Historic first as king of Malaysia abdicates
Print Edition
Malaysia鈥檚 king has abdicated, royal officials said yesterday, in a historic first for the country that ended weeks of speculation about his future after he took medical leave.
Sultan Muhammad V鈥檚 decision marks the first time a king has abdicated in the Muslim-majority country since it gained independence from Britain in 1957.
It came after the king took leave at the start of November for two months, during which time unconfirmed reports circulated that he had married a Russian former beauty queen.
A statement from the national palace confirmed the resignation of the relatively youthful monarch, known for his fondness for four-wheel driving and other extreme sports.
鈥淗is majesty tells the people of Malaysia to continue to be united to maintain unity, tolerance, and work together,鈥 said the statement, signed by the Comptroller of the Royal Household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
It gave no reason for the 49-year-old鈥檚 move.
But there had been a question mark over the reign of the king, who ascended to the throne in December 2016, since he took a leave of absence for medical treatment in November.
Reports then circulated online that he had married a former Miss Moscow in Russia.
Royal officials in Malaysia have so far not commented on the rumored marriage, or given any details about his health.
Command great respect
While their role is ceremonial, Malaysia鈥檚 Islamic royalty command great respect, especially from Muslim Malays, and criticizing them is strictly forbidden.
Speculation intensified about the king鈥檚 future last week when the country鈥檚 Islamic royals reportedly held a special meeting.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique arrangement where the throne changes hands every five years between rulers of the nine Malaysian states headed by centuries-old Islamic royalty.
The rotating monarchy system has been in place since independence from Britain in 1957, and Sultan Muhammad V is the first monarch to have renounced the throne.
Sultan Muhammad V studied at St Cross College at Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, according to official media.
Malaysia鈥檚 sultans trace a lineage back to Malay sultanates of the 15th century.
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