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Politics and government of
MalaysiaWhen translated from Malay into literal English the words mean " He who is made Lord ". However, as this is somewhat less than easily understood by English speakers, other translations are more frequently used. Some of these are "Supreme Ruler", "Paramount Ruler" or "Supreme Head of State".
While all of these translations can be considered reasonably correct the office is best described in English as "King" since from a Western political science perspective Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a monarch as head of state. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is one of the few elected monarchs in the world.
Since 1993, the full title in Malay has been, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Prior to that the honorific Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia was also used. The consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is called the Raja Permaisuri Agong. They are referred to in English as "His Majesty" and "Her Majesty".
