Malaysian rulers to choose new monarch by the end of the month

PHOTO: The Straits Times

Malaysia’s Conference of Rulers will meet in about two weeks’ time to elect the country’s new constitutional monarch, as well as a deputy after the ruling monarch, Sultan Muhammad V, stepped down on Sunday in an unprecedented move.

The 16th King, or Supreme Ruler, and a deputy will be sworn in at the end of the month. This announcement made by the Keeper of the Royal Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.

Yesterday morning, six of Malaysia’s nine ruling monarchs held a meeting at the national palace, Istana Negara, following Sultan Muhammad’s decision to step down as the Malaysian King.

“The rulers attending this gathering have fixed Thursday, January 24, as the day to hold a special Conference of Rulers meeting for the purpose of electing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI and the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Tan Sri Syed Danial said in the statement.

Thursday, Jan 31 has also been announced as the day for the swearing in of the new Malaysian King.

Sultan Muhammad, who is from Kelantan state, was seen performing Friday prayers in the state last week.

Neither the palace nor the PM’s Office has given a reason for the sudden abdication of the 49 year old Sultan Muhammad, after just two years as King – three years short of the usual five-year tenure.

Though a constitutional monarch without power in the democracy, the King is seen as a symbol of Malay leadership and protector of Islam, the state religion.

In the interim period, Sultan Nazrin Shah, the current Deputy King, will likely serve as Acting King, reported the New Straits Times.

Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad says that the government hopes the new King would be elected as soon as possible.

“The government accepts the decision of Sultan Muhammad V to step down. It is in accordance with the Constitution,” Dr Mahathir told reporters after attending an event, according to Bernama news agency.

SOURCE: The Straits Times