Constitutional reforms
A page from the Sejarah Melayu (the Malay Annals), a historical text which tells the story of the rise and fall of the Melaka sultanate, from its founding to the time of Portuguese conquest in 1511.
The traditional consultation process between the sultans and the more powerful of the district chiefs changed after British intervention in the Malay states, when British Residents were appointed to advise the sultans. To restore the chiefs' role in the consultation process, and to include Chinese headmen, state councils were established. The sultans did not take an active part in these councils or the Federal Council, which was later established. Laws were passed by the councils and the sultan's assent given. Johor and Terengganu, fearing a British takeover of their states, promulgated state constitutions to forestall that possibility.
- Information in the full article includes
- Government by district chiefs
- Ideal ruler
- The rulers' new role
- Unfederated Malay States