Menteri Besar of Kedah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Menteri Besar of Kedah |
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Coat of Arms of Kedah
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 Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor since 17 May 2020 |
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| Government of Kedah | |
| Style | Yang Amat Berhormat (The Most Honourable) |
| Member of | Kedah State Executive Council |
| Reports to | Kedah State Legislative Assembly |
| Residence | Seri Mentaloon, Alor Setar, Kedah |
| Seat | Aras 3, Blok A, Wisma Darul Aman, 05503 Alor Setar, Kedah |
| Appointer | Sallehuddin
Sultan of Kedah
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| Term length | 5 years or lesser, renewable once (while commanding the confidence of the Kedah State Legislative Assembly With State Elections held no more than five years apart) |
| Inaugural holder | Wan Shammiul Ahmad Wan Farriul Osman |
| Formation | 1 March 1881 |
| Deputy | Vacant |
The Menteri Besar of Kedah is like the chief minister or prime minister for the Malaysian state of Kedah. They are the main leader of the state government. This important role is usually held by the person who leads the political party or group that has the most seats in the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.
Contents
Becoming the Menteri Besar of Kedah
How the Leader is Chosen
The state's rules say that the Sultan of Kedah chooses the Menteri Besar. This person must be a member of the Legislative Assembly. The Sultan picks someone they believe has the support of most of the other members.
Who Can Be Menteri Besar?
To be chosen, the person must be an ethnic Malay and follow the religion of Islam. They also cannot be a Malaysian citizen who became one through naturalisation or registration.
Starting the Job
Once chosen, the Menteri Besar advises the Sultan on who else should join the Executive Council. This council helps run the state. These members must also be from the Legislative Assembly. They take an oath to do their job well and keep secrets.
Working Together
The Executive Council works as a team and is responsible to the Legislative Assembly. Members of the council cannot hold other jobs that would cause a conflict of interest.
What Happens if the Government Loses Support?
When the Menteri Besar Might Resign
If the Legislative Assembly doesn't approve the government's budget, or if they vote that they no longer trust the government, the Menteri Besar usually has to resign right away. The Sultan then decides who will take over.
Other Reasons for Change
If the Menteri Besar resigns for other reasons, loses an election, or passes away, the Sultan will usually appoint the new leader chosen by the ruling political party.
The Menteri Besar's Responsibilities
Limits on Power
The Menteri Besar's power has some limits. If they are no longer the leader of their party, or if their government loses a "no confidence" vote, they must either ask for a new state election or resign. If they don't, the Sultan can remove them.
Budget and Laws
If the government can't get its budget approved, or if important laws related to spending money don't pass, it's a big problem. This usually means the government has to resign or the Legislative Assembly is dissolved. This is because a government can't work without money.
Party Support
Usually, the Menteri Besar's party has the most members in the Legislative Assembly. Political parties in Kedah are very disciplined, so it's usually easy for the government to pass its laws.
Where the Menteri Besar Lives
The official home for the Menteri Besar of Kedah is called Seri Mentaloon. It's located in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.
Temporary Government (Caretaker Menteri Besar)
When Elections Happen
The Legislative Assembly usually lasts for five years from its first meeting. However, the Sultan can dissolve it sooner if the Menteri Besar advises it. After the assembly is dissolved, a new general election must be held within 60 days. The new assembly must meet within 120 days.
During the Transition
During the time between the old assembly being dissolved and the new one starting, the Menteri Besar and the Executive Council stay in office. They act as a "caretaker" government. This means they keep things running smoothly until a new government is officially formed.
Past Menteris Besar of Kedah
Many important leaders have served as the Menteri Besar of Kedah since 1948. Each one has played a key role in guiding the state. The current Menteri Besar is Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of Kedah, often used in official portraits.
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Dato' Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who served as Menteri Besar.
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Dato' Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who held the position twice.
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Dato' Seri Diraja Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
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