UUM COLLEGE OF LAW, GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

No. Information on Course

1. Name of Course:MALAYSIAN CONSTITUTION

2. Course Code:GMGA2013

3. Name (s) of Academic staff: MOKHTAFIZAM MOKHTAR

4. Rationale for offering the course in the programme:

It is a core course in the BPM programme

5. Semester/Year Offered: 3/2

6. Total Student Learning Time Online Learning

Face to face SLPA TLT
(SLT)

TL = Traditional Lecture TL T P SCL/O A OL OA

T = Tutorial
P = Practical
SCL/O = Student Centered
Learning/Others
A = Assessment
19 0 0 10.00 3.02 13.0 0 74.98 120
OL= Online Learning
OA = Online Assessment
SLPA= Self Learning
Preparation and Assessment
TLT = Total Learning Time
8. Credit Hours: 3

9. Pre-requisite: NONE

1
10. Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. acquire a comprehensive understanding of the historical background, content and position of the
Federal Constitution as supreme law of the nation.
2. understand the roles and functions of major institutions of government such as the Monarch,
Conference of Rulers and Federalism, as provided for by the Federal Constitution.
3. know each of the elements of the government and their functions such as the Parliament, Executive
and Judiciary as embodied in the Federal Constitution.
4. understand the provisions related to position of Islam, elections and fundamental rights in the Federal
Constitution.

11. Course Outcomes (CLO)

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. illustrate a critical understanding of the historical background, content and position of the Federal
Constitution as supreme law of the nation. (C3, A3, P5)
2. explain the functions of major institutions of government such as the Monarch, Conference of Rulers
and Federalism, as provided for by the Federal Constitution. (C2, A3, P2)
3. distinguish the different elements of the government and their functions such as the Parliament,
Executive and Judiciary as embodied in the Federal Constitution. (C4, P1)
4. analyze the provisions related to position of Islam, elections and fundamental rights in the Federal
Constitution. (C4)

12. Transferable Skills:

Critical thinking skill, professionalism and life-long learning
13. Evaluation of teaching-learning strategy:
Combination of teacher-centred and student-centred learning
14. Synopsis
This course examines the content and position of the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the
nation. The discussion begins with a review of the historical background and evolution of the Federal
Constitution. An analysis of the roles and functions of major institutions and elements of government such
as the Monarch, Parliament, Executive, Judiciary and Federalism – then follows. The final part of this course
focuses on the provision related to position of Islam, elections and fundamental rights in the Federal
Constitution.

15. Mode of Delivery: Lectures, problem based learning and small group discussions

16. Assessment Methods and Types:

1. Coursework – 60%
(a) Assignment 1 –Writing - Individual : 15%
 Journal Review (English Journal – 2011 - 2021)
 You must register your journal.
 Different article for each student.
 15 – 20 pages
(b) Assignment 2 – Writing - Group: 25%
 Maximum 4 students per group
 25 - 30 pages
 Title of the assignment will be given by lecturer after group been formed.
(c) Online Quiz – 5 %
(d) Individual Presentation (Journal) – 5 % (5 – 7 minutes) ENGLISH
(e) Group Presentation – 10 % (20 minutes)

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 2. Examination – 40% (Final Examination) – Online Assessment Replacing Final Exam
(a) Online 2nd Quiz – 10 %
(b) Online 3rd Quiz – 10 %
(c) Individual – 20 %
 25 – 30 pages
 Topics will be given

17. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Aims

Course Learning Outcomes

Programme Aims
1 2 3 4
To produce managers with managerial capabilities across the
public, private and non-profit organisations. √ √ √

21. Mapping of the course/module to the Programme Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
Apply knowledge in the areas of public policy and economics,
politics, governance and management of organisations.
Apply management theories and models to suit contemporary and
future needs.
Synthesis knowledge for making better decisions and problem √ √ √
√
solutions.
Communicate using verbal and non-verbal forms effectively.

Display effective social skills and competent to work in

teams.
Demonstrate an understanding of moral, ethical and √ √ √ √
professional values.
Evaluate and utilize idea/ information for life-long learning. √ √ √ √

Utilize managerial skills that are useful at the workplace.

Develop effective leadership skills.

25. Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic

O
Face to Face SL TLT
Learning L
Topics/Weeks
Outcomes

TL T P SCL/O

3
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Concept of Constitution 1 2 1 3 6
1.2 Classification and Characteristics of the
Constitution
1.3 The Sources of Malaysian Law

2.0 Historical Background of the Malaysian

Constitution 1 1 2 3 6
2.1 Brief Political History during
the Colonial Period
2.2 Political and Constitutional Development,
1946-55
2.3 Drafting the Federal Constitution, 1956
2.3.1 London Conference
2.3.2 Reid Commission
2.4 Formation of Malaysia, 1963
2.4.1 From Malaya to Malaysia
2.4.2 Expulsion of Singapore, 1965

3.0 Legal Framework of the Malaysian

Constitution 2 2 1 3 6
3.1 An Overview of the Malaysian
Constitution
3.2 The Legal Framework of the Constitution
3.2.1 Constitutional Supremacy
3.2.2 Constitutional Monarchy
3.2.3 Federal System of Government
3.2.4 Separation of Powers
3.2.5 Special Amendment Procedures

4.0 Traditional Elements in the Malaysian

Constitution 2 2 1 3 6
4.1 The Malay Sultanate
4.2 The Islamic Religion
4.3 The Malay Language
4.4 Special Position of the Malays

5.0 Conference of Rulers

5.1 Historical background 2 2 1 3 6
5.2 Membership
5.3 Functions and Duties
5.4 Discretionary Power

6.0 Constitutional Monarchy

6.1 The Concept of Constitutional Monarchy 2 1 1 1 3 6
6.2 The Yang di-PertuanAgong
6.2.1 Selection Procedure
6.2.2 Executive Functions
6.2.3 Legislative and Judiciary Powers
6.2.4 Other Functions

7.0 The Legislature (Parliament)

7.1 Structure and Composition 3 1 1 1 3 6
7.2 Role and Functions
7.2.1 Dewan Rakyat
4
 7.2.2 Dewan Negara
7.3 Legislative Procedures
7.4 Parliamentary Immunity

8.0 The Executive (Cabinet)

8.1 The Prime Minister 3 1 1 1 3 6
8.1.1 Process of Appointment
8.1.2 Functions and Duties
8.1.3 Dismissal and Resignation
8.2 The Cabinet Ministers
8.2.1 Functions and Duties
8.2.2 Concept of Collective Responsibility

9.0 The Judiciary

9.1 Role and Functions 3 1 1 3 6
9.2 Structure of the Court
9.3 Appointment and Dismissal of Judges
9.4 Independence of the Judiciary

10.0 Federalism
10.1 Brief Historical Background 3 2 1 3 6
10.2 Distribution of Powers
10.2.1 Legislative Power
10.2.2 Executive Power
10.2.3 Financial Provisions
10.3 Federal and State Relations
10.4 Special Protection for Sabah and Sarawak

11.0 Position of Islam in the Malaysian Constitution

11.1 Islam as Religion of the Federation 4 1 2 3 6
11.2 Islamic Features in the Constitution
11.3 Amendment to the Constitution
- Article 121
11.4 Status of Syariah Court

12.0 Elections
12.1 Electoral System 4 1 2 3 6
12.2 Election Commission
12.3 Delineation of Constituencies
12.4 The Conduct of Elections

13.0 Fundamental Rights

13.1 Protection of the Fundamental Rights 4 1 2 3 6
under Articles 5 to 13
13.2 Political Rights
13.3 Religious and Cultural Rights
13.4 Personal Liberties
13.5 Equality and Special Privileges

14.0Conclusion
14.1 Discussions on some landmark cases 1, 3 2 2 3 6
related to Malaysian Constitution

18 0 0 11 13 42 84

5
 Online Online
Student Learning & Assessment Face to Face SLPA TLT
Learning Assessment

Course Delivery and Preparation 29.0 13.0 42.0 84.0

Coursework (60%) 0.5 0.0 21.9 22.4

Final Examination (40%) 2.5 0 11.1 13.6

Total Notional Hours 32.0 13.0 0.0 75.0 120.0

Credit Hours 3

Main Reference
Federal Constitution
Text Book
Tunku Sofiah Jewa, Salleh Buang & Yaacob, Hussain Merican (eds.) (2007). Tun Mohamed Suffian’s An Introduction to
the Constitution of Malaysia (Third Edition), Petaling Jaya: Pacifica Publications.
Additional Readings
Abdul Aziz Bari & Farid Sufian Shuib (2007). Constitution of Malaysia: Text and Commentary (Second Edition). Kuala
Lumpur: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Fernando, Joseph M. (2002). The Making of Malayan Constitution. Kuala Lumpur: MBRAS.
Harding, Andrew (1996). Law, Government and the Constitution in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: Malayan Law Journal.
Wan ArfahHamzah (2009). Malaysian Legal System. Shah Alam:Oxford FajarSdn Bhd.