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Malaysia practises an elective monarchy, and as such, there is no distinct line of succession to the Malaysian thrones. In the event where the current seat of the throne falls vacant (due to death, incapacitation or resignation), the Conference of Rulers shall meet to elect the new monarch from among the rulers of the nine Malay states. The deputy king does not automatically succeed the throne. The election is regulated by Article 32 of the Constitution of Malaysia.
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By convention, the monarch of the Throne of Malaysia has been elected by the established order of seniority of the states.
Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan is unique in that it is the only State in Malaysia which practices an elective monarchy instead of a linear dynasty. The four largest luak (districts) in Negeri Sembilan each elect an Undang (viceroy), who are also the kingmakers of the State. When the position of the Yamtuan Besar falls vacant, the four Undangs will be called upon to appoint a successor among the Princes of Four. They are the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti (currently Tunku Ali Redhauddin), the Tunku Laksamana (currently Tunku Naquiyuddin), the Tunku Muda of Serting (currently Tunku Imran) and the Tunku Panglima Besar (currently Tunku Nadzaruddin). The current Yamtuan Besar is Tuanku Muhriz.
Pahang
Succession is by male primogeniture in the line of descent from Sultan Ahmad Muazzam Shah
Johor
Succession is by male primogeniture in the line of descent from Sultan Abu Bakar
Perak
In contrast to the other Malaysian sultanates, the ruling dynasty of Perak utilises a somewhat complex order of succession.
The reigning Sultan appoints princes in the male line of descent from a Sultan to certain high princely titles. They are arranged in a strict order of precedence indicating the order of succession to the throne. As per a ruling of 25 February 1953, the present hierarchy of titles and the corresponding order of succession is as follows:
- The Raja Muda, Wakil us-Sultan, Wazir ul-Azam Negara Perak Dar ur-Ridzwan. Crown Prince and Heir Apparent to the Sultanate
- The Raja Di-Hilir. Deputy Crown Prince and Second Heir to the Sultanate.
- The Raja Kechil Besar.
- The Raja Kechil Sulong.
- The Raja Kechil Tengah.
- The Raja Kechil Bongsu.
While titleholders are usually appointed for life, titles may be revoked in cases of proven incompetence or disability. On the death or promotion of an existing titleholder, the holder of the next most senior title succeeds him. The Raja Muda is the heir apparent, and succeeds the ruling sultan on his demise, whereupon the prince holding the title of Raja Di-Hilir becomes the new Raja Muda. The Raja Kechil Besar then becomes the Raja Di-Hilir. The new Sultan may then appoint his own nominee to the junior-most title made vacant by these successions.