State Legislative Assemblies in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the state legislative assemblies, known in Malay as Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN), serve as the legislative branches of the state governments in each of the 13 states. These assemblies are a crucial component of Malaysia's federal structure, which also includes the Parliament of Malaysia.
Structure and Function
The state legislative assemblies in Malaysia are unicameral, meaning they consist of a single legislative chamber, unlike the federal Parliament, which is bicameral. Members of the state legislative assemblies, known as State Assembly Representatives, are elected from single-member constituencies through the first-past-the-post voting system during state elections.
These assemblies have the authority to enact state laws as provided by the Constitution of Malaysia. Their legislative power is limited to matters listed in the State List and the Concurrent List within the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
Roles and Responsibilities
State legislative assemblies are responsible for approving the state budget, making state laws, and scrutinizing the actions of the state government. The assemblies play a vital role in the governance of the state by ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the legislature.
The head of the executive branch in each state is the Chief Minister or Menteri Besar, who is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly. The Chief Minister advises the state's hereditary ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri (governor) on the dissolution of the assembly and other matters.
Notable State Assemblies
Sabah State Legislative Assembly
The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is part of the legislature of Sabah, Malaysia, alongside the role of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri. Sabah has a diverse political landscape due to its unique ethnic and cultural composition.
Sarawak State Legislative Assembly
The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is the legislative chamber for Sarawak. It holds significant power, reflecting Sarawak's historical status as an independent state prior to joining Malaysia.
Johor State Legislative Assembly
The Johor State Legislative Assembly is pivotal in the governance of Johor, one of Malaysia's key economic hubs.
Federal Territories
Notably, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan do not have state legislative assemblies. Instead, they are governed directly by the federal government through the Ministry of Federal Territories and local authorities, such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation, and Labuan Corporation.