Question 1 Discuss the concept of constitutional monarchy with reference to Malaysia. Constitutional monarchy in generalConstitutional monarchy can be described as a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state but functions within the parameters or guidelines of a written and/or unwritten constitution. While the government may officially function in the monarch's name, the monarch does not set public policies or choose political leaders. Constitutional monarchy therefore differs from absolute monarchy in which the monarch controls political decision-making without being limited by constitutional constraints. Consequently, a constitutional monarch has often been defined as a sovereign who reigns but does not govern. Constitutional monarchies have also been called limited monarchies, crown republics, or parliamentary monarchies. It has been observed that most constitutional monarchies have a parliamentary system where the monarch may have ceremonial duties or reserve powers according to the constitution. In the United Kingdom the rights and duties of the Head of State are established by convention. These are non-statutory provisions that are as binding as formal constitutional provisions. The monarch's reserve powers include the power to grant pardons, bestow honors, appoint and dismiss a prime minister, refuse to dissolve parliament, and refuse or delay royal assent to legislation. Strict constitutional conventions govern the use of reserve powers. If these powers are used in contravention of tradition, it will generally result in a constitutional crisis. In a constitutional monarchy, a directly or indirectly elected prime minister will serve as head of government and exercise policy...... paper ...... First, Performance Now'.ReferencesNordin, M. and H. Hussiin. 2011. Malaysian Studies. Shah Alam: Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.Jali, N.H.M., M. Redzuan, A.A. Saman, and I.H.M. Rashid. 2010. Malaysian Studies: Nationality and Citizenship. Petaling Jaya: Prentice Hall.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchies_of_Malaysia (accessed 15 April 2014) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_di-Pertuan_Agong (accessed 15 April 2014) http: //www.theborneopost.com/2012/04/07/unique-constitutional-monarchy-in-malaysias-parliamentary-democracy-new/(accessed 15 April 2014)http://www.theborneopost.com/ 2013/10 /17/strengthening-racial-integration-vital-for-national-unity-lam-thye/(accessed 16 April 2014)http://globalpeace.org.my/2013/10/malaysias-unity- its-challenges- tan-sri-lee-lam-thye-trustee-of-1malaysia-foundation/(accessed April 16, 2014)