Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Malay title usually translated as "Supreme Head", "Supreme Ruler" or "Paramount Ruler", is the official title of the head of state of Malaysia. The position is often glossed as King in English. Since 1993, the full title in Malay has been, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Prior to that the prefix Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia was also used.

Election

In a feature unique to the Malaysian monarchy, the position is rotated every five years between the nine Rulers of the Malay states. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by and from among the nine Rulers, who form the Council of Rulers. The selection of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong initially followed an order based on the seniority (calculated by length of reign) of each Ruler drawn up at Independence in 1957. The original order has at times been varied by the Council of Rulers, which can vote to disqualify a candidate. Minors are automatically disqualified.

Related Topics:
Malay states - 1957

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On taking office as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Ruler appoints a Regent for that state, usually, but not always, a close relative.

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The Council of Rulers (in Malay, Majlis Raja-raja) has met regularly since 1895. The members of the council include the non-Royal Governors or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, but only royal Rulers are allowed to vote and stand for election as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

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