Malaysia is a confederation of 13 states plus the Federal capital of Kuala Lumpur and the Federal district of Labuan. Nine of the peninsular states have Sultans and every five years an election is held by the royalties to determine, on a rotation basis, which one will become the 'Yang DiPertuan Agong', or “King” of Malaysia.

The states of Sabah and Sarawak in east Malaysia are slightly different since they were separate colonies, not parts of Malaya, prior to Independence.  They retain a greater degree of local administrative autonomy than the peninsular states. 

The political system is a federal one, with each state having its own legislature, but power is concentrated in the national government.  General elections are held every five years.  The Barisan National, is a coalition of various political parties with the main party being UMNO, which continues to rule the government.

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