State Government

Melaka with an area of 1683 sq. km. has played a significant role in the history of Malaysia, for it is here 'where it all began'.

Melaka has its foundation built on courage. Legend has it that Parameswara, a prince from Palembang, Sumatra, was moved when he saw a mousedeer kick a pursuing dog into the river. This daring act confirmed Parameswara high regard for the place which he decided to call "Melaka" after the name of the tree under which he was taking shelter. He then proclaimed himself as the leader of Melaka.

Under Parameswara and subsequent rulers, Melaka grew from strength to strength. Political, social and economic policies adopted by the government allowed the city to grow and prosper.

The prosperity of Melaka attracted foreign traders from many different places including China, India, Middle East and the neighbouring states. At its height Melaka became the emporium of the East.

The prosperity of Melaka also attracted the attention of local powers such as Thailand which attempted to impose its power over Melaka. Attempts by the Siamese (Thailand) to invade Melaka in 1446 and 1456 was repelled by Tun Perak, the Bendahara of Melaka. Melaka's relationship with China was also a strategic decision to prevent further Siamese invasion.

The Portuguese came to the East to capture the spice trade. Led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, they captured Melaka in 1511. The Portuguese failed to maintain the glory and prosperity of Melaka because of restrictive policies, competition and wars. The Portuguese ruled Melaka from 1511 to 1641.

In 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese. The Dutch ruled from 1641-1795 but they were not interested to establish Melaka as a trading centre between the 'West' and the 'East'. They were more interested to develop Batavia(Jakarta) in Indonesia as their centre.

Under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, Melaka was transferred to the British in 1811 in exchange for Batavia (Jakarta). Melaka remained under British rule until the 2nd world war. The Japanese took over from 1941-1945 and later returned it to the British. Later Melaka became free after Malaysia achieved its independence in 1957.

Melaka today has develop into a well planned township. Its growth is reminiscent of the spirit of endeavour, diligence, perseverance, courage and adventure. There is committment, seriousness and vision from the state's leaders down to the common people in terms of developing Melaka to become a developed state by the year 2010.

Malaysia practices constitutional Monarchy type of government. At the federal level, the Head of State is an elected King or The Yang DiPertuan Agong. He is assisted by an elected Executive or the Prime Minister.

At the state level, the Head of State is The Governor or The Yang DiPertua Negeri. He is assisted by an elected Executive or the Chief Minister and the State Legislative Assembly as the highest policy making authority in the State.

The Chief Minister is assisted by several Executive Council (EXCO) in implementing his duties and functions in running the State Government. The Executive Council is responsible to the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is made up from various representatives of the people elected every five years.

The Chief Minister's Department is the administrative pillar of the State Government, which houses the Chief Minister's office, the State Secretary's office and other State Departments. Other administrative component of the State Machinery includes various state agencies, corporations and District Offices of Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin. The lowest level of the state machinery is represented by JAPERUN and JKKK.

At the local government level there are three local councils namely the Melaka Town Council, Alor Gajah Local Council and Jasin Local Council. These town and local councils provide various kind of services and amenities to people in their everyday lives.