Over the last 15 years the Malaysian monarchies (constituting about a fifth of all extant monarchies globally) have re-established themselves not only reputationally but also as important elements in the Malaysian political system. This paper looks at what has been dubbed ‘Nazrinian’ monarchy and its Johor variant, ‘The Order’, and their impact on acute political issues such as discrimination, religion and government formation. The explanation is found, partly at least, in the absence of effective corrective mechanisms elsewhere in the political system.