Majlis Raja-Raja

The Conference of Rulers, officially known as Majlis Raja-Raja, is a formal body established by Article 38 of the Constitution. It consists of the nine Rulers and the four Yang Dipertua Negeri (formerly called Governors). It provides an intimate link between the Federal Government and the State Government at the highest level.

Its meetings, are attended by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Prime Minister on behalf of the Federal Government, and by all Rulers and the Yang Dipertua Negeri each with their Menteri Besar or Chief Minister, provide them with an opportunity of discussing matters of common concern.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appears to be a member of the Conference only when it is convened for the purpose of electing the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong; and when the Conference deliberates on national policy.

Matters of Deliberation

When the Conference deliberates on matters of national policy, it is attended by the King and the Prime Minister as representatives of the Federal Government and the Rulers and Yang Dipertua, each of whom is accompanied by his Menteri Besar or Chief Minister. At the meeting, the King acts on the advice of the Prime Minister on behalf of the Cabinet and the other Rulers and the Yang Dipertua Negeri in accordance with the advice of their respective Executive Councils.

The Conference of Rulers acts as a safeguard for the position of the Rulers, their privileges, dignity and honour as provided for by the Constitution. One of its main functions is to elect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong every five years or when those posts fall vacant. However, non-royal members (including State Yang Dipertua Negeri) cannot participate in matters connected with royal elections or privileges.

The Rulers are heads of Islam in their respective states, and through the Conference they make decisions affecting Islam in the nation as a whole, including determining the dates for the start and end of the fasting month of Ramadhan and the festive months of Syawal (Hari Raya Puasa) and Zulhijjah (Hari Raya Qurban).

The Conference serves to resolve disputes between member states of the Malaysian Federation; instances of this are amicable settlement of matters concerning the creation of the Federal Territory (from Selangor) in 1973 and the resolving of boundary issues between Kedah and Pulau Pinang and between Kedah and Perak over the Krian District.

The Conference has a special responsibility to protect the special rights of the indigenous Bumiputera and the legitimate rights of all Malaysians as provided under Article 153 of the Constitution. The consent of the Conference is essential for any change to Article 10 of the Constitution (involving sensitive issues).
In general, the Conference may discuss any issue related to the interests and security of the nation. Its proceedings are secret and never published.

The Conference appoints one member to the Armed Forces Council representing Their Royal Highnesses. The Conference may be convened by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal at the command of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or by a minimum of three members of the Conference.

The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, an official appointed by the Conference of Rulers, acts as Secretary to the Conference of Rulers and shall hold his office at the pleasure of the Conference.