Malaysia’s billionaire king Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar was installed on July 20, six months after he was sworn in for a five-year term under a unique rotating monarchy system. The coronation at the national palace formalized the sultan’s role as Malaysia’s 17th king in a ceremony steeped in Malay culture and pageantry. It was televised live to showcase the history of the Malay sultanate.
Nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as Malaysia’s king for five-year terms under the world’s only such system, which began when Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia has 13 states but only nine have royal families, some which trace their roots to centuries-old Malay kingdoms that were independent states until they were brought together by the British. Sultan Ibrahim, one of the country’s richest men, has an extensive business empire ranging from real estate to telecommunications.
The 65-year-old monarch from southern Johor state has good relations with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and is candid about Malaysian politics, having spoken out against corruption and racial discrimination. More than 700 guests attended the coronation, including Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Bahrain’s King Hamad Isa al Khalifa. The ceremony was followed by a royal banquet July 21 evening.
Known as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, or He Who is Made Lord, the king plays a largely ceremonial role, with administrative power vested in the prime minister and Parliament. The monarch.