Aggrandizement of Prime Minister's Power: The Transformation of the Office of the Prime Minister in Malaysia

Abstract

Since Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s accession to the Malaysian prime ministerhip in July 1981, there has been a visible and increasing concern about the aggrandizement of prime-ministerial power vis-a-vis other institutions in Malaysia. Such a trend has changed both the role and style of functioning of the office of Prime Minister. This paper shows how the aggrandizement of the Prime Minister’s power in Malaysia is further supported by two related developments, namely, the changes sought by new prime ministers so as to mould structure and process to their personalities, management styles and political objectives, and the institutional and organizational changes within the Prime Minister’s Department.