Analysing The Principles And Functions of The Malaysian Monarchy During Periods of Political Crisis

探求马来西亚君主在政治危机中的行事原则与功能

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between Malaysia’s political development and the monarchy’s role, emphasizing the monarch’s influence in the political transformation process. Although the political situation from 2018 to 2022 was chaotic, society was relatively orderly, it is reflecting the monarchy’s function and role. In other words, while a power struggle among political elites resulted in a change of regime and led to the new structure of Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, and Perikatan Nasional into confrontation, it did not lead to political violence and social disorder. This result can be attributed to the federal constitution of the country that regulates the systems of monarchy and democracy. Political parties and elites are willing to follow constitutional principles and respect the arbitration results of the Malay rulers, who serve as the supreme head of state. Additionally, multi-party competition has led to the elite’s abuse of power and the rise of ideological extremism, which challenges society’s diverse interests. As a result, people are increasingly shifting their frustrations and concerns about politics toward hoping monarch or Malay rulers act as a stabilizing force to maintain social order and curb extremism. However, this article also pays attention to the fundamental democratic dilemma: that overreliance on the monarchy as a counterweight to elite democracy could lead to an imbalance of power favouring the monarch. That also reflects a political reality of Malaysia: the dominance of elites in establishing democratic rules while grassroots citizen power remains weak.

Keywords: federal crisis, principles of monarchy, political elites, the role of monarchy in political transition of Malaysia, reflection of democracy