EVOLVING ROLE OF THE MONARCHS

Most Southeast Asian nations were absolute monarchies before the era of colonialism

MONARCHY as a form of absolutism in governance is known by a variety of names from the time of its inception. In a primitive setup, the functions of absolutism (monarchy) was wielded by the Shaman or the head of the clan.

As communal society evolved, that function took on new forms and names, such as the “High Priest” and “The Oracle”, who held absolute power for he was the judge, jury and executioner. Such ancient forms of governance usually had a spiritual aura to back their actions, giving them a kind of divine status.

In short, none dared challenge them for fear of retribution from the spirits.

As man gained knowledge, their communal organisation evolved and became structured with definite guidelines for social, cultural and spiritual engagements. The extent of the involvement of the masses in having a free will to determine their lifestyle and existence and the nature of control over them indicated the form of governance. It ranged from dictatorship, monarchy, oligarchy to democracy.

Dictatorship is rule by one individual who manipulates the mechanism of governance to remain in power and he is not accountable for his actions.

Peoples’ lives are closely regulated and monitored in such a system to conform to the dictates of the leadership. Religion is often used to maintain and legitimise such a system.

In an oligarchy, an elite group, whether a rich family dynasty, religious groups, military or rich traders, controls the state or country.

Such a system is usually tyrannical and oppressive to keep the masses in line.

Monarchy is a governance by a royal family, usually a dynasty with the patriarch as the monarch.

The extent of their control designates the nature of the different monarchies.

In a crowned republic, the power of the monarch is symbolic, while he has complete autocratic control in an absolute monarchy. In a constitutional monarchy, his power is restricted.

Democracy had its roots in the Greek city states around the 5th century BC. But, it was not a fullfledged democracy as women were not allowed to vote and an elite class held sway over governance.

Western-style democracy originated in classical Athens and the Roman Republic. But, before the 2nd century BC, the Roman emperors were absolute monarchs.

Monarchy was the most common form of government in Europe until the 19th century, when most of these countries converted to constitutional monarchy.

Before the advent of colonialism, most Southeast Asian countries were absolute monarchies that practised feudalism of governance, which divided the people mainly into nobility, landed proprietor and peasant.

In this region, absolute monarchy was based on the concept of

in which the monarch was regarded as a demi-god or was bestowed with divine powers. He reigned supreme and exercised absolute power over the people and his lands, as well as over all matters of governance.

The people existed at the behest and pleasure of the monarch, whose authority was not restricted by any written laws, legislature or customs.

Such a form of governance, which existed in Malaysia, is documented in historical records, lore, legends and literary works, such as

and in all Mak Yong stories.

However, this concept of absolutism as portrayed in these literary, dramatic and historical records varies from one of belligerence to a benign entity.

With the advent of colonialism in Tanah Melayu, the powers and authority of the rajas and sultans were gradually eroded by the British.

In the end, the royals were only left with the authority over religious and customary affairs, while other aspects of governance became the privy of the British colonial government to be administered by the governor general and his residents.

After World War 2, the British established the Malayan Union with the consensus of the rajas and sultans, but was opposed by Malays led by Datuk Onn Jaafar because the sultans and rajas would have lost all powers and authority on matters of state, save for religious and customary matters.

The British relented after seeing the strong opposition from Malays and replaced the Malayan Union with the Federation of Malaya with amendments to the authority of the royals who now have to be informed and consulted over matters of state.

After independence, the role of the British government was taken over by the political party in pow-