Includes bibliographical references and index.

Historical Background -- Executive Power and the Configuration of the State -- The Social Contract -- Parliamentary Democracy in a Plural Society -- Territorial Governance : Monarchy and the State -- Territorial Governance : Federal, State and Local Government -- Human Rights : A Struggle over Ambiguity -- The Judiciary and the Defence of Judicial Power -- Religion and the Constitution.

"This is a much-welcome new edition of the seminal introduction to Malaysia's constitution by the leading expert in the field. Retaining its comprehensive approach, it examines constitutional governance in light of authoritarianism and continuing inter-communal strife, as well as examining the impact of colonisation on Malaysia's legal public law structure. Updated throughout to include all statutory and case law developments, it also retains its socio-political perspective. A must read for all students and scholars of Malaysian law"-- Provided by publisher.