Category: Malaysia Blog & News

HEAD OF STATE AND RULERS OF THE STATES

The office of the King is not hereditary. Malaysia practices a system of government based on Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy at two levels, Federal and State levels. At the Federal level the head of State is the King and the head of government is the Prime Minister. At the state level the head (Ruler) of State is either the Sultan, Raja, Yang di-Pertuan Besar or the Yang di-Pertua Negeri. The Chief Ministers (Menteri Besar/Ketua Menteri) are the heads of state goverment.

CONFERENCE OF RULERS In accordance with the Malaysian Constitution, the power to elect and appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is vested with the Conference of Rulers. In the federation system of government (as practiced in Malaysia) where a number of state Rulers are involved, a council known as the Conference of Rulers, was instituted under Article 38 of the Federal Constitution to serve as a forum for the Rulers and Governors (Yang Dipertua Negeri) to meet and deliberate. On certain matters the Federal Constitution provides that the government seek advice from the Conference of Rulers.

GOVERNMENT’S ADVICE

The monarchy is seen as a symbol of power, authority, and government. It is an embodiment of strength, protection and justice for the people and personifies their love and loyalty towards the country. In countries, which practice parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, the power of the people is conveyed through Parliament which in turn delegates its executive power to the Cabinet. In Malaysia, whatever action is taken by an authority is executed in the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who acts on the advice of the Government.

STAUS AND POWER

Article 32(1) of the Federal Constitution provides that there shall be a Supreme Head of the Federation to be called the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. His Majesty shall take precedence over all persons in the Federation and shall not be liable to any proceedings whatsoever in any court except in the Special Court established under Part XV (Articles 182 and 183). The Constitution also provides that the Raja Permaisuri Agong shall take precedence next after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
As the Head of State, His Majesty has wide powers as provided for in the Constitution. His Majesty has the prescribed roles and functions in the three branches of government, namely, the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.

Election Of The Yang di-Pertuan Agong And Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Malaysia does not have an absolute monarchy although it has a king, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the Head of State. What is unique about the monarchical system in Malaysia is that the Yang di- Pertuan Agong is elected by the Conference of Rulers in accordance with the procedure spelt out in the Third Schedule of the Federal Constitution and the rules of the Conference of Rulers.

QUALIFICATION

• Only one of the Rulers is qualified to be elected.
• Only the Rulers are eligible to vote.
• As is the custom, the most senior Ruler is elected. This procedure is no longer adhered to since the Rulers of all States have had their turns to be elected. The first round was completed with the election of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak as the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Since then new list known as the Reconstituted List was drawn up based on the seniority of the States whose Rulers have been elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the First to the Ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong).

NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION

The Constitution provides that a Ruler is not eligible for election as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong unless:

• the Ruler is a minor;
• the Ruler has notified the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal that he does not     wish to be elected, or;
• the Conference of Rulers by a secret ballot resolves that the Ruler is  unsuitable by reason of infirmity of mind or body or for any other cause to exercise the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The resolution shall only be carried if at least five members of the Conference have voted in favour of it.

STEPS PRECEDING AN ELECTION

• Application of consent for the date of the Election Meeting.
• If vacancies occur in the offices of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, proceedings for the Election shall not be later than four weeks from the dates when the offices fall vacant.
• The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal shall write to every Ruler enquiring whether he desires to be nominated to the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong respectively. The Rulers who do not wish to be elected shall so notify the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, and their States will then be placed last on the Nomination List.

ELECTION PROCEEDINGS

• When the Conference of Rulers deliberates on the election of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Governors (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) will not be present even though they are Members of the Conference.
• The election is carried out by a secret ballot.
• The ballot papers will be destroyed in the presence of the Rulers as soon as the result of the election result is announced.
• The ballot papers used are not numbered, but marked with the same pen and ink, and are inserted into the ballot box.
• The most junior Ruler who is not listed as nominee for the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is appointed to count the ballot papers together with the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.
• Only the Rulers, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal and the Assistant Secretary of the Conference of Rulers are involved in the election proceedings.
• A Ruler may appoint another Ruler as his proxy to vote on his behalf in the event that he is unable to be present at the Election Meeting.

ELECTION PROCESS

During the process of the election, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will distribute the ballot papers to the Rulers, and each Ruler will be requested to indicate (on the ballot paper) whether the most senior Ruler (one name only) is suitable/not suitable to be elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The nominee must have obtained the majority of five votes before the Ruler presiding over the Election Meeting offers the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to him. If the successful nominee declines the offer or the Ruler fails to secure the required majority votes, the voting process will be repeated with the nomination of the second most senior Ruler in the Seniority List of Rulers. The process will only be completed after the Ruler has accepted the offer of the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Conference will then declare the Ruler as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who will hold office for a term of five years.

THE OFFICE OF THE TIMBALAN YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG

The office of the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, although an important institution, is often overshadowed by that of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong; thus the office and its holder may not be as well-known to the public. The Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is usually better known as the Ruler of his State than as the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The latter is only noticeable when exercising the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong either during the King’s absence or inability to exercise his functions owing to illness or infirmity.

Besides, the Constitution does not accord the office of the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong a status higher than that of the other Rulers. The Ruler who holds the office of the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not considered as occupying a higher status than that of the other Rulers by reason of his holding that office. The present Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Sultan of Terengganu who only precedes the Sultan of Selangor and the Regent of Perlis, in terms of seniority. The office of Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is provided for under Article 33 of the Federal Constitution.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OFFICE OF THE TIMBALAN YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG

It is not unusual to have an office for the Deputy Head of State. In the case of the Timbalan Yang diPertuan Agong there are many reasons why such an office is necessary:

1. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may not be in the country, especially when he is on state visits to foreign countries.
2. Ill-health may hinder the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from exercising his functions.
3. The possibility of the Kings demise while in office, as in the case of the first, second, and eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
4. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong may not be able to exercise his functions for other reasons.
5. Under such circumstances, the presence of the Deputy Head of State whose functions are clearly stipulated in the Constitution helps solve problems that may arise.

THE PROCESS OF ELECTION OF THE TIMBALAN YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG

When the process of electing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is completed the election of Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be carried out in the same manner.

AFTER COMPLETION OF THE PROCESS OF ELECTIONS

After the completion of both elections, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will write to the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Prime Minister, informing them of the results of the elections. The Prime Minister will issue a press statement announcing the results of the elections of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall only exercise their official duties after they have subscribed to their oath of office in a ceremony before the Conference of Rulers and in the presence of the Chief Justice of the Federal Court and the oath shall be attested to by two Rulers appointed for the purpose by the Conference of Rulers.

The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong. It was built in 1928 and was originally the residence of a millionaire, Mr. Chan Wing. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942-1945, it was used as the Japanese Officers’ mess. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government and after being renovated, it became the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957.

The Federal Government then bought the palace in 1957, to be converted into the Istana Negara. Since then it had undergone several renovations and extensions. But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

This majestic building is nestled within a serene and beautiful 11.34-hectare compound with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. It is located at Syed Putra Road right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main halls, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the Audience Hall (Dewan Mengadap) on the ground floor.

The whole area is fenced up and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front of the Istana Negara, there is the main entrance which resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to the ones at Buckingham Palace, London.

As the palace grounds are not opened to members of the public or tourists, the Main Palace Entrance is a favourite picture spot for tourists.

Melawati Palace

The Melawati Palace is located in Precint 1, Putrajaya. It has a resort concept and serves as a retreat for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Melawati literally means guard’s tower. Designed by YM Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin, the palace comprises four components namely, Royal Wing, Arrival Wing, Meetings Wing and the Administration Block. Three guard’s towers form a prominent structure at the side and centre of the palace. Inside the palace at the main staircase of the Meeting Wing, is a Melawati which is made from cengal wood topped with golden roof. The price of the property is not being valued.

The Royal Wing consists the following components:

• Royal Bedroom
• Royal Resting Room
• Royal Banquet Room
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong
• Royal Bath (Royal Swimming Pool)
• Royal Kitchen
• Royal Guest House
• Royal Gallery
• Main Meeting Room

FEDERAL AWARDS AND HONOURS

The people of this country have long known of the Federal Awards. Johor is the first state to institute its own award on 31 July 1886. Then, the other Malay states followed in Johor’s footsteps. During the colonial days, the British government conferred awards on the people of the Federated Malay States in the form of honorary appointments and awards such as the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The British High Commissioner awarded the Malayan Certificate of Honour to the people of the Federated Malay States i.e. Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang up until l941.

Source : Depament of Information Malaysia

In a multi-cultural country like Malaysia, having the freedom to practice religion is crucial in order to preserve harmony. The main religions in Malaysia are Islam while there are Buddhists, Christians and many others.

Buddhism in Malaysia

Buddhism has a strong influence in Malaysia. As of 2010, there has been reported more than 5.5 million Buddhist in Malaysia. With a population of about 28 million, that is almost one-fifth of Malaysians. Buddhists are mostly found in major states like Selangor, Johor, Penang and in Kuala Lumpur.

Types of Buddhism

Buddhism in Malaysia is practiced in several languages including English Language, Bahasa Malaysia, Indian, Mandarin and Thai, among others. Most of them practices the Mahayana Buddhism which is predominantly Chinese. Others practices the Theravada Buddhism which is common among Thais and Sri Lanka.

Teachings and practices

Most Buddhists in Malaysia come from the Chinese community. As many combines Buddhism with Taoism or some with Confucianism, it puts Buddhism as the second largest in terms of population after Islam. Like many other countries, Buddhism was brought into Malaysia by the Indian traders and priests. This was then part of other traits like arts and government that was brought into the Malay Peninsula. As such, there is still a very strong influence of Indian culture to present day. It was only later during the 15th century that the kings converted to Islam that shaped the religion today.

Malaysian Buddhist organizations

Religions in Malaysia are not regulated like other organizations. Buddhism in Malaysia in particular does not have a development chart headed by a single organization. As such, coordination can sometimes be quite challenging. In recent years, there has been a formation of the Malaysian Buddhist Council which aims to align all the different types and sects of Buddhism so that they speak the same language and practices.

Wesak Day

Wesak Day in Malaysia is celebrated and observed with much fanfare mainly because of the strong numbers of devotees. Each year, the Joint Wesak Celebrations Committee of Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor organizes the Wesak Day celebrations which include a procession across the city. Meanwhile, all the Buddhist temples will have Wesak Day observations that commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment day of Buddha.

Buddhist Temples

Here are some of the significant Buddhist temples:

1. Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple – located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, it was founded in 1895 that includes a library, a school and other services
2. Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple – this temple is in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. It is connected to the Sri Jayanti Welfare Organisation and has a wide range of services like blessings, Dhamma classes and others
3. Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple – one of the prominent Thai Buddhist temples located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor which includes Thai celebrations like Loy Krathong and Songkran
4. Poh Ka Buddhist Temple – one of the few major Buddhist temples in Kuching, Sarawak
5. Wat Photivihan Buddhist Temple – Located in Tumpat, Kelantan, it is home to the very famous Sleeping Buddha at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Indonesians from all walks of life can apply for jobs in Malaysia as there is a strong bilateral tie between the 2 countries. It is therefore very common to hear domestic helpers from Indonesia being employed in Malaysian homes while some have already secured employment at high profile jobs and in corporate companies as well.

Domestic Helpers in Malaysia

This is a very common job seek by Indonesians in Malaysia. Maids and homemakers are quite popular where there has been an influx of these workers to Malaysia in the last 2 decades although this trend is currently reducing. This is mainly due to a recent ban imposed by the Indonesian government not to allow their domestic helpers to work here which has since been lifted. Today, the employment opportunities for Indonesian domestic helpers are a lot better where they are allowed to keep their own passports, enjoy a day off and minimum wage.

Manufacturing and Construction Jobs in Malaysia

Indonesians who are interested in the manufacturing and construction sectors can seek employment in these areas. This is where there are a lot of opportunities especially in the construction sector due to the rapid development of projects like the KVMRT (Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit) system, new commercial centres and such.

Those who are skilled in manufacturing can be employed in the plants and factories located at industrial areas like Kulim, Bayan Lepas, Pasir Gudang who will be able to enjoy the minimum wage level which was implemented recently.

Professional Jobs in various sectors in Malaysia

Besides blue-collar jobs, a lot of professional Indonesians have secured high profile employment in Malaysia. This includes being offered management positions in corporate companies including accountants, marketers and engineers.

In the professional sector, jobs in legal and medicine are not popular due to the difference in the systems and implementation. However, many Indonesians with postgraduate qualifications have already been employed in the education sector.

Indonesian Embassy

Location

The Indonesia Embassy is located along Jalan Tun Razak, one of the most prominent roads in Kuala Lumpur that connects all the major suburbs and satellite towns of the country’s capital. It is strategically located to provide all types of related services for Indonesians in Malaysia including employment, social welfare, financial assistance and political issues where necessary.

History of Indonesian Embassy

The diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Malaysia were formed since 1957, the year Malaysia gained its independence. Through the Jakarta Accord, an agreement was reached between the 2 governments which saw the opening of the first Liaison Office in Kuala Lumpur in 1967. It was formerly located in Jalan U-Thant before moving to Jalan Tun Razak in 1977 which is where the embassy continues to operate to present day.

Representations

Besides the main embassy in Kuala Lumpur, there are 5 other centres around the country to offer services to its people in various regions. Those in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia will be served by the centre in Johor Bahru while Penang provides services for those in the northern region. In East Malaysia, there are Indonesia Consulates in Kota Kinabalu for the state of Sabah, Kuching in Sarawak and in Tawau.

Roles

The main role of the Indonesia Embassy in Malaysia is to be the Indonesia’s main representative in this country. This means that any issue pertaining to Indonesia in politics, social and governmental areas will be handled and carried out by the Embassy. Besides that, the Indonesia Embassy is responsible in the handling and management of human capital and employment issues for its people who are working in the country.

Today, the Indonesia Embassy plays a crucial role in enhancing the bilateral ties between its government and Malaysia while offering the contact and reference point for the Indonesian people who are working, studying or living in Malaysia.

Address:

Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia Kuala Lumpur (Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Kuala Lumpur)
No. 233 Jalan Tun Razak, WP KL 50400

Tel: +603-2116-4016/4017, Fax: +603-2141-7908

Opening Hours:

MONDAY – THURSDAY: 09.00 AM – 13.00 PM 14.00 PM – 17.00 PM

FRIDAY: 09.00 AM – 12.30 PM14.30 PM – 17.00 PM

Persyaratan membuat perjanjian kerja bagi TKI yang mengganti paspor

Trafficking in Person

Trafficking In Person Adalah Rekrutmen, Transportasi, Pemindahan, Persembunyian Atau Penerimaan Seseorang Dengan Ancaman Atau Penggunaan Kekerasan Atau Bentuk Tekanan Lain Seperti Penculikan, Pemaksaan, Penipuan Atau Penyalahgunaan Kekuasaan Atau Penerima/Pemberian Bayaran Atau Manfaat Sehingga Memperoleh Persetujuan Dari Orang Yang Memegang Kendali Atas Orang Tersebut Untuk Dieksploitasi Seperti Prostitusi Atau Bentuk-Bentuk Eksploitasi Sexual Lainnya. Kerja Atau Pelayanan Paksa, Perbudakan Atau Praktek-Praktek Yang Menyerupai Adopsi Ilegal Dsb.

Masih sering terjadinya kasus – kasus perdagangan wanita dan anak melalui jalur darat, laut dan Udara menunjukan bahwa aspek pencegahan maupun penegakan hukum belum optimal, selain dari pada faktor pendorong timbulnya kasus tersebut antara lain kurangnya lapangan kerja, minat bekerja di luar negeri yang cukup tinggi, Modus Operandi sindikat dalam mencari tenaga kerja, sistem administrasi pembuatan dokumen sangat mudah. Jumlah wanita Indonesia yang ditangkap oleh PDRM maupun Imigrasi Malaysia terlibat pelacuran sebagai korban sindikat perdagangan wanita dalam 3 tahun terakhir 6425 orang.

Jumlah wanita Indonesia yang ditangkap oleh PDRM maupun Imigrasi Malaysia terlibat pelacuran sebagai korban sindikat perdagangan wanita dalam 3 tahun terakhir 6425 orang.

PEMBERITAHUAN
Proses Pembuatan Paspor bagi WNI akan memakan waktu selama sebulan.

PEMBERITAHUAN
Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia Kuala Lumpur (Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Kuala Lumpur)
No. 233 Jalan Tun Razak, WP KL 50400, Tel: +603-2116-4016/4017, Fax: +603-2141-7908

Generally, there are two types of government in the world which is either democracy or autocracy. Both systems differ in terms of power concentration. In Malaysia, the country practices Parliamentary Democracy. That simply means the country is headed by a constitutional monarchy – Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Since Malaysia achieved its independence in 1957, the country has been practicing democracy in which the government is determined by the majority in a decision-making process, general election. To outline and distinguish the separation of governing powers in the country, Federal Constitution that consists of Executive, Judicial and Legislative is applied.

As mentioned earlier, Yang di-Pertuan Agong is proclaimed as the Supreme Head of State. The King will carry out the duties and responsibilities based on advice from the country’s Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces

The Supreme Head of State is also the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Islamic Religious Head for the States of Penang, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territories. Similar to general election which takes place every five years, the position as the Supreme Head of State is a rotation-based system.

Before discussing and learning about the Federal Constitution, let’s find out more about the general election in Malaysia. Election can be defined as a social contract between a candidate or party and the people. During election, if a party gains majority of the votes and wins the election, then the party is eligible to form the government and keep the promises made during election campaign.

At federal level, general election is held every five years (one term). Before a particular general election is held, the constitutional monarchy Yang di-Pertuan Agong must dissolve the Parliament. On another note, a by-election would only be held in the constituency if the selected assemblyman dies, resigns or disqualified from the position.

Malaysian Federal Government

Federal government of Malaysia has plenty of ministries and departments to carry out different roles to spur country’s social and economic development and to keep the promises made during campaign that is to serve the citizens.

Based on the latest Cabinet line-up following the general election in 2009, the list include Ministries of Finance, Education, Transport, Home Affairs, Plantation Industries & Commodities, Information, Communications & Culture, Higher Education, Energy, Green Technology & Water, Rural & Regional Development, International Trade & Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, Natural Resources & Environment, Tourism, Defence, Works, Health, Youth & Sports, Human Resources, Foreign Affairs, Domestic Trade, Co-operatives & Consumerism, Women, Family & Community Development, as well as Housing & Local Government. All in all, Cabinet of Malaysia is under the executive authority as outlined under the constitution.

Current Affairs

Under the constitution, human rights is one of the highlighted issues that comprises freedom of speech, assembly and association, freedom of religion and freedom of movement. Unfortunately, over the years critics have expressed their concern on human right abuses in Malaysia.

Even though Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is supposed to oversee human rights freedom in the country, NGOs have been criticising on SUHAKAM’s lack of action. One of the more serious issues is the number of detainees died under police custody. Police brutality, shootings and death in custody have always been one of the highlighted issues among NGOs and international media.

To sum it up, Malaysian government must gear up and perhaps make some changes for a better tomorrow to help boost the country’s economy. Labelled as an Islamic extremist country, government must try to change this perception to build a better future for the society.