agong

Agong is the common name for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional monarch and federal head of state of Malaysia. The office is unique in being elected rather than hereditary: a five-year term elected by the Conference of Rulers from among the nine Malay state rulers.

The nine rulers are from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, and Terengganu. The Conference of Rulers elects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from among them. The Agong serves a five-year term, with succession rotating among the rulers according to an established order. The office is largely ceremonial, while executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In constitutional matters, the Agong acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He appoints the Prime Minister who commands the confidence of Parliament and, on that basis, the rest of the Cabinet. He grants royal assent to laws before they take effect and may dissolve Parliament in accordance with constitutional rules. He also represents Malaysia in ceremonial duties and state visits, and is the Head of Islam in the federation.

The institution forms part of Malaysia's constitutional framework and symbolically embodies the federation's historic Malay monarchic system, balancing federal authority with the autonomy of the states and the ceremonial nature of the role.