Move FM Global News

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: In a ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Sultan Ibrahim from the southern state of Johor was formally installed as the country’s 17th king.

The monarchy in Malaysia holds a predominantly ceremonial role, but its influence has been on the rise recently, prompting the king to occasionally exercise discretionary powers to address political instability.

Under Malaysia’s unique monarchy system, the heads of the nation’s nine royal families take turns serving as the King, known as the “Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” on a rotating basis every five years. Sultan Ibrahim, aged 65, succeeds Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is returning to lead his home state of Pahang after completing his five-year term as king.

Although the monarchy is generally perceived as non-political, Sultan Ibrahim has been notable for his candidness and strong personality, often expressing his opinions on political matters. He is known for his extensive collection of luxury vehicles and motorcycles and has diverse business interests ranging from real estate to mining, including a stake in the $100-billion China-backed Forest City project, a land reclamation and development venture off Johor.

Before his installation, Sultan Ibrahim suggested in an interview with Singapore’s The Straits Times that he intended to be an active monarch. He proposed that Malaysia’s state oil firm, Petroliam Nasional, and the country’s anti-corruption agency should report directly to the King. He also spoke of plans to revive a stalled high-speed rail project between Malaysia and Singapore, with a border crossing through Forest City.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later downplayed Sultan Ibrahim’s statements, emphasizing that all opinions can be discussed without disregarding the federal constitution.

Sultan Ibrahim assumes his responsibilities as King during renewed political tensions in Malaysia. The country has experienced ongoing political upheaval since 2018, when the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition was ousted from power for the first time since independence. This prompted the monarch to take on a more prominent role.

While the King generally acts on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet, he possesses certain discretionary powers under the federal constitution, including appointing a prime minister who he believes commands a parliamentary majority.