Who is the Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister (in Malay, Perdana Menteri) is the head of the government of Malaysia. He leads the country's daily running and makes important decisions for the people.
How the Prime Minister is chosen
After a general election, the leader of the party (or group of parties) that wins the most seats in the Dewan Rakyat is appointed Prime Minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Prime Minister must be a member of the Dewan Rakyat and have the support of most of its members.
Key idea
The Agong is the Head of State, but the Prime Minister is the Head of Government who runs the country.
Our first Prime Minister
Malaysia's very first Prime Minister was Tunku Abdul Rahman. He led Malaya to independence on 31 August 1957, so he is honoured as the Bapa Kemerdekaan (Father of Independence). The Prime Minister works with a team of ministers called the Cabinet, based in Putrajaya.