Executive power is vested in a prime minister and cabinet.
The king serves as a largely ceremonial head of state, but can delay legislation for 30 days. The government has gained considerable legitimacy by presiding over rapid increases in per capita income, but continues to use the judiciary and other instruments of state power to limit dissent. In 1969, anti-Chinese rioting occurred in the context of mounting Malay frustration over the economic success of the ethnic Chinese minority. In 1971, the government responded with still-existing minimum quotas for Malays in education, the civil service, and business affairs. The current prime minister and UMNO leader, Mahathir Mohamad, took office in 1981.