level is expected to conduct itself in accordance with a series of well-defined conventions that are administered by the State Secretariat, although there is no law compelling the caretaker government at state level to do so. Malaysian constitutional practice calls for a state government to continue in office even after state assembly has been dissolved, during the election period and then into the next state assembly only until the next state government can be formed. The Menteri Besar (or chief minister) can, however, resign office and advise the sultan / raja / governor at any time to appoint a new state government. The operation of the Malaysian political system ensures that an executive council (or cabinet) is always maintained and that caretaker governments at state level abide by the conventions. A caretaker government at state level operates until the election result clearly indicates that either the incumbent party or coalition has retained power, or in the case where there is to be a change of government, until the new state government is appointed by the sultan / raja / governor. These conventions are not legally binding, and do not constitute "hard and fast rules." In practice, any flouting of the conventions by a caretaker government at state level would immediately come to light, and could go against them in the election campaign. Caretaker government conduct at state level The Caretaker provisions explicitly recognise that, after the dissolution of state assembly, the business of government must continue and that "ordinary matters of administration" must be addressed. Hence the provisions allow for the normal operations of all state government departments. However, the caretaker conventions impose some restrictions on the conduct of the caretaker government at state level. The conventions broadly include the following: Major policy decisions. The State Government will cease taking major policy decisions except on urgent matters and then only after formal consultation with the Opposition. The conventions apply to the making of decisions, not to their announcement. Accordingly, the conventions are not infringed where decisions made before dissolution are announced during the caretaker period. However, where possible, decisions would normally be announced ahead of dissolution. Significant appointments. The State Government will cease making major appointments of public officials, but may make acting or short-term appointments. Major contracts or undertakings. The State Government will avoid entering major contracts or undertakings during the caretaker period. If it is not possible to