Today, Saturday, the coronation ceremony was held for Malaysian billionaire Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, who pledged to rule justly during his five-year term according to a unique rotating monarchy system.
Sultan Ibrahim, who is 65 years old, was sworn in last January, and his coronation on Saturday at the National Palace formalized his role as the seventeenth king of Malaysia in a celebration dominated by Malay culture and luxury.
Sultan Ibrahim will be succeeded by Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who returns to lead his home state of Pahang after completing his 5-year rule.
Nine rulers from ethnic Malay states alternate to assume the throne for a period of 5 years under the country's rotating monarchy, which began when Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957.
Malaysia includes 13 states, only 9 of which include royal families, some of which trace their roots back to the Malay kingdoms, which were independent states until the British isolated them.
Coronation ceremonies
Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zareth Sofia wore the traditional black and gold dress and headdress, and an official reception ceremony was held for them before they ascended the throne.
The heads of other royal families, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and King Hamad bin Isa L Khalifa of Bahrain, sat on a podium next to the throne.
At the beginning of the ceremony, a copy of the Holy Qur’an was presented to the Sultan, who accepted it. The King also received a golden dagger, a symbol of power. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim then pledged loyalty to his government and said that the royal institution is a pillar of strength for the nation. Then Sultan Ibrahim was declared the new Sultan of Malaysia.
Sultan Ibrahim said in his coronation speech: “God willing, I will perform my duties honestly and truthfully, and I will rule justly.”
He also urged Anwar's government to intensify efforts to improve people's livelihood and promote the nation's development.
After the Sultan took the oath, the guests in the hall chanted “Long live the king” three times.
Sultan Ibrahim, from the southern state of Johor, bordering Singapore, is one of the richest figures in Malaysia, with his business empire ranging from telecommunications to real estate.
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