In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been chosen as the nation’s 17th king by the country’s royalty. This decision comes as the current monarch is set to step down next year. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique system where the position of king rotates among the leaders of its nine Islamic royal Malay houses every five years.
Sultan Ibrahim, aged 64 and hailing from the southern Johor state, was selected as the new king in a special meeting held by the nine rulers. Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced, “I inform that the Conference of Rulers … have agreed to declare that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan of Johor Darul Ta’zim has been elected as His Majesty the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.” Sultan Ibrahim’s reign will begin on January 31, 2024, and will last for five years, replacing Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang as the country’s new Yang di-Pertuan Agong or “He Who is Made Lord.”
Notably, Malaysia’s kings play a largely ceremonial role in the country’s daily affairs, as executive power resides with the prime minister. They can appoint a lawmaker with a parliamentary majority as the country’s premier and exercise certain discretionary powers during national crises.
Sultan Ibrahim, known for his influence and significant business interests, is expected to emphasize political stability, inter-race cohesion, unity, and a pro-business or investment environment in his new role. Malaysia’s royalty has a long historical legacy dating back to the 15th century, and they are highly respected, especially among the Muslim, ethnic-Malay majority of the country.
Source: Asia News