Sultan of Johor becomes new king of Malaysia

Emir Ibrahim (front, right) walks next to King Abdullah

AP news agency reported on October 27 that royal families in Malaysia have just elected the head of the royal family of Johor state as king under the country's sole constitutional monarchy.

Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (65 years old) will be crowned on January 31, 2024 and begin a five-year term. Previously, many predicted that he would win the election, because the head of Johor state, which borders Singapore, is the next in line to hold the position of king according to the rotational tradition.

He will succeed King Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the head of the Pahang state royal family. Abdullah has ruled during a difficult period, with Malaysia under a Covid-19 lockdown and political turmoil, with the country having had four prime ministers since the 2018 general election.

Sultan Ibrahim has a collection of supercars, including many expensive cars and motorbikes. He also owns a private army and is involved in many business ventures. He also has a close relationship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and believes that Anwar's government should be given more time to strengthen the economy .

Nine sultans take turns as King of Malaysia for five-year terms in a system unique in the world , maintained since the country gained independence from Britain in 1957.

The Malaysian monarchy is largely ceremonial, but royal orders are respected and disrespect for the monarchy is frowned upon. Portraits of the king and queen hang prominently in government buildings across the country.

The king is also the head of the country's Muslim community and nominal head of the military. The king has become more active in politics in recent years. King Abdullah has had to intervene in recent years to decide who becomes prime minister.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/tieu-vuong-johor-tro-thanh-tan-vuong-malaysia-185231027201422269.htm