This topic falls under a sensitive category and is presented descriptively and neutrally.
The Federal Constitution is the supreme law of Malaysia. It establishes the federation of thirteen states and three federal territories, defines the powers of the federal and state governments, sets out the structure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Parliament, the executive and the judiciary, guarantees a set of fundamental liberties, and sets the procedure by which it may be amended.
- Came into force on 31 August 1957 (Merdeka) and was extended to Malaysia in 1963
- Article 4 declares it the supreme law of the federation
- Establishes the division of legislative powers between federal and state governments via the Ninth Schedule
- Part II (Articles 5–13) sets out fundamental liberties
- Amendment generally requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, per Article 159
Who this applies to: Anyone seeking a structural, descriptive understanding of Malaysia's constitutional framework.
On this page
At a glance
| Full name | Federal Constitution of Malaysia (Perlembagaan Persekutuan) |
| Type | Supreme law (constitution) |
| Administered by | Interpreted and applied by the courts; amended by Parliament |
| In force since | 31 August 1957 (as the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya); extended and renamed on formation of Malaysia, 16 September 1963 |
| Applies to | The federation as a whole — all federal and state institutions, and every person within Malaysia |
What it covers
The Federal Constitution is described in Article 4 as the supreme law of the federation, meaning any law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency. It is organised into Parts and Schedules covering the federation and its territories, citizenship, fundamental liberties, the federal institutions (the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Parliament, the executive and the judiciary), the states and their constitutions, the division of powers between federal and state governments, financial provisions, and special provisions.
Structure
- The federation. Part I establishes Malaysia as a federation of states and defines its territories.
- Citizenship. Part III sets out how citizenship is acquired, lost and terminated.
- Fundamental liberties. Part II (Articles 5–13) sets out liberties including liberty of the person, prohibition of slavery and forced labour, protection against retrospective criminal law, equality before the law, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, assembly and association, freedom of religion, rights in respect of education, and rights to property.
- The federal government. Part IV establishes the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Head of State, and the structure of the executive, legislature and judiciary at the federal level.
- The states. Part V covers state constitutions, the Conference of Rulers, and relations between the federation and the states.
- Distribution of powers. The Ninth Schedule sets out the Federal List, State List and Concurrent List, dividing legislative competence between Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies.
- Amendment procedure. Article 159 sets the general procedure for amending the Constitution, generally requiring a bill supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of each House of Parliament; certain provisions carry additional requirements, such as the consent of the Conference of Rulers or of specific state governments.
Who it affects
The Federal Constitution applies to every federal and state institution and, through the rights and obligations it establishes, to every person within Malaysia.
Related knowledge
This article is classified as sensitive (3R+1: constitutional matters) under NegaraKu.md’s editorial policy. It is written to be strictly descriptive — covering structure and function only — and is held in review pending human sign-off before publication.
Sources
- Federal Constitution (as at 1 September 2022 reprint) — Attorney General's Chambers of Malaysia
- Laws of Malaysia — Federal Constitution — Attorney General's Chambers of Malaysia