Succession to the Malaysian thrones explained

Malaysia practises an elective monarchy, so there is no distinct line of succession to the Malaysian thrones. In the event where the current seat of the throne falls vacant (due to death, incapacitation or resignation), the Conference of Rulers meet to elect the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong (monarch) from among the rulers of the nine Malay states. The deputy king does not automatically succeed the throne. The election is regulated by Article 32 of the Constitution of Malaysia.[1]

By convention, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been elected by the established order of seniority of the states.

Federal throne

Turning State Ruler On the Federal Throne Remarks
1 Muhriz
(since 29 December 2008)
N/A
2 Sharafuddin
(since 22 November 2001)
N/A
3 Sirajuddin
(since 17 April 2000)
13 December 2001 – 12 December 2006 12th King
4 Mizan
(since 15 May 1998)
13 December 2006 – 12 December 2011 13th King
5 Sallehuddin
(since 12 September 2017)
N/A
6 Muhammad V
(since 13 September 2010)
13 December 2016 – 6 January 2019 15th King
7 Abdullah
(since 11 January 2019)
31 January 2019 – 30 January 2024 16th King
8 Ibrahim
(since 23 January 2010)
31 January 2024 – present 17th King
9 Nazrin
(since 29 May 2014)
N/A Deputy King

States' throne

States' thrones are as follows.[2]

Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan is unique in that it is the only State in Malaysia which practices an elective monarchy instead of a linear dynasty. The four largest luak (districts) in Negeri Sembilan each elect an Undang (viceroy), who are also the kingmakers of the State. When the position of the Yamtuan Besar falls vacant, the four Undangs will be called upon to appoint a successor among the Princes of Four. They are the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti (currently Tunku Ali Redhauddin), the Tunku Laksamana (currently Tunku Naquiyuddin), the Tunku Muda of Serting (currently Tunku Imran) and the Tunku Panglima Besar (currently Tunku Nadzaruddin). The current Yamtuan Besar is Tuanku Muhriz.

Selangor

Perlis

Terengganu

Kedah

Kelantan

Pahang

Johor

Perak

In contrast to the other Malaysian sultanates, the ruling dynasty of Perak utilizes a somewhat complex order of succession.

The reigning Sultan appoints princes in the male line of descent from a Sultan to certain high princely titles. They are arranged in a strict order of precedence indicating the order of succession to the throne. As per a ruling of 25 February 1953, the present hierarchy of titles and the corresponding order of succession is as follows:

  1. Raja Muda (Crown Prince, currently Raja Jaafar)
  2. Raja Di-Hilir (Deputy Crown Prince, currently Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain)
  3. Raja Kecil Besar (Grand Minor Prince, currently Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah)
  4. Raja Kecil Sulong (Eldest Minor Prince, currently Raja Ahmad Nazim Azlan Shah)
  5. Raja Kecil Tengah (Middle Minor Prince, currently Raja Iskandar)
  6. Raja Kecil Bongsu (Youngest Minor Prince, currently vacant)

While titleholders are usually appointed for life, titles may be revoked in cases of proven incompetence or disability. On the death or promotion of an existing titleholder, the holder of the next most senior title succeeds him. The Raja Muda is the heir apparent, and succeeds the ruling sultan on his demise, whereupon the prince holding the title of Raja Di-Hilir becomes the new Raja Muda. The Raja Kechil Besar then becomes the Raja Di-Hilir. The new Sultan may then appoint his own nominee to the junior-most title made vacant by these successions.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Constitution of Malaysia.
  2. Web site: Malaysia: Land of Nine Kings. 22 February 2012.
  3. News: Harits Asyraf Hasnan. Tengku Amir Shah sempurnakan istiadat pemasyhuran Raja Muda Selangor. 25 January 2018. astroawani.com. 15 October 2016. Malay.
  4. News: Raja Muda Kedah ke-20 dimasyhur. Aizat. Sharif. 26 November 2017. 26 November 2017. myMetro. Malay.
  5. News: Raja Muda Kedah ke-20 dimasyhur. Aizat. Sharif. 26 November 2017. 26 November 2017. myMetro. Malay.