Malaysia flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Malaysia

Malaysia continues to navigate complex political dynamics with a coalition government led by Anwar Ibrahim, balancing economic development, political reforms, and maintaining social stability across its multiethnic society.

Political Stability

Moderate

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Federal Constitutional Monarchy

Legal System

Mixed legal system of civil and common law

Head of State

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah(since 2019)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim(Pakatan Harapan)since 2022

Political Indicators

Political Stability
0.62Rank #85

Scale: 0-1

Moderate Stability

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Corruption Index
47Rank #62

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
45.5Rank #107

Scale: 0-100

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
6.14Rank #70

Scale: 0-10

Flawed Democracy

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Senate (70 seats)
Lower House:Dewan Rakyat (222 seats)

Major Political Parties

Pakatan Harapan(PH)

Center-left

82 seats
Perikatan Nasional(PN)

Right-wing

74 seats
UMNO(UMNO)

Right-wing

26 seats

Voting Rights

Malaysian citizens aged 21 and above can vote in national and state elections

Recent Developments

  • Political coalition government formed in 2022
  • Ongoing efforts to combat corruption
  • Economic reforms and diversification initiatives
  • Increased focus on digital economy and technology
Voting Age21
SuffrageUniversal for citizens
Constitution1957
States and Federal Territories13