Malaysia Geography
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Malaysia Geography Capital Kuala Lumpur Global Positioning Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, and the bordering countries include Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia. Geographical & Natural Outline The climate is tropical, and the terrain consists mainly of coastal plains, hills, and mountains. In total, the area of Malaysia is 329,847 sq. km made up of two parts – Peninsular Malaysia to the west covers the southern half of the Malay Peninsula and East Malaysia to the east sits on the island of Borneo. Major Cities/Urbanisations The major urban area is Kuala Lumpur, with a population of 6.837 million (2015 statistic). Other large urbanisations include Penang and Ipoh state. People & Society Nationality Malaysian Ethnic Groups According to the 2010 Census on ethnic groups (conducted by the Inter-Agency Technical Committee or IATC), the ethnic groups of Malaysia are as follows: Malay (50.1%), Chinese (22.6%), Indian (6.7%), indigenous (11.8%), non-citizens (8.2%). A more recent census not yet been taken.1 Languages The official language is Bahasa Malaysia. Other languages that are spoken in Malaysia include English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, and Thai. Religions Islam (official) 61.3%, Buddhism 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.) Population 31.19 million (2016) 1“Malaysians.” Wikipedia. January 20, 2017. Accessed March 09, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysians#Ethnic_groups and_citizenship. 6 › malaysia malaysia ‹ 7 demographics The age group of men and women throughout the years. legend 2 “Malaysia Demographics Profile 2016.” Malaysia Demographics Profile 2016. October 08, 2016. Accessed March 09, 2017. http://www.indexmundi.com/malaysia/demographics_profile.html. men women 8 › malaysia malaysia ‹ 9 government type/political stance administrative divisions The government structure is that of the primary holders of Federal legislative - is the governing party likely to change in Peninsular Malaysia is divided into thirteen States (Negeri) and three Federal Territories (Wilayah Persekutuan). Governance of a federal constitutional monarchy, power. By law, bills must be approved by the next election? the states is divided between the state government(s) and the federal government. However, the federal territories are governed which generally means that the country both houses and assented by the Yang United Malays National Organisation / directly by the federal administration and falls under the purview of the Ministry of Federal Territories. Eleven States and two UMNO) Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) are located on the Malay Peninsula, collectively called Peninsular Malaysia) ,وتاسرب ويالم نءاسڠبک نهوبوترڤ .is headed by a king and bicameral di-Pertuan Agong parliament. Malaysia’s head of state and is the largest political party and have (Semenanjung Malaysia) or West Malaysia. Peninsular Malaysia is home to 80% of the country’s population, and it is often seen leader of Islamic faith is referred to as In keeping with the split system of dominated Malaysian politics since as the centre of the country’s economy. While the states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the Federal Territory of Labuan, com- the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The head of government that operates within independence. The next general election prise East Malaysia (otherwise referred to as Malaysian Borneo). state is selected by the nine Sultans of Malaysia, the country has 13 different was originally scheduled to take place in Peninsular Malaysia, and he is expected constitutions (one per state), all of which 2018, however the strong presence of to serve a 5 year term. However, 9 of the are required to be in line with the federal the opposition parties (particularly Parti 13 states are hereditary monarchies.3 constitution. Each state also has an Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) has incited a For these states (Melaka, Pulau Pinang, executive council that is operational sense of urgency for an election to take CENTRAL AUTHORITY Malaysia Sabah and Sarawak), a different system in affairs that are deemed to be non- place. Given the current political climate of government is in place. Instead federal. The country operates using two of Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak of having hereditary rulers, these constituencies of law; parliamentary has reportedly made arrangements to four states have governors who are law (nation-wide) and Syariah law. hold elections in 2017. Some speculation REGION LEVEL 13 States / Negeri 3 Federal Territories / Wilayah Perseketuan appointed by the Yang Pertuan Agong. Amendments to the parliamentary has been made as to the reasoning Notably, these government officials are law require two-thirds majority, while behind speeding up the election process. not included in the process of selecting each state individually determines the Aside from the growing presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. implementation of Syariah law.4 opposition parties, the decreasing DISTRICT LEVEL Districts / Divisions value of the Malaysian Ringgit appears (for Sabah & Sarawak) The cabinet, which is headed by the Executive Branch to be one of the main causes for the prime minister (a member of the lower The head of government is the Prime government’s motion towards early house), maintains executive power in Minister, Mohamed Najib bin Abdul elections. Additionally, politicians have Malaysia. Members of the cabinet are Najib Razak (in office since April 3rd, ventured to say that the Parliament will The most concentrated authority falls under the federal government which has administrative power over all matters which the chosen from both houses of parliament, 2009). The chief of state is King Tuanku likely be dissolved in March or April of state legislature may legislate under the constitution. The responsibilities of the state governments include matters such as while the prime minister is appointed by Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (since 2017. Once the Parliament is dissolved, land, public works, local government, agriculture and forestry, Islamic law and public holidays. Having greater autonomy than Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The remaining April 11th, 2012). The structure of the the General Election can take place the other 11 states, Sabah and Sarawak are also responsible for ports and harbours, cadastral land surveys, among other members of the cabinet are also election system is best described by the within 60 days. This will be Malaysia’s indrustries. The local government or local authority (kerajaan tempatan / pihak berkuasa tempatan abbreviated as PBT) is appointed by Yang di-Pertuan, based on CIA World Factbook, which states that 14th General Election.5 the lowest level in the system of government in Malaysia—after federal and state. They share responsibilities with the state advice provided by the prime minister. the “king (is) elected by and from the governments on matters relating to social welfare, urban planning, healthcare, fire safety, housing, culture and sports, drainage hereditary rulers of 9 states for a 5-year what are the implications of change to and irrigation. In Sabah and Sarawak shared functions also include water supply, charities, etc. The local governments in Because the operating system of term; election is on a rotational basis the existing social care set-up? Malaysia are appointed by their respective state governments. government in Malaysia is split between among rulers of the 9 states; election While the upcoming election has federal and state governance, there last held on 14 October 2016 (next to be received a significant amount of is some variation in government held in 2021); prime minister designated attention from the press, news reports depending on the state or federal from among members of the House of on the General Election have not territory. Nevertheless, legislative power Representatives; following legislative included details regarding potential is simply divided between federal and elections, the leader who commands social care reform. As of now, the state legislatures. The government and support of the majority of members in implications of a change in government the two chambers of Parliament (the the House becomes prime minister.” remain unclear. senate and the Hall of the People) are 3 States and federal territories of Malaysia.” Wikipedia. January 09, 2017. Accessed March 08, 2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_and_federal_territories_of_Malaysia#The_states_and_federal_territories. 4 “Government.” Nexus Commonwealth Network: Malaysia. 2017. Accessed November 13, 2017. http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/sectors-malaysia/government/. 5 Teh, Kai. “Malaysia’s Next General Election Predicted To Be Held In Early 2017.” World of Buzz. December 24, 2016. Accessed March 08, 2017. http://www.worldofbuzz.com/malaysias- next-general-election-predicted-held-early-2017/. 10 › malaysia 0.6% General Administration 1.9% Security budget 4.9% Social Development 2016 11.4% Economic Development 81.2% Other Economy Budget Malaysia’s official development Gross Domestic Product (GDP) USD52.66 billion of revenue; USD63.01 assistance (ODA) is not published for USD$815.6 billion (2015 est.) billion of expenditures (2016 est.) viewing by the government, however, external sources such as Index Mundi Real growth rate Foreign aid and the International Development 5% (2015 est.) In comparison to most countries Statistics database claim that