| Summary: | Traditionally, people generally view the royal rulers as great and sacred. All affairs pertaining to the people's everyday life is centralised on the King as a symbol of power and unity. Today, most constitutional monarchies are still reflected as the centre of society. Malaysia has the only system that is uniquely federal, autochthonous, elective and rotative. The existence of the constitutional monarchy in Malaysia is closely related to, and in line with the development of the Malay civilisation. The different ethnic communities in Malaysia have consented to the existence of the constitutional monarchy as an extension of the Malay tradition into the political system. As an elective monarchy, the supreme head of state or Yang di-Pertua Agong is elected for a five-year term by a Conference of Rulers who hold a secret secret ballot. Therefore, unlike many other monarchies, it is difficult to remain popular and secure loyalty in view of the rotating order of the system. In fact, many young Malaysians are no longer interested in the affairs pertaining to loyalty. However, with the emergence of educated and dynamic members of the royal family, the modern role for thr Malay rulers beyond the passive and formal constitutional head of state is being re-defined. They have stepped up their vocal involvement in civil society, without entering teh political fray directly. This phenomenon is seen all around the world as both monarchs and the people examine the past in order to delineate a new, modern purpose of Kingship in the 21st century. The background and current situation of the Malaysian monarchy is unparalleled in respect of other constitutional monarchies around the world. However, the power, roles and effect of these monarchies are comparable. This book represents a snapshot synopsis of modern monarchies both in Malaysia- and around the world. With the rising force in Malaysia's opposition, political uncertainty will define a new and possibly greater role for the Malay rulers. Amidst political insecurity lies a strong force depicted in perfect pictorial images of the yellow royal regalia seen on television, newspaper and the walls of offices, restaurants and hotel lobbies. All over the world, modern monarchs are a force that is resilient and has endured for many centuries, and yet, must reform for an improved contemporary role in a progressive, plural society. This book illustrates the current faces of modern monarchies around the world and their roles and influence in society.
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