Methods of Selecting Executive

Three methods of selecting the Executive are as follow:

i)     Hereditary Principle. This principle often refers to a monarch or Nominal Executive. This method is applied to executive who is chosen customary, traditional or by inheritance of throne in a royal family. For example the Sultan of 9 states in Malaysia.

ii)    Nominated Executive. The executive is appointed or nominated to hold the position in the government. For example, the 44 members in the Senate (Dewan Negara) of Malaysia are appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on the advice of the Prime Minister.

iii)   Elected by the Legislature. The executive was chosen by the Legislature, who is thought to be best qualified in making decision and judgment in selecting and appointing the best candidates to become the Head of Government, rather than the ordinary voting system, in which the people might make wrong choices as they are believed to be influenced by certain political parties or candidates. This method is often applied in a Parliamentary Government. For example, the Prime Minister of Malaysia is elected by the Legislature among the member of the House to become the Head of Government. The Prime Minister is also the head of his political party. 

Type of Executive

The Executive is the second branch of the government which responsible for enforcing the laws enacted by the Legislature in the country.

(a)  There are four types of Executive:

i)     Real Executive is the executive who exercises the real power in policy making and governance of a country. The real executive is normally the member of political parties. They are the Head of Government. For example, the Prime Ministers, Cabinet Members and the State Representatives.

ii)    Nominal Executive is titular executive who does not exercise the real power in the governance and administration of the state. The role of a nominal or titular executive is normally ceremonial or customary. They are normally called the Head of State: The monarch, King, Queen, Emperor or Sultan. And they act on the advice of the Real Executive. For example, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. His Majesty do not practices real power in governing the country, but His Majesty acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and his cabinet members.

iii)   Political Executive is the political leader of a country who represented his/ her political party and is elected directly by the people during the general election. They held the responsibility to govern the country. If Political Executive loses the confidence of the people and the legislature, he should resign from his office. Examples of the Political Executive are, the Prime Minister and ministers elected by the people.

iv)   Non-Political Executive refers to civil servants who are appointed according to their qualification and experiences. They are neutral in politics and are required to serve the government with impartiality. They are not allowed to involve in any political party or assemblies, and they serve as the advisor to the minister. They are permanent office holders and serve until the age of retirement, unlike the Political Executive who serve for a certain term and when loses vote from the people, a Political Executive should resign. Examples of Non-Political Executive are the Secretaries General of Ministers, the Directors General and etc. In Malaysia, the non-political executive retires at age 58.