Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the highest-ranking office created by the constitution of the federation of Malaysia. The office was first established at independence in 1957. In accordance with the constitution, the holder of this office is "the Supreme Head of the Federation" and as such is Malaysia's Head of State.

Translated into literal English, the words mean "He who is made Lord". However, common alternatives are "Supreme Ruler", "Paramount Ruler", or "Supreme Head of State". Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected monarch as head of state. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDP) is one of the few elected monarchs in the world.

Since 1993, the full title in Malay has been, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Conqueror Majesty The Supreme Lord of the Federation). Prior to that, the honorific Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (The Dust Under The Feet Of His Royal Highness) was also used. The consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is called the Raja Permaisuri Agong. The couple are addressed in English as "His Majesty" and "Her Majesty".

In Malaysia's constitutional monarchy, the role of the YDP is largely ceremonial. The constitution specifies that the executive power of the Federal government is vested in the King and is exercised by him on the advice of the federal Council of Ministers. The latter is headed by the Prime Minister, appointed by the YDP from among the elected members of Parliament.

The 13th and current Yang di-Pertuan Agong is Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Terengganu. His reign began on 13 December 2006 after his election by the Conference of Rulers. He was formally enthroned on 26 April 2007.

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National Flag of Malaysia

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Malaysian Flag Description:
The flag of Malaysia consists of 14 alternating horizontal stripes of red and white that run down the flag, starting with red at the top. In the top left quarter of the Malaysian flag there is a blue square. Inside the square sits a yellow crescent and 14-pointed star.

Malaysian Flag Meaning:
The 14 stripes and points of the star represent the 13 member states of the Malaysian federation and the Federal District of Kuala Lumpur. They represent equal status in the federation of the states and in the federal government. The crescent and star imagery represent Islam, and yellow is a traditional royal color. The blue square stands for unity of the Malaysian people. The blue was originally adopted from the British Union Jack and represented Malaysia's link to Britain.