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Prime Minister of Malaysia
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The Prime Minister of Malaysia (in Malay Perdana Menteri) is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is formally appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or Supreme Ruler, of Malaysia, and is invariably the leader of the largest party in the federal House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), the elected lower house of Parliament. He heads the Cabinet of Malaysia, whose members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the prime minister's advice. Since the formation of Malaysia in 1963 the prime minister has been from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the largest component party of the Barisan Nasional or National Front (known as Perikatan or Alliance until the 1969 general election).
The current and fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia is Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Requirements for taking office
According to the Constitution of Malaysia, the Prime Minister must be:
- A member of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) or known as Member of Parliament.
- Born a citizen of Malaysia; naturalised citizens may not be appointed as Prime Minister.
Although theoretically, the constitution gives the Yang di-Pertuan Agong discretion in the appointment of the Prime Minister, the appointment is invariably made based on vote-taking in the House or on the party commanding the most seats.
List of Prime Ministers of Malaysia
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