Yang di-Pertuan Negara

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Yang di-Pertuan Negara, literally meaning "Someone who is the Eminent Master of The State" in Malay, was used as an official title at various times in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

[edit] Singapore

In 1959, following revisions to the Constitution, which granted Singapore internal self-government, the ceremonial post of Yang di-Pertuan Negara replaced the British colonial Governor. Under a transitional arrangement, the last British Governor, Sir William Goode, served as Yang di-Pertuan Negara from June 3 to December 3, 1959. He was succeeded by Yusof bin Ishak, who was sworn into office on the same day as the country's national flag, coat of arms, and national anthem were adopted.

The title was retained when Singapore became the fourteenth state of Malaysia in 1963, but on August 9, 1965, Singapore was separated from the federation to become an independent nation. On December 22 of that year, the Constitution was amended, changing the title to President with retroactive effect from the date of independence.

[edit] Brunei

In Brunei, the Sultan of Brunei is also known as the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Brunei.

[edit] Sabah

In the Malaysian state of Sabah, the Governor of Sabah was known by the formal title of Yang di-Pertua Negara from 1963 until 1976 when the office was retitled Yang di-Pertua Negeri.