Sultanate of Selatan
Sultanate of Selatan | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: "Selatan Berjaya" "Selatan Suceeds" | |
| Anthem: Daulat Tuanku Sultan | |
| Status | Active |
| Capital | Changkat Changi |
| Official languages | Malay |
| Recognised national languages | Arabic English |
| Ethnic groups (2024) |
5% Indonesians |
| Religion (2024) |
|
| Demonym(s) | Selatanese |
| Government | Absolute monarchy |
• Sultan | Noor Alyarish |
• Tengku Makhota | Muhammad Danial |
• Menteri Besar | Erfansyah Andryputra |
| Legislature | Legislative Assembly |
| Establishment | |
• Selat Kingdom | 10 July 2019 |
• Kesultanan Selatan | 31 May 2023 |
| Population | |
• 2024 census | 56 |
| Currency | Singapore Dollar |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (SST) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +65 |
| Internet TLD | .sg |
The Sultanate of Selatan, more commonly known as Selatan, is a micronation situated in Singapore. It has a homogeneous population of around 60 individuals, all of whom identify as Malays, a demographic characteristic attributed to specific policies enacted within the micronation.
Selatan is governed by the Sultan, who receives advice from the Menteri Besar and the Legislative Council of Selatan. The legal framework of the micronation is influenced by Islamic law and Malay customs, which play a significant role in shaping its government and societal norms.
Selatan actively promotes Malay culture and customs domestically and internationally. Various initiatives and events are organised to showcase the diverse heritage of the Malay community and foster cultural identity among its citizens
While Selatan tends to avoid establishing formal diplomatic ties with other micronations due to the perception of redundancy by its government, it remains open to engagement. The Sultanate's foreign policy is guided by principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit, and the promotion of Malay culture and customs in its interactions with other micronations.
Etymology
The name "Selatan" is derived from the combination of two Malay words, "Selat" and "Tanah," which have their origins in the historical Selat Kingdom. A descriptive name for the kingdom in Malay was "Selat Tanah," literally translating to "Straits Land." Over time, this term evolved to become the name of the modern micronation. However, due to the dual meaning of "Selatan" as "south" in Malay, the populace has also embraced its interpretation as the "southern sultanate" situated on the southern tip of the Malayan peninsula.
History
The Sultanate of Selatan traces its origins back to the Selat Kingdom, a historical entity that emerged when several factions in the Punggol region united under the rule of King Alyarish. The Selat Kingdom served as the precursor to the modern sultanate, laying the groundwork for its establishment. The transition to a sultanate was driven by widespread popular support from citizens seeking to formalize a Malay sultanate that acknowledged the significant Malay-Islamic majority within the micronation. On May 31, 2023, the sultanate was officially founded, and King Alyarish was proclaimed as its Sultan, marking the beginning of the sultanate.
Politics and government
The government of Selatan is characterized as an absolute monarchy, wherein the Sultan holds supreme authority over the governance of the Sultanate. Within this system, the Sultan exercises absolute power and control over all aspects of governance and decision-making. Unlike in many democratic systems, there are no elections or political parties within the Legislative Assembly of Selatan. Instead, members of the Assembly are appointed by the Sultan, further reinforcing the Sultan's centralized authority and the absence of democratic processes within the legislative branch of Selatan's government.
Sultan
The Sultan of Selatan serves as both the head of state and head of government in the Sultanate. With authority over all government functions, the Sultan holds full executive powers, although decisions are often made in consultation with the Legislative Assembly. The Sultan's role is crucial in steering the direction of governance and policy-making within Selatan. The succession process entails the Sultan designating a Tengku Makhota, who is elected by the previous Sultan to succeed them, ensuring continuity in leadership within the Sultanate.
Menteri Besar
The Menteri Besar, (Chief Minister), holds a significant role within the government of Selatan, serving as the principal advisor to the Sultan. Acting as the direct intermediary between the Legislative Assembly and the Sultan, the Menteri Besar plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and cooperation between these branches of government. Like other members of the Assembly, the Menteri Besar is appointed by the Sultan to their position.
Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly of Selatan, known as Dewan Negara Selatan in Malay, functions as the unicameral legislative body within the Sultanate of Selatan. Unlike in many democratic systems, members of the Assembly are appointed directly by the Sultan, and the system does not incorporate elections or political parties. Ministers and governors are appointed to represent the various ministries and districts of the Sultanate. While the Assembly convenes to discuss matters of significance, it holds no authoritative power over the government. Instead, it serves in an advisory capacity, providing counsel and recommendations to the Sultan and the final decisions rest with the Sultan.
Law and order
Selatan maintains a Supreme Court tasked with adjudicating cases within the Sultanate, providing a legal framework for resolving disputes and upholding justice. Despite having an all-Muslim government, Selatan does not enforce Islamic Sharia law within its jurisdiction, instead operating under a secular legal system.
Law enforcement in Selatan is overseen by the Royal Selatan Police, responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring compliance with the law.
Military
Selatan does not maintain a physical military force; however, it has a notable military presence in virtual realms, including a navy and combat forces deployed online across various gaming platforms.
Security measures offline in the sultanate are overseen by the Royal Selatan Police, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and maintaining order within the Sultanate's physical domain.
Ministries
The administration of the Sultanate of Selatan is supported by seven ministries, each assigned specific tasks and responsibilities. These ministries play crucial roles in coordinating government operations and maintains and providing services to the citizens of Selatan.
Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence of Selatan is tasked with maintaining the security and defense of the Sultanate. Established with the purpose of overseeing both the Royal Selatan Police and the Royal Armed Forces, it holds a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and sovereignty of Selatan.
Ministry of Trade and Finance
The Ministry of Trade and Finance of Selatan oversees the management of finances and trade within the Sultanate. Established with the primary objective of managing the treasury of the sultanate, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the economic stability and prosperity of Selatan. Through its administration of financial matters and trade policies, the Ministry of Trade and Finance facilitates economic growth, fosters trade relations, and oversees fiscal management within the Sultanate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Selatan is tasked with managing foreign affairs within the Sultanate. Established with the primary objective of overseeing diplomatic relations between Selatan and other micronations, it holds a pivotal role in representing the Sultanate's interests on the international stage. Through its diplomatic efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to foster positive relationships, negotiate agreements, and promote Selatan's values and interests abroad.
Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs of Selatan is entrusted with the management of domestic affairs within the Sultanate. Established with the primary objective of overseeing civil administration, it plays a crucial role in matters related to registration, employment, and other internal affairs. Through its administration of domestic policies and regulations, the Ministry of Home Affairs aims to ensure the smooth functioning of civil services, uphold law and order, and promote the welfare of Selatan's citizens.
Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture of Selatan is tasked with promoting and preserving cultural heritage within the Sultanate. Established with the primary objective of managing and promoting Malay cultural aspects, it plays a pivotal role in organizing festivals and events to showcase Selatan's rich cultural heritage. Through its initiatives, the Ministry of Culture seeks to celebrate and preserve traditional Malay customs, arts, and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and pride among Selatan's populace.
Ministry of Law
The Ministry of Law of Selatan is responsible for upholding and administering the legal framework within the Sultanate. Established with the primary objective of managing the Supreme Court and overseeing the legal system of the sultanate, it plays a critical role in ensuring justice and maintaining law and order. Through its oversight of the judiciary and legal affairs, the Ministry of Law seeks to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of citizens, and promote fairness and equality within Selatan.
Islamic Council of Selatan
The Islamic Council of Selatan is tasked with overseeing the administration of Islam within the Sultanate. Established to provide guidance on matters related to Islamic teachings and principles, the Council plays a pivotal role in offering dawah (religious outreach), issuing fatwas (religious rulings), and providing advice to the Legislative Assembly on Islamic affairs. Through its activities, the Islamic Council aims to uphold the tenets of Islam, promote religious education, and ensure the adherence to Islamic laws and customs within Selatan.
Foreign relations
Selatan's foreign policy emphasizes mutual benefit and tends to prioritize diplomatic relations with micronations within the Southeast Asian region where the Sultanate is situated. This approach is influenced by the government's inclination towards maintaining a more closed-off stance, which contributes to its reluctance to establish significant diplomatic ties with micronations outside of the region.
Administrative regions
The Sultanate of Selatan does not assert ownership over any physical territory; instead, it co-administers sovereign territory. Administered territory is organized into regions, each overseen by a Ketua Menteri (Head Minister) appointed by the Sultan.
| Emblem | Name | Population | Ketua Menteri | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Districts | |||||
|
Changkat Changi | 56 | Adib Selamat | ||
Geography and climate
Selatan has a tropical rainforest climate characterized by consistent high humidity and temperatures throughout the year, with no distinct seasons. Temperatures typically range between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F). This equatorial climate fosters abundant rainfall, sustaining the lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems of the region. The combination of warm temperatures and high humidity creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of rainforests and diverse flora and fauna.
Economy
The economy of Selatan relies significantly on donations and taxes contributed by its citizens. This financial support serves as a primary source of revenue for funding government operations, and public services within the Sultanate. Donations from citizens contribute to various aspects of the economy, including social welfare programs, cultural initiatives, and community development projects.
Culture
The predominant culture of Selatan is rooted in Malay heritage, reflecting the influence of the Malay majority population within the Sultanate. Various festivals and arts intrinsic to Malay culture hold significant prominence and are actively promoted and preserved by the government. Traditional Malay arts such as Silat (martial arts), Gendang (drumming), and Dikir Barat (a traditional form of vocal and percussion music) are cherished and practiced throughout Selatan. Additionally, festivals such as Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr), Ramadan, Mawlid, and other cultural celebrations play a central role in the social fabric of the Sultanate. The government of Selatan staunchly endorses and supports Malay culture, recognizing its importance in fostering a sense of identity, pride, and unity among its populace.
Holidays
| Date | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May | National Day | A day celebrating the founding of the modern sultanate. |
External links
| Full members |
|
|---|---|
| Observers | |
| Former members | |
