{{Infobox document |document_name=Constitution of the State of Malacca |image= |image_width= |image_caption= |date_created= |date_effective=30 August 1957 |date_ratified= |date_amended= |location_of_document= |writer= |signers= |purpose=Institution of a formal constitution for the [[Malacca|State of Malacca]], a constituent state of [[Malaysia]].}}
The '''Constitution of the State of Malacca''' ({{langx|ms|Perlembagaan Negeri Melaka}}), introduced in 1957, is the fundamental law of the [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|Malaysian state]] of [[Malacca]]. The constitution, which came into effect just before the independence of the [[Federation of Malaya|Malayan Federation]] (now [[Malaysia]]) from the [[British Empire]], concerns the formation and proceedings of the state government.<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal|title=Constitution of the State of Malacca in English|url=https://ptg.melaka.gov.my/storage/UNDANG-UNDANG/2.%20CONSTITUTION%20OF%20THE%20STATE%20OF%20MALACCA.pdf|journal=Malacca Land and Mine Office}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ptg.melaka.gov.my/storage/UNDANG-UNDANG/2.%20PERLEMBAGAAN%20NEGERI%20MELAKA.pdf|title=Constitution of the State of Malacca in Malay|journal=Malacca Land and Mine Office}}</ref> It also establishes the [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca|Governor]] ({{langx|ms|Yang di-Pertua Negeri}}) as the head of state who acts in the discretion of the [[Chief Minister of Malacca|Chief Minister]], the head of government.
== History == The Constitution of Malacca was drafted following the accession of the then [[Crown Colony of Malacca|British colony of Malacca]] into the [[Federation of Malaya]]. Among the issues pertaining to the drafting of the new constitution for Malacca were the establishment of a democratically elected government to be led by the [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca|Governor]], and the state's powers in the matters of Malay customs and Islamic affairs. The draft constitution was also included in a report published by the [[Reid Commission]], which was tasked with the drafting of the [[Constitution of Malaysia|Malayan federal constitution]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Report_of_the_Federation_of_Malaya_Constitutional_Commission,_1957|title=Report of the Federation of Malaya Constitutional Commission, 1957|last=Commission|first=Federation of Malaya Constitutional}}</ref>
The constitution came into effect on 30 August 1957, one day prior to the [[Independence Day (Malaysia)|independence of Malaya]] from the [[British Empire]].<ref name=":11" /> Since then, 19 amendments have been made to the constitution, with the last amendment in force since 8 September 2006.
== Composition == The Constitution of Malacca consists of six Parts containing 47 articles and two schedules (including 19 amendments).<ref name=":11" />
=== Part I === Part 1 contains eleven articles; article 1 to 9, which are further divided into four chapters. It pertains to the powers of the [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca|Governor]] ([[Malay language|Malay]]: ''Yang di-Pertua Negeri'') as the head of state and the [[Chief Minister of Malacca|Chief Minister]] as the head of government, as well as the [[Malacca State Executive Council]] as the executive authority of the state government. It also affirms Islam as the religion of the State, although "''other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the State''". In addition, Part 1 addresses the capacity of the state to acquire, hold or dispose of property of any kind, and to sue or be sued.
=== Part II === Part 2 consists of eighteen articles; article 10 to 27. It pertains to the establishment and the proceedings of the [[Malacca State Legislative Assembly]], the legislature of the State of Malacca. Among the issues addressed are the qualifications of the elected State Assemblymen, the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of the legislature, the election of the Speaker, legislative powers and procedures, and the remuneration of the State Assemblymen.
=== Part III === Part 3 covers six articles; article 28 to 33, and pertains to the state's financial provisions, including taxation, the annual publication of financial statements, state government's expenditure and Supply Bills.
=== Part IV (A) === Part 4A is an annex of the now-deleted Part 4 and consists of two articles; article 34A and 34B, which pertains to conferment and deprivation of state titles, orders and badges of honours and dignity.
=== Part V ===
Part 5 covers five articles; article 35 to 38, and pertains to General Provisions, such as the impartial treatment of the state government's employees, as well as the amendment, interpretation and reprinting of the Constitution.
=== Part VI === Part 6, which contains five articles; article 39 to 43, pertains to Transitional Provisions which took effect upon the [[Independence Day (Malaysia)|independence]] of the [[Federation of Malaya]] in 1957. Among the issues addressed within Part 6 are the appointment of the first Governor of Malacca, the proceedings of the state government during a specified transition period and the transfer of officers.
=== Schedules ===
# First Schedule: Forms of Oaths and Affirmations # ''Second Schedule (Deleted by Enactment No.3/1994)'' # Third Schedule: Provisions of the Federation of Malaya Order in Council 1948
== References == {{Reflist}}{{Malacca}} {{Constitutions of Malaysia}} [[Category:State constitutions of Malaysia]] [[Category:1957 documents]] [[Category:1957 in Malayan law]] [[Category:1957 in Malaya]] [[Category:1957 establishments in Malaya]]