Pahang Constitution: Malay World Had Law Over 600 Years Ago, Finds Royal Study

Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, has uncovered historical evidence suggesting the Malay world had a constitution more than 600 years ago. This finding emerged from her research into the Pahang Hukum Kanun, a legal manuscript.

“

I do like reading constitutions, including all the State Constitutions in Malaysia, although perhaps many do not know it.

Initially, Tunku Azizah intended to study the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Malaysia, believing this shift occurred only after independence. However, her research took a new direction when she discovered the Pahang Hukum Kanun, which she decided to use as the basis for her thesis.

“

Every time the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, wants clarification on a constitutional matter, he often asks me to review it.

Her interest in constitutional law is long-standing. Tunku Azizah has a passion for reading constitutions, including all state constitutions in Malaysia. Internationally, she served as President and Committee Member of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), where she was involved in revising the organization's new constitution to comply with company law requirements. She also contributed to the preparation of a new constitution for the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, based on the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) model.

“

At the side of my bed, there is always a copy of the State Constitution, and I read them one by one. I can say I have almost memorized all the provisions related to the institution of the Malay Rulers.

Tunku Azizah noted that the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, often consults her on constitutional matters. This personal engagement, coupled with her extensive reading of the state constitution, led her to examine the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Pahang (Pahang State Constitution) of 1948. She views this as the source of power for Pahang's customs and traditions, even though these customs are not explicitly detailed.

“

From there, my interest in the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Pahang (Pahang State Constitution) 1948 was born. In my view, this constitution is the source of power for Pahang's customs and traditions, even though the meaning of customs is not explained in detail.