defer the commitment until after the caretaker period, for legal, commercial or other reasons, a minister could consult the Opposition, or agencies could deal with the contractor and ensure that contracts include clauses providing for termination in the event of an incoming government not wishing to proceed. Similar provisions cover tendering. International negotiations and visits. The State Government ordinarily seeks to defer such major international negotiations, or adopts observer status, until the end of the caretaker period. Avoiding PSC involvement in election activities. The Public Services Commission of Malaysia adopts a neutral stance while continuing to advise the State Government. There are several cases, notably the pricing of Opposition election promises, in which the PSC conducts an investigation and report for the benefit of the electorate at large. Change of government at state level When an opposition party or coalition wins enough seats at a state election to be able to command a majority in the Dewan Undangan Negeri, the convention is for the incumbent Menteri Besar / chief minister (still in caretaker mode) to formally advise the sultan / raja / governor that he or she is no longer able to govern, and that the Leader of the Opposition should be invited to form a state government. The sultan / raja / governor then requests the incumbent Menteri Besar / chief minister and his or her executive council (or cabinet) members to remain in office on a caretaker basis until a new state government is sworn in. The sultan / raja / governor then contacts the Leader of the Opposition and invites them to form a state government. The Leader of the Opposition accepts the invitation, and undertakes to inform the sultan / raja / governor when the new executive council is in a position to be sworn in. This can be delayed by the counting of votes in closely contested seats, or by the processes by which executive council (or cabinet) members are chosen under the relevant party's rules. In the meantime, the caretaker government at state level continues in office. References Abdul, A. B. (2002). Cabinet principles in Malaysia: The law and practice. Kuala Lumpur: Other Press. Abdul, A. B. (2003). Malaysian constitution: A critical introduction. Kuala Lumpur: The Other Press. Puthucheary, M., Norani, O., & Institut Kajian Malaysia dan Antarabangsa. (2003). The electoral system of Malaysia: A report. Bangi, Selangor: Institute Malaysian and International Studies. Rais,