Appointed in January by the Council of Rulers of one of the world’s few elective monarchies, he will hold office for five years. The ceremony this morning in the square of the royal residence in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim: an institution that guarantees equality and justice for all Malaysian citizens. The ruler is also recognized as a leader for local Islam.
Kuala Lumpur () – Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor, who ascended the royal throne on 31 January this year, was officially sworn in today as Malaysia’s 17th king. He succeeds Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Sultan of Pahang, whose five-year reign ended on 30 January.
The Conference of Rulers – made up of the nine leaders of the Malaysian states – elects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the king), and this “de facto” position rotates among them, making Malaysia one of the few elective monarchies in the world.
Sultan Ibrahim will rule the country for a five-year term starting this year. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Balairung, the main square of the Istana Negara (royal residence in Kuala Lumpur), was attended by members of the army, air force and navy, symbolising the national defence forces’ oath of loyalty to the king as their supreme commander.
Early in the morning, Sultan Ibrahim and his consort, Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, made their way to the royal box, accompanied by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Sultan Ibrahim wore the Muskat (official dress of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong), while the Queen of Malaysia wore a Kurung Johor dress adorned with embroidered golden hibiscus motifs.
More than 700 guests, including Malaysian rulers, governors and foreign dignitaries, attended the investiture ceremony at the royal palace, which was broadcast live on national television. Foreign guests included Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Welcoming the new King, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the creation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a pillar of strength for the country and its diverse population – ensuring equality and justice for all Malaysians, in line with the principles of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
The role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is also to guide local Islam, which is the federal religion. He is also responsible for strengthening the position of the Malay language and defending the rights of the Malays and the Bumiputera, the local ethnic groups. “His Majesty’s inauguration today marks a historic event that will raise the dignity of the country,” Anwar added, also recalling the crucial role of the king in ensuring Malaysia’s close ties with ASEAN member countries, with other Islamic countries and at the international level.
Add Comment