Here Is Why We Will Never See A Game of Thrones in Malaysia.
By: Legal Street
Tags: Malaysia, Constitutional Law, Game of Thrones

Cersei Lannister, one of the major antagonists of this series, once said:

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”

These words have rung true throughout the series as we see many characters — both beloved and detested, perish during the multiple attempts to seize the Iron Throne and become the ruler of Westeros.

We rejoiced, cried, felt betrayed and pitied the characters involved in the machinations of the Game of Thrones and after 8 fantastic seasons, it finally came to an end. (More like 7 and a half, because this writer still detests how the series ended, hence why its rating is only 8.5/10)

Given its epic storyline, fantastic character developments and unexpected yet satisfying plot twists, this series is definitely worth the watch. After all, it is an award-winning television series.

The Iconic Iron Throne. (Image Credits: Vox)

As much as the world of Westeros is captivating and exciting, it is interesting to note that we do not see a reenactment of Game Of Thrones in today’s modern world. I mean — who wouldn’t want to be a monarch like Cersei or have access to riches and pleasure galore like Robert Baratheon. Imagine what it would be like to call yourself King of North or the feeling of being able to sit on the Iron Throne.

Well, let us dive a little deeper by using Malaysia as a Case Study. We would be able to relate and understand more if we were to use our home country as an example to examine the reasons why nobody disputes, plots or conjures up any shenanigans to be the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).

Constitutional Monarchy

A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy where the sovereign exercises authority in accordance with a form of written or unwritten constitution.

In Malaysia, we have a written Constitution. It came into force in 1957 when we achieved our independence and was known as the Federal Constitution of Malaya. It evolved into its current iteration, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia when Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

Image Credits: New Strait Times

Article 32(1) of the Federal Constitution (“FC”) provides that the Federation of Malaysia shall be a constitutional monarchy and the YDPA will be the Head of State, whose role is mainly ceremonial. Figuratively speaking, the throne of the YDPA would be the ‘Malaysian’ version of the Iron Throne.

Robert Baratheon would certainly enjoy this role as it requires a minimum effort from his end. Image Credits: Game of Thrones Wiki — Fandom.

The YDPA will only retain his title while his other powers will be ceded. The Parliament of Malaysia and their leader, the Prime Minister, shall administer the country and use the powers ceded to them by the YDPA. Here, there will be no ruler on the Iron Throne declaring wars on the North or increasing taxation, as only the government can do so.

In exercising his constitutional function, the YDPA also has to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or relevant Ministers as established in Article 40 of the FC. However, the power of the Iron Throne of Malaysia is not fully under the Government’s control. Article 40(2) provides certain exceptions where the YDPA can act at his own discretion, such as appointing the Prime Minister or withholding the consent to dissolve Parliament.

The Conference of Rulers

Article 32(3) of the FC is the main reason as to why none of the other Sultans plot a Game of Thrones. The provision provides that the Conference of Rulers (“CoR”) (which is basically a squad of Sultans) will elect a YDPA for a term of 5 years and they can also remove the YPDA from office. In essence, there will be no proclamations of ‘I am the King and Supreme Ruler’ or in Star Wars terms, in the Emperor Palpatine voice, ‘I am the Senate!’.

The YDPA can also resign his office in writing to the COR. For instance, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan renounced his throne on the 6th of January 2019.

Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan (Image Credits: The Strait Times)

The YPDA can also cease to be in office when he ceases to be a Ruler, which usually occurs upon death. There have been a few instances where the YDPA has died in office and this means he ceases to be a Ruler and at the same time, the YDPA.

Conclusion

In short, the FC protects the Nation from a reenactment of Game of Thrones. It is an important and critical document that represents the supreme law of the land. No rebellion or claims to the throne would succeed as the FC would prevent all of this from happening in the first place.

For that, we should all raise our glass to this pristine document.