How a British-style system evolved into Malaysia's complex legislative engine

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rooted in the Westminster model, Malaysia's Parliament is a bicameral system that has weathered significant political shifts. From the 1957 independence of Malaya to the 1963 formation of Malaysia, the legislature has undergone structural transformations that redefined how states and the federal government interact.

The Parliament of Malaysia operates through two houses: the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and the Dewan Negara (Senate). While the Dewan Rakyat consists of 222 members elected via a first-past-the-post system, the Dewan Negara's composition has shifted significantly over time. Under the 1957 Constitution of Malaya, state-elected senators held a majority with 22 members. However, subsequent amendments increased appointed members to 40, plus 4 for federal territories, leaving state-elected members in the minority. The lower house members are selected from single-member constituencies based on population. Furthermore, candidates must be at least 18 years old to contest an election.

The system is headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King), who serves as the third component of Parliament. While the Prime Minister leads the executive, they are constitutionally subordinate to the King. The legislature has faced two notable suspensions: the first for two years following the 13 May 1969 race riots, and a second for six months in 2021 due to COVID-19 and political instability. Senators must be at least 30 years old and serve three-year terms. Notably, the dissolution of Parliament does not affect the Senate's operations.

Legislative power in Malaysia is not absolute; the Parliament is subordinate to the King under Article 39 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the judiciary's relationship with the legislature changed following the 1988 constitutional crisis, after which judicial powers were vested by Parliament in the courts. This complex interplay of power, shaped by the Reid Commission's drafting of the Malayan Constitution, continues to define the nation's governance. The Attorney-General also gained authority to direct court proceedings following the 1988 crisis.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Malaysia is a rare federation where nine hereditary monarchs elect their own national king.
• The oldest legislature in Malaysia is a living relic of colonial rule
• How Malaysia uses a rotating system to elect its King
• Malaysia has had ten premierships but only nine prime ministers
• The 2018 Malaysian election ended six decades of uninterrupted rule
• The Parthian Empire was built on the power of feudal families and oral poetry
• The Rise and Fall of Park Geun-hye: South Korea’s First Female President
• Poland's Razem party seeks a modern social democratic path beyond the post-communist left
• How a group of Australian friends became a global sensation from a Berlin apartment
• The Party for Freedom: A singular political force reshaping the Dutch landscape since 2006
• How a Brazilian state transformed from a coffee giant into an agricultural powerhouse
• The Party of the European Left is navigating a significant ideological and structural shift.

More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics