Criteria for Leadership and Governance based on Selected Malay Statecraft Manuscripts

Abstract

This study examines the governance and leadership criteria within the Malay governmental tradition by analysing selected statecraft manuscripts: Taj al-Salatin, Bustan al-Salatin, Safinat al-Hukkam, Muqaddimah fi Intizam Waza’if al-Malik, and Thamarat al-Muhimmah. The central issue is the need to reassess mechanisms of legitimacy and national stability through the lens of local political philosophy and value traditions. The objective is to identify and describe the leadership criteria and governance systems contained in these manuscripts. This study employs a qualitative method using library research techniques and textual analysis to achieve the stated objectives. The findings were obtained through a thematic analysis guided by a three-dimensional conceptual framework, namely personal, functional and governance system criteria. The appointment criteria were determined based on a synthesis of textual evidence from the study manuscripts, aligned with the parameters of the conceptual framework. Findings indicate that ruler appointment criteria emphasise religiousness, justice, trustworthiness and intellectual capacity. Selection mechanisms through syura (consultation), bai’ah (pledge of allegiance), and wasiat (testament) function as sources of legitimacy and as safeguards against abuse of power. Practical governance practices identified include consultation with ulama (religious scholars), careful evaluation of information, field visits to hear public grievances, and the appointment of authoritative officials such as wazir (vizier) and envoys to strengthen legitimacy and sovereign stability. Overall, this study contributes to the field of governance by outlining governance guidelines based on the principles of integrity, justice, and consultative practices. The research findings further reinforce the need for leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people and the rule of law to ensure national stability. In addition, this study proposes a dynamic and visionary leadership model as a foundation for a more transparent and sustainable governance transformation.

Keywords: Governance, leadership criteria, statecraft manuscripts, government leader, wazir (vizier), envoy