The Cabinet of Malaysia (

Malay Malay may refer to: Languages * Malay language or Bahasa Melayu, a major Austronesian language spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore ** History of the Malay language, the Malay language from the 4th to the 14th century ** Indonesi ...

: ''Jemaah Menteri Malaysia'') is the

executive branch The Executive, also referred as the Executive branch or Executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law, and has overall responsibility for the governance of a State (polity), state. In poli ...

of the

Government of Malaysia The Government of Malaysia, officially the Federal Government of Malaysia ( ms, Kerajaan Persekutuan Malaysia), is based in the Federal Territory (Malaysia), Federal Territory of Putrajaya with the exception of the legislative branch, which is l ...

. Led by the

Prime Minister A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister is not ...

, the cabinet is a council of ministers who are accountable collectively to the

Parliament In modern politics, and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: Representation (politics), representing the Election#Suffrage, electorate, making laws, and overseeing ...

. According to the Article 43 of the Federal Constitution, members of the Cabinet can only be selected from members of either houses of

. Formally, the

Yang di-Pertuan Agong The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (, Jawi: ), also known as the Supreme Head of the Federation, the Paramount Ruler or simply as the Agong, and unofficially as the King of Malaysia, is the constitutional monarch and head of state of Malaysia. The of ...

appoints all Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The constitution is amended by repealing the Clause (8) of Article 43, enabling a person who is a member of State Legislative Assembly to continue to serve even while serving as a minister or deputy minister in the cabinet. Ministers other than the Prime Minister shall hold office during the pleasure of the

, unless the appointment of any Minister shall have been revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister but any Minister may resign from office. In practice, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is obliged to follow the advice of the Prime Minister on the appointment and dismissal of ministers.

Cabinet appointments

Members of the Cabinet must be members of either house of

. Most ministers are appointed from the lower house, the

Dewan Rakyat The Dewan Rakyat (English: 'House of Representatives'; ) is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament, the federal legislature of Malaysia. The chamber and its powers are established by Article 44 of the Constitution of Malaysia. The Dewan Ra ...

, although a few are appointed from the upper house, the

Dewan Negara The Dewan Negara (English language, English: Senate; Literal translation, lit. "State Council") is the upper house of the Parliament of Malaysia, consisting of 70 senators of whom 26 are elected by the State legislative assemblies of Malaysia, ...

. The Prime Minister must be a member of the Dewan Rakyat. Although Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed to each portfolio, they are not included in the Cabinet. The Cabinet meets weekly, every Wednesday. After the position of Parliamentary Secretary was removed and partial live telecasts of Parliament proceedings began in 2008, Cabinet meetings were moved to Fridays whenever Parliament sat, so as to allow Ministers to personally answer questions during

Question Time A question time in a parliament occurs when members of the parliament ask questions of government ministers (including the prime minister), which they are obliged to answer. It usually occurs daily while parliament is sitting, though it can be ca ...

in Parliament.

Cabinet composition

The composition of the Cabinet, and the number of portfolios depends mainly on the wishes of the

at the time. However, the post of Finance Minister was considered so important as to be a necessity, and as a result was incorporated by the

Minister of Finance A finance minister is an executive or cabinet position in charge of one or more of government finances, economic policy and financial regulation. A finance minister's portfolio has a large variety of names around the world, such as "treasury", " ...

(Incorporation) Act 1957 (Act 375). The position of

Deputy Prime Minister A deputy prime minister or vice prime minister is, in some countries, a government minister who can take the position of acting prime minister when the prime minister is temporarily absent. The position is often likened to that of a vice president, ...

is one that exists by convention, and as a result a Prime Minister could theoretically form a Cabinet without a Deputy.Wu & Hickling, p. 86. Deputy ministers exist for each portfolio, although they are not considered members of the Cabinet. The position of Deputy Minister was created by constitutional amendment in 1960. The office of parliamentary secretary for each ministry exists but none were appointed after the

2008 Malaysian general election A general election was held on Saturday, 8 March 2008 for members of the 12th Parliament of Malaysia. Voting took place in all 222 parliamentary constituencies of Malaysia, each electing one Member of Parliament to the Dewan Rakyat, the dominant ...

. Parliamentary secretaries were provided for by an amendment in 1963. Deputy ministers and parliamentary secretaries are also appointed from members of Parliament, and deputise for the ministers in government ministries and in Parliament respectively. An additional office, that of the Political Secretary, exists. Political Secretaries need not be members of Parliament. Before taking office, all members of the Cabinet, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, and Political Secretaries take an oath of secrecy concerning the proceedings of the Cabinet.

Functions of cabinet

An outline of the functions of the Cabinet are as follows:Jeong Chun Hai @ Ibrahim, & Nor Fadzlina Nawi. (2012). ''Principles of Public Administration: Malaysian Perspectives.'' Kuala Lumpur: Pearson Publishers. * To formulate national economic policies and development programmes. ** The Cabinet is responsible to formulate various development programs and projects for the development of the country. Examples are the

New Economic Policy The New Economic Policy (NEP) () was an economic policy of the Soviet Union proposed by Vladimir Lenin in 1921 as a temporary expedient. Lenin characterized the NEP in 1922 as an economic system that would include "a free market and capitalism, ...

(NEP), the

National Development Policy The National Development Policy was a Malaysian economic policy introduced by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. The objective was achieving economic growth, while ensuring that accrued benefits reached all sections of society. The National Developm ...

(NDP), and the

National Vision Policy National may refer to: Common uses * Nation or country ** Nationality – a ''national'' is a person who is subject to a nation, regardless of whether the person has full rights as a citizen Places in the United States * National, Maryland, ce ...

(NVP). * To set the budget and finance of the country. ** The government is allowed to generate revenues from the people through the collection of taxes, fines, summons, custom duties, fees, etc. ** The government is allowed to plan for the various development programs, and also to allocate the resources for these development plans and programs. * As an arena for suggestions, debates, and criticisms. ** The Cabinet is allowed to discuss almost any issues of

national interest The national interest is a sovereign state's goals and ambitions (economic, military, cultural, or otherwise), taken to be the aim of government. Etymology The Italian phrase ''ragione degli stati'' was first used by Giovanni della Casa around t ...

s, except those that touch on the special rights of the Malays, Bumiputeras and/or royal privileges. Article 153 (1): It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and Natives of any of the States of

Sabah Sabah () is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia located in northern Borneo, in the region of East Malaysia. Sabah borders the Malaysian state of Sarawak to the southwest and the North Kalimantan province of Indone ...

and

Sarawak Sarawak (; ) is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia. The largest among the 13 states, with an area almost equal to that of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, and is bordered by the M ...

, and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article. * To propose and amend the law. ** Law is proposed by the

Executive Executive ( exe., exec., execu.) may refer to: Role or title * Executive, a senior management role in an organization ** Chief executive officer (CEO), one of the highest-ranking corporate officers (executives) or administrators ** Executive dire ...

and introduce in Parliament with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings for approval. ** Most provisions for the amendments of the constitution requires a 2/3 majority of the total number of members from both of the Houses (Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat) ** The

bill Bill(s) may refer to: Common meanings * Banknote, paper cash (especially in the United States) * Bill (law), a proposed law put before a legislature * Invoice, commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer * Bill, a bird or animal's beak Plac ...

must be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the final assent.

List of cabinets

23 cabinets have taken place in Malaysia since 1957 headed by nine Prime Ministers.

Current cabinet

Inactive portfolio

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security *

Ministry of Agriculture An agriculture ministry (also called an) agriculture department, agriculture board, agriculture council, or agriculture agency, or ministry of rural development) is a ministry charged with agriculture. The ministry is often headed by a minister f ...

* Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry * Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives * Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries * Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industryies * Ministry of Agriculture and Lands *

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development An agriculture ministry (also called an) agriculture department, agriculture board, agriculture council, or agriculture agency, or ministry of rural development) is a ministry charged with agriculture. The ministry is often headed by a minister f ...

Ministry of Digital Communications *

Ministry of Communications A Communications Ministry or Department of Communications is a ministry or other government agency charged with communication. Communications responsibilities includes regulating telecommunications, postal services, broadcasting and print media. T ...

* Ministry of Communications and Multimedia * Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications and Posts * Ministry of Information * Ministry of Information and Broadcasting * Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture * Ministry of Information, Communications, Arts and Culture Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs *

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (Malaysia) The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living ( ms, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup), abbreviated KPDN, is a ministry of the Government of Malaysia that is responsible for domestic trade, living costs, co-operatives, ...

* Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives * Ministry of Coordination of Public Corporations * Ministry of Public Enterprises * Ministry of Entrepreneur Development Ministry of Territories * Ministry of Federal Territories * Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry of Foreign Affairs * Ministry of External Affairs Ministry of Finance * Ministry of Economic Affairs * Ministry of General Planning and Sosio-Economic Research Ministry of Home Affairs * Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice * Ministry of Internal Security *

Ministry of Justice A Ministry of Justice is a common type of government department that serves as a justice ministry. Lists of current ministries of justice Named "Ministry" * Ministry of Justice (Abkhazia) * Ministry of Justice (Afghanistan) * Ministry of Just ...

* Ministry of Law *

Ministry of the Interior An interior ministry (sometimes called a ministry of internal affairs or ministry of home affairs) is a government department that is responsible for internal affairs. Lists of current ministries of internal affairs Named "ministry" * Ministry ...

Ministry of Human Resources *

Ministry of Labour The Ministry of Labour ('' UK''), or Labor ('' US''), also known as the Department of Labour, or Labor, is a government department responsible for setting labour standards, labour dispute mechanisms, employment, workforce participation, training, a ...

Ministry of Labour and Manpower Ministry may refer to: Government * Ministry (collective executive), the complete body of government ministers under the leadership of a prime minister * Ministry (government department), a department of a government Religion * Christian ...

* Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministry of International Trade and Industry *

Ministry of Commerce and Industry A Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry or variations is a ministry that is concerned with a nation's trade, industry and commerce. Notable examples are: List *Algeria: Ministry of Industry and M ...

Ministry of Trade and Industry A Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry or variations is a ministry that is concerned with a nation's trade, industry and commerce. Notable examples are: List *Algeria: Ministry of Industry and M ...

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources * Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia * Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change * Ministry of Energy, Technology and Research * Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts * Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications * Ministry of Environment and Water * Ministry of Lands and Co-operatives Development * Ministry of Lands and Mines * Ministry of Lands Development * Ministry of Lands and Regional Development *

Ministry of Natural Resources An environmental ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for the environment and/or natural resources. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of the Environment, ...

Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities * Ministry of Primary Industries Ministry of Rural and Regional Development * Ministry of National and Rural Development *

Ministry of Rural Development Ministry of Rural Development may refer to: * Ministry of Rural Development (Cambodia) * Ministry of Rural Development (Hungary) * Ministry of Rural Development (India) * Ministry of Rural Development (Malaysia) Ministry of Rural Development may r ...

* Ministry of Rural Economy Development Ministry of Science and Technology * Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment *

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Malaysia) The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation ( ms, Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Innovatif), abbreviated MOSTI, is a ministry of the Government of Malaysia. In the Seventh Mahathir cabinet, the entire component of the Ministry of Scien ...

* Ministry of Technology, Research and Local Government Ministry of Tourism * Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage * Ministry of Culture and Tourism * Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism * Ministry of National Unity and Community Development * Ministry of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage *

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture ) is a ministry (government department), ministry of the Government of Malaysia that is responsible for tourism, culture, archives, library, museum, Cultural heritage, heritage, arts, theatre, handicraft, visual arts, convention (meeting), conventi ...

* Ministry of Tourism and Culture Ministry of Local Government Development * Ministry of Federal Territories * Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing *

Ministry of Housing and Local Government The Ministry of Housing and Local Government was a United Kingdom government department formed following the Second World War, covering the areas of housing and local government. It was formed, as the Ministry of Local Government and Planning, ...

* Ministry of Housing and New Villages * Ministry of Housing and Villages Development * Ministry of Local Government and Environment * Ministry of Local Government and Federal Territories * Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Town Planning * Ministry of Technology, Research and Coordination of New Villages * Ministry of Territories * Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development * Ministry of General Welfare * Ministry of National Unity * Ministry of Social Welfare * Ministry of Welfare Services * Ministry of Women and Family Development Ministry of Works * Ministry of Works and Energy * Ministry of Works and Public Amenities * Ministry of Works and Transport * Ministry of Works, Posts and Telecommunications Ministry of Youth and Sports * Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports * Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports Ministry of Health * Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Minister in the Prime Minister's Department * Minister with Special Functions * Minister with Special Functions for Foreign Affairs *

Minister without Portfolio A minister without portfolio is either a government minister with no specific responsibilities or a minister who does not head a particular ministry. The sinecure is particularly common in countries ruled by coalition governments and a cabinet w ...

Others *

Chief Minister of Malaya The prime minister of Malaysia ( ms, Perdana Menteri Malaysia; ms, ڤردان منتري مليسيا, label= Jawi, script=arab, italic=unset) is the head of government of Malaysia. The prime minister directs the executive branch of the feder ...

* Ministry of Sabah Affairs * Ministry of Sarawak Affairs

References

External links

Malaysian Cabinet Members
{{Portal bar, Malaysia, Politics