Malaysias

Malaysias is not an official term for a sovereign state. In formal and common usage, the country is Malaysia. The plural may appear in discussions emphasizing regional diversity, historical phases, or administrative divisions. The federation consists of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo), with 13 states and 3 federal territories. The capital is Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya serves as the administrative center.

Malaysia has a constitutional monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong serves as the ceremonial head of state, rotating among the sultans roughly every five years; the prime minister is the head of government. The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara. The judiciary is independent, with the Federal Court at the apex.

The population is ethnically diverse, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous groups. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language; English is widely used, and other languages such as Mandarin and Tamil are common in daily life. The economy is diversified, with electronics manufacturing, palm oil, petroleum, and services comprising major sectors. Malaysia is classified as a middle-income nation with a substantial manufacturing base and a growing digital sector.

Historically, the federation was formed in 1963 from Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak; Singapore joined briefly and left in 1965. Cultural life is plural, reflecting Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, which are evident in festivals, cuisine, and arts.