar
Menteri Besar
The Menteri Besar is the chief executive of the state government for states in Malaysia with hereditary rulers. For states without a monarch, the title Chief Minister is used...
(pl. Menteris Besar), who command majorities in the respective state legislative assemblies.
The four other Malaysian states that do not have hereditary monarchs have Yang di-Pertua Negeri
Yang di-Pertua Negeri
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri is the official title of the ceremonial heads of state of the Malaysian states without hereditary rulers, namely Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak...
(roughly translated as governor) as their heads of state instead. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and their roles are also largely ceremonial.
Rulers and Yang di-Pertua Negeri convene triannually in the Conference of Rulers
Conference of Rulers
The Conference of Rulers in Malaysia is a council comprising the nine rulers of the Malay states, and the governors or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of the other four states...
. The Conference exercises powers over matters related to religion, observances and ceremonies in Malaysia. It also elects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong every five years.
Kedah
According to the Hikayat Merong MahawangsaHikayat Merong Mahawangsa
Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa or The Kedah Annals is an ancient Malay literature that chronicles the bloodline of Merong Mahawangsa and the foundation of the Kedah, a state in Malaysia. Though there are historical accuracies, there are many incredible assertions...
, the Kingdom of Kedah was founded around 630 CE by Maharaja Derbar Raja, who arrived from Gameroon, Persia. The Sultanate of Kedah
Kedah Sultanate
The Sultanate of Kedah was the earliest sultanate on the Malay Peninsula and one of the oldest Sultanates in the world, founded in year 1136.-Kedah Kingdom:...
was founded when the last Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
king, Phra Ong Mahawangsa, converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
in 1136. He took the name Sultan Mudzafar Shah
Sultan Mudzafar Shah I
Sultan Mudzafar Shah I,or Phra Ong Mahawangsa was the first Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1136-1179. He was the last King of Kedah. After his conversion to Islam, he later became the founder of the Kedah Sultanate, which still existed to this day....
. Sultan Mudzafar's descendants continue to rule Kedah today.
The seat of the Sultan of Kedah is Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit
Anak Bukit is the royal town of the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is also the name of one of the state assembly constituencies in the Kedah State Assembly...
.
Kelantan
After centuries of subordination by Majapahit, MalaccaMalacca Sultanate
Established by the Malay ruler Parameswara, the Sultanate of Malacca was first a Hindu kingdom in 1402 and later became Muslim following the marriage of the princess of Pasai in 1409. Centered in the modern town of Malacca, the sultanate bordered the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam in the north to...
, Siam and Terengganu
Terengganu
Terengganu is a sultanate and constitutive state of federal Malaysia. The state is also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Iman...
, Long Muhammad, son of Long Yunus, declared himself Sultan in 1800 and gained recognition as a tributary by the Siamese. Control over Kelantan was transferred to the British
British Malaya
British Malaya loosely described a set of states on the Malay Peninsula and the Island of Singapore that were brought under British control between the 18th and the 20th centuries...
under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909
Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909
The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 or Bangkok Treaty of 1909 was a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Siam signed on March 10, 1909, in Bangkok. Ratifications were exchanged in London on July 9, 1909....
.
The state capital, Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu is a city in Malaysia, is the state capital and Royal City of Kelantan. It is also the name of the territory in which Kota Bharu City is situated. The name means 'new city' or 'new castle/fort' in Malay. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia, and lies...
, also serves as the royal city. The main palace for ceremonial functions is Istana Balai Besar, while Istana Negeri serves as the current sultan's residence. The previous sultan, who is still living, resides at Istana Mahkota.
Johor
The early Sultans of Johor claimed to be a continuation of the Malacca SultanateMalacca Sultanate
Established by the Malay ruler Parameswara, the Sultanate of Malacca was first a Hindu kingdom in 1402 and later became Muslim following the marriage of the princess of Pasai in 1409. Centered in the modern town of Malacca, the sultanate bordered the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam in the north to...
. The first Sultan, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II
Alauddin Riayat Shah II of Johor
Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II was the first Sultan of Johor. He ruled Johor from 1528 to 1564. He founded the Johor Sultanate following the fall of Malacca to the Portuguese in 1511. He was the second son of Mahmud Shah of Malacca. Thus, Johor was a successor state of Malacca and Johor's sultans...
was the son of the last Sultan of Malacca, who reigned from 1528. In the 19th century, with support from the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the Temenggong family gained recognition as rulers of the state. Its first sultan, Maharaja Abu Bakar is known as the founder of "modern Johor". His descendants rule the state today.
The Sultan of Johor resides in the capital, Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital city of Johor in southern Malaysia. Johor Bahru is the southernmost city of the Eurasian mainland...
.
Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan's monarchy incorporates a form of federalism, whereby the state is divided into smaller chiefdoms (luak), each with a hereditary (ceremonial) ruling chieftain (undang). These chieftains elect the Yang di-Pertuan BesarYang di-Pertuan Besar
In Malay, Yang di-Pertuan Besar, literally "He Who Is Made Great" or "Great Ruler", is a royal title.-In Malaysia:# Also known as Yamtuan Besar, it is the title of the elected monarch of the state of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia...
(Yamtuan Besar) of Negeri Sembilan.
The first Yamtuan Besar was Raja Melewar
Raja Melewar
Raja Melewar was the first Yamtuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He was a prince from the state of Minangkabau in Sumatra, Indonesia.-History:...
, who united the nine small states of Negeri Sembilan, each of which were ruled by a local chieftain. He was sent from the Pagaruyung Kingdom at the request of the Minangkabau
Minangkabau
The Minangkabau ethnic group is indigenous to the highlands of West Sumatra, in Indonesia. Their culture is matrilineal, with property and land passing down from mother to daughter, while religious and political affairs are the responsibility of men...
nobility in the nine small states in the Malay Peninsula
Malay Peninsula
The Malay Peninsula or Thai-Malay Peninsula is a peninsula in Southeast Asia. The land mass runs approximately north-south and, at its terminus, is the southern-most point of the Asian mainland...
in the 18th century. Raja Melewar was succeeded by other princes sent from Pagaruyung, whose sons did not inherit the throne until Raja Raden in 1831, who was the son of Raja Lenggang.
The seat of the Yamtuan Besar is Seri Menanti
Seri Menanti
Seri Menanti is the royal capital of the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Situated in the Kuala Pilah district, it houses the seat of the head of state or Yamtuan Besar, the local equivalent of theSultan...
.
Chieftains / Undang
Chieftains are selected among the nobility in each Luak, following matrilineal inheritance, part of the state's adat perpatih customs. The Undang of Sungai Ujong is chosen among the Waris Hulu and Waris Hilir families, and inherits the title Dato' Kelana Petra Seri Jaya. The Undang of JelebuJelebu
Jelebu is second largest districts in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia after Jempol, consisting more than 40,000 in population. Jelebu borders with the Seremban district, Jempol district, Kuala Pilah district, Pahang and Selangor...
is elected among the four noble houses, Waris Jelebu, Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin and Waris Kemin. Undangs of Johol are a succession of members of a single family in the female line. The son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is usually the heir. The Undang of Rembau alternates between the two major noble houses in the Luak, namely the Waris Jakun (who inherit the title Dato' Lela Maharaja) and the Waris Jawa (Dato' Sedia di-Raja). As with the undangs of Johol, the son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is the heir in the family.
| Luak | Title | Undang | Reign since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sungai Ujong | Dato' Kelana Petra Seri Jaya | Dato' Shah Bandar Dato' Shah Bandar Y.T.M. Dato' Haji Mubarak bin Dohak, formally known as Dato' Shah Bandar, DTNS , is the 16th and current Dato' Klana Petra Sri Jaya of Luak Sungai Ujong, one of the traditional states of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He was installed on 29 December 1993... |
1993 |
| Jelebu Jelebu Jelebu is second largest districts in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia after Jempol, consisting more than 40,000 in population. Jelebu borders with the Seremban district, Jempol district, Kuala Pilah district, Pahang and Selangor... |
Dato' Mendelika Mentri Akhir ul-Zaman | Dato’ Haji Musa Abdul Wahab Musa bin Wahab Y.T.M. Dato' Mendika Menteri Akhir ul-Zaman Dato' Haji Musa bin Wahab, DTNS, PJK is the 15th and current Undang of Luak Jelebu, one of the traditional states of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He was elected as udang on 4 February 1980 and installed 20 November 1981 according to the customs of the state... |
1983 |
| Johol Johol Johol is a small town in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The reigning Undang Luak of Johol is HAJI MOHD JAN BIN ABDUL GHANI .-External links:... |
Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan | Dato' Muhammad Abdul Ghani Mohammad Jan bin Abdul Ghani Y.A.M. Dato' Haji Mohammad Jan bin Abdul Ghani , Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan, is the 14th and current Undang of Luak Johol, one of the traditional states of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia.... |
2007 |
| Rembau Rembau Rembau is a town within a district that shares the same name that is located in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. With a population of 40,000 people the district is a stronghold of the matrilineal system known as adat perpatih, a customary practice inherited from the Minangkabaus, of... |
Dato' Lela Maharaja or Dato' Sedia di-Raja |
Dato' Muhammad Sharif Othman Muhammad Sharif Othman Y.T.M. Haji Dato' Muhammad bin Sharif Othman, DTNS, 11th Dato' Lela Maharaja , is the 21st and current Undang of Luak Rembau.... |
1999 |
Tampin
In addition, the district of TampinTampin
Tampin is both a town and a district in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, however part of the town spills over into the neighbouring state of Malacca, as it is located along the Malacca-Negeri Sembilan border...
has its own hereditary ruler, known as the Tunku Besar. The Tunku Besars of Tampin are descendants of Sharif Sha'aban Syed Ibrahim al-Qadri, the son-in-law of Raja Ali, a member of the state royal family who challenged the reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar in the early 19th century.
| District | Title | Incumbent | Reign since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampin Tampin Tampin is both a town and a district in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, however part of the town spills over into the neighbouring state of Malacca, as it is located along the Malacca-Negeri Sembilan border... |
Tunku Besar | Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri Razman al-Qadri Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Syed Razman ibni al-Marhum Tunku Syed 'Idrus al-Qadri is a Malaysian royal and the current hereditary ruler, titled Tunku Besar, of Tampin, in Negeri Sembilan. He is the only son of the previous ruler, Tunku Syed Idrus al-Qadri, and his wife Zainon binti Tunku Sulaiman... |
2005 |
Pahang
The modern royal house of Pahang is a branch of the royal family of Johor. They held the title of Bendahara. In 1853, the Bndahara, Tun Muhammad Tahir, broke away from the Johor sultan and declared the state of Pahang independent. He was later deposed by his brother Ahmad, who declared himself Sultan in 1884.Perlis
Syed Hussein Jamalullail, the son of Syed Abu Bakar Jamalullail, the chief of ArauArau
Arau is the royal capital of Perlis in Malaysia. It is located in Peninsular Malaysia, 14 kilometers southeast of the official state capital of Kangar. The red-roofed Istana is a mixture of colonial and pseudo-Moorish architectural styles...
, and a daughter of Sultan Dziaddin of Kedah
Sultan Dziaddin Mukarram Shah
Sultan Dziaddin Mukarram Shah was the 15th Sultan of Kedah. His reign was from 1661 - 1687.-External links:*...
, was recognized as Raja of Perlis by the Siamese
Siamese
Siamese most commonly refer to:*The Thai language*The Thai people*Someone or something from Thailand: see Siam *Siamese *Siamese twinsAmongst animals:*Siamese Crocodile*Siamese mud carp...
after helping them suppress a rebelliong by the Raja of Ligor, a microstate in the Pattani
Pattani
Pattani may refer to* Pattani Province, in southern Thailand* Pattani , in southern Thailand* Pattani , which includes the above province** Pattani Kingdom, a former semi-independent kingdom...
region. The Jamalullails are of Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
descent and continue to rule the state of Perlis.
The seat of the Raja of Perlis is Arau
Arau
Arau is the royal capital of Perlis in Malaysia. It is located in Peninsular Malaysia, 14 kilometers southeast of the official state capital of Kangar. The red-roofed Istana is a mixture of colonial and pseudo-Moorish architectural styles...
.
Succession
The succession order is generally determined roughly by agnatic primogeniture. No female may become ruler, and female line descendants are generally excluded from succession as well. The main exception is Negeri Sembilan. The Yang di-Pertuan BesarYamtuan Besar
Yamtuan Besar, also known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, is the royal title of the ruler of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The ruler of Negeri Sembilan is selected by a council of ruling chiefs in the state, or the datuk-datuk undang. This royal practice has been followed since 1773...
of the state is nominally elected by a council of Four Ruling Chieftains (Undang Empat), although succession stays within the state royal family. In 1967, after the death of Tuanku Munawir, his son, Tunku Muhriz was not selected as the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar because of his youth. Instead, the Chieftains elected his uncle, Tuanku Jaafar, to succeed his father. In 2008, upon the death of Tuanku Jaafar, the Chieftains passed over Jaafar's son and elected Tunku Muhriz as the next ruler.
Table of monarchies
| State | Monarch | Succession | Incumbent | Born | Age | Reigns since | Designated heir Heir apparent An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession.... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Malaysia |
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Yang di-Pertuan Agong The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence.... |
elective monarchy Elective monarchy An elective monarchy is a monarchy ruled by an elected rather than hereditary monarch. The manner of election, the nature of the candidacy and the electors vary from case to case... |
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin | 22 January 1962 | y. | 13 December 2006 | None; elected by Conference of Rulers Conference of Rulers The Conference of Rulers in Malaysia is a council comprising the nine rulers of the Malay states, and the governors or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of the other four states... |
 Kedah |
Sultan | agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Abdul Halim | 28 November 1927 | y. | 21 September 1970 | Tunku Abdul Malik Tunku Abdul Malik Tunku Abdul Malik ibni Sultan Badlishah is the heir presumptiveAlthough he is sometimes called heir apparent due to him being invested Raja Muda, this is not technically true since he may still be displaced in the line of succession by a son born to the current Sultan, however implausible that may... , Raja Muda (brother) |
 Kelantan |
Sultan Sultan of Kelantan The Sultan of Kelantan is the constitutional head of Kelantan state in Malaysia. The current sultan, Muhammad V, is the 29th Sultan of Kelantan. He is the figurehead of Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities of its people.... |
agnatic primogeniture | Muhammad V Muhammad V of Kelantan Muhammad V , is the Sultan of the Malaysian state of Kelantan. He was proclaimed Ruler in September 2010, succeeding his father, Sultan Ismail Petra, who is considered incapacitated by illness.-Early life and regency:Born Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra in Kota Bharu, he was made... |
6 October 1969 | y. | 13 September 2010 | Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra is the current Tengku Mahkota or heir presumptive to the throne of Kelantan. He was appointed to the position on October 18, 2010.... , Tengku Mahkota (brother) |
 Johor |
Sultan Sultan of Johor Sultan of Johor is a hereditary seat and the nominal ruler of the Malaysian state of Johor. In the past, the sultan held absolute power over the state and was advised by a bendahara... |
agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Ibrahim Ismail | 22 November 1958 | y. | 23 January 2010 | Tunku Ismail Idris, Tunku Mahkota (eldest son) |
 Negeri Sembilan |
Yang di-Pertuan Besar Yamtuan Besar Yamtuan Besar, also known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, is the royal title of the ruler of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The ruler of Negeri Sembilan is selected by a council of ruling chiefs in the state, or the datuk-datuk undang. This royal practice has been followed since 1773... |
elective monarchy Elective monarchy An elective monarchy is a monarchy ruled by an elected rather than hereditary monarch. The manner of election, the nature of the candidacy and the electors vary from case to case... |
Tuanku Muhriz | 14 January 1948 | y. | 29 December 2008 | Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Tunku Besar Sri Menanti (must be elected by Four Ruling Chieftains) |
 Pahang |
Sultan Sultan of Pahang Sultan of Pahang is the title of the constitutional head of Pahang, Malaysia. The current sultan is Ahmad Shah. He is the Head of the Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities in the state.-History:... |
agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Ahmad Shah | 14 October 1930 | y. | 7 May 1974 | Tengku Abdullah Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah is the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Malaysia.... , Tengku Mahkota (eldest son) |
 Perlis |
Raja | agnatic primogeniture | Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin | 17 May 1943 | y. | 17 April 2000 | Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, Raja Muda (eldest son) |
 Perak |
Sultan Sultan of Perak Sultan of Perak is one of the oldest hereditary seats among the Malay states.When the Sultanate of Malacca empire fell to Portugal in 1511, Sultan Mahmud Syah I retreated to Kampar, Sumatra and died there in 1528. He left behind two princes named Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II and Sultan Muzaffar... |
agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Azlan Shah Azlan Shah of Perak Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuff Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullah, GCB, KStJ is the current Sultan of Perak. He was the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia from 26 April 1989 to 25 April 1994... |
19 April 1928 | y. | 3 February 1984 | Raja Nazrin Shah Raja Nazrin Shah Raja Dr Nazrin Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah is the Raja Muda of Perak. He is the eldest son of the current Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuff Izzudin Shah Ghafarullahu-lahu and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Bainun Binti Mohd... , Raja Muda (eldest son) |
 Selangor |
Sultan Sultan of Selangor Sultan of Selangor is the title of the constitutional ruler of Selangor, Malaysia.-Bugis bloodline:The Sultans of Selangor are descended from a Bugis dynasty that claim descent from the rulers of Luwu in the southern part of Celebes... |
agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Sharafuddin Sharafuddin of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is the ninth and current Sultan of the Malaysian state of Selangor. He ascended the throne in 2001, succeeding his father, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.-Early life and education:... |
24 December 1945 | y. | 21 November 2001 | Tengku Amir Shah Tengku Amir Shah Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah is the current Raja Muda of the Malaysian state of Selangor. He is the son and heir to the current Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.-Biography:... , Raja Muda (eldest son) |
 Terengganu |
Sultan Sultan of Terengganu Sultan of Terengganu is the title of the constitutional head of Terengganu state in Malaysia. The current sultan, Mizan Zainal Abidin, is the seventeenth Sultan of Terengganu... |
agnatic primogeniture | Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin | 22 January 1962 | y. | 15 May 2008 | Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tengku Muhammad Ismail ibni Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is the Regent of Terengganu. He is the son of the current sultan, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, and assumed the regency in December 2006 after his father's election as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.-Biography:Tengku Muhammad Ismail was born 1 March 1998... , Raja Muda (eldest son) |
Consorts
The title of the consort of a monarch is not generally fixed and not automatically obtained by courtesyCourtesy title
A courtesy title is a form of address in systems of nobility used for children, former wives and other close relatives of a peer. These styles are used 'by courtesy' in the sense that the relatives do not themselves hold substantive titles...
. A consort may only use a title if it is granted to her either by order of the ruler or during a coronation ceremony. The consorts of different states have different titles, some do not even receive one. The title of a consort in a state may also change depending on the ruler. For instance, the wife of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin of Terengganu was known as the Tengku Ampuan Besar, while the wife of his grandson Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is known as the Sultanah (formerly Permaisuri).
Titles of consorts usually take the form Cik Puan, Raja Perempuan, Sultanah, Tengku Ampuan, Raja Permaisuri, Tengku Permaisuri, or Permaisuri.
List of consorts
| State | Monarch | Consort | Title | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia |
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Yang di-Pertuan Agong The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence.... |
Tuanku Nur Zahirah | Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Permaisuri Agong, or in full, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong, is the title given to the Queen of Malaysia, consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.The holders of this office have been:... |
13 December 2006 – present |
| Kedah |
Sultan | Sultanah Haminah Sultanah Haminah of Kedah Sultanah Hajjah Haminah binti Hamidun is the current Sultanah of Kedah. Born a commoner from Bagan Serai, Perak, she married Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah on 25 December 1975 and was titled Che Puan Kedah until 9 January 2004 when she was promoted to Sultanah.... |
Che Puan | 1975 – 9 January 2004 |
| Sultanah | 9 January 2004 – present | |||
| Kelantan |
Sultan Sultan of Kelantan The Sultan of Kelantan is the constitutional head of Kelantan state in Malaysia. The current sultan, Muhammad V, is the 29th Sultan of Kelantan. He is the figurehead of Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities of its people.... |
none (present Sultan is divorced) |
– Previous consort was known as Raja Perempuan |
– |
| Johor |
Sultan Sultan of Johor Sultan of Johor is a hereditary seat and the nominal ruler of the Malaysian state of Johor. In the past, the sultan held absolute power over the state and was advised by a bendahara... |
Raja Zarith Sofia | nonePrevious consort was incorrectly referred to as Sultanah | 22 January 2010 – present |
| Negeri Sembilan |
Yang di-Pertuan Besar Yamtuan Besar Yamtuan Besar, also known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, is the royal title of the ruler of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The ruler of Negeri Sembilan is selected by a council of ruling chiefs in the state, or the datuk-datuk undang. This royal practice has been followed since 1773... |
Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tuanku Aishah Rohani Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud is the current Tunku Ampuan Besar or Queen of Negeri Sembilan. She is married to the current Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.-Background:... |
Tuanku Ampuan Besar | 29 December 2008 – present |
| Pahang |
Sultan Sultan of Pahang Sultan of Pahang is the title of the constitutional head of Pahang, Malaysia. The current sultan is Ahmad Shah. He is the Head of the Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities in the state.-History:... |
Kalsom Sultanah Kalsom binti Abdullah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom binti Abdullah is the current Sultanah of Pahang and second wife of Sultan Ahmad Shah. Born on 12 September 1951, she is originally of Persian and Pakistani descent/origin. She has previously worked as an air stewardess.Sultanah Kalsom married Sultan... |
Cik Puan | 14 March 1991 – 30 September 1992 |
| Sultanah | 30 September 1992 | |||
| Perlis |
Raja | Tengku Fauziah | Raja Perempuan | 14 July 2000 – present |
| Perak |
Sultan Sultan of Perak Sultan of Perak is one of the oldest hereditary seats among the Malay states.When the Sultanate of Malacca empire fell to Portugal in 1511, Sultan Mahmud Syah I retreated to Kampar, Sumatra and died there in 1528. He left behind two princes named Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II and Sultan Muzaffar... |
Tuanku Bainun | Raja Permaisuri | 3 February 1984 |
| Selangor |
Sultan Sultan of Selangor Sultan of Selangor is the title of the constitutional ruler of Selangor, Malaysia.-Bugis bloodline:The Sultans of Selangor are descended from a Bugis dynasty that claim descent from the rulers of Luwu in the southern part of Celebes... |
none (present Sultan is divorced) |
– Previous consort was known as Tengku Permaisuri |
– |
| Terengganu |
Sultan Sultan of Kelantan The Sultan of Kelantan is the constitutional head of Kelantan state in Malaysia. The current sultan, Muhammad V, is the 29th Sultan of Kelantan. He is the figurehead of Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities of its people.... |
Tuanku Nur Zahirah | Permaisuri | 19 July 1998 – 5 June 2006 |
| Sultanah | 5 June 2006 – present |
Royal Capital
| States | Royal capital | Ruler title |
|---|---|---|
| Johor Johor Johor is a Malaysian state, located in the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the most developed states in Malaysia. The state capital city and royal city of Johor is Johor Bahru, formerly known as Tanjung Puteri... |
Johor Bahru (Pasir Pelangi Pasir Pelangi Pasir Pelangi is the royal village of Johor, Malaysia. It is situated near Stulang and Johor Bahru. This royal village was established in the early 1900s during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor... ) |
Sultan Sultan Sultan is a title with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic language abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", and "dictatorship", derived from the masdar سلطة , meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be used as the title of certain rulers who... |
| Kedah Kedah Kedah is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice... |
Alor Setar (Anak Bukit Anak Bukit Anak Bukit is the royal town of the northern state of Kedah, Malaysia. It is also the name of one of the state assembly constituencies in the Kedah State Assembly... ) |
Sultan |
| Kelantan Kelantan Kelantan is a state of Malaysia. The capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu. The Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Naim, .... |
Kota Bharu | Sultan |
| Negeri Sembilan Negeri Sembilan Negeri Sembilan, one of the 13 states that constitutes Malaysia, lies on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur and borders Selangor on the north, Pahang in the east, and Malacca and Johor to the south.... |
Seri Menanti Seri Menanti Seri Menanti is the royal capital of the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Situated in the Kuala Pilah district, it houses the seat of the head of state or Yamtuan Besar, the local equivalent of theSultan... |
Yamtuan Besar Yamtuan Besar Yamtuan Besar, also known as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, is the royal title of the ruler of the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The ruler of Negeri Sembilan is selected by a council of ruling chiefs in the state, or the datuk-datuk undang. This royal practice has been followed since 1773... (Yang di-Pertuan Besar) |
| Pahang Pahang Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak and Sabah, occupying the huge Pahang River river basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, to the south by Johor and to the east by Terengganu and the South China Sea.Its state... |
Pekan Pekan Located on the banks of the Pahang River 50 km south of Kuantan, Pekan is the royal town of the Malaysian state of Pahang Darul Makmur. Its name comes from a flower, the Bunga Pekan. Pekan is also the name of the district the town is situated in, and a parliamentary constituency in its own right... |
Sultan |
| Perak Perak Perak , one of the 13 states of Malaysia, is the second largest state in the Peninsular Malaysia bordering Kedah and Yala Province of Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, Selangor the Strait of Malacca to the south and west.Perak means silver in Malay... |
Kuala Kangsar Kuala Kangsar Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, Malaysia, located at the downstream of Kangsar River, where it flows into the Perak River. It is the main town in the administrative district of Kuala Kangsar.-History:... |
Sultan |
| Perlis Perlis Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia. It lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has Satun and Songkhla Provinces of Thailand on its northern border. It is bordered by the state of Kedah to the south... |
Arau Arau Arau is the royal capital of Perlis in Malaysia. It is located in Peninsular Malaysia, 14 kilometers southeast of the official state capital of Kangar. The red-roofed Istana is a mixture of colonial and pseudo-Moorish architectural styles... |
Raja Raja Raja is an Indian term for a monarch, or princely ruler of the Kshatriya varna... |
| Selangor Selangor Selangor also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity") is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west... |
Klang Klang Klang , formerly known as Kelang, is the royal city and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the Klang District in Klang Valley. It is located about 32 km to the west of Kuala Lumpur and 6 km east of Port Klang... |
Sultan |
| Terengganu Terengganu Terengganu is a sultanate and constitutive state of federal Malaysia. The state is also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Iman... |
Kuala Terengganu | Sultan |