Malaysia: New King elected January 24 /update 1

Event

On Thursday, January 24, nine royal families of Malaysia, also called the Conference of Rulers, elected the Sultan of Pahang as the new King of Malaysia. Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin will replace King Muhammad V who abdicated on January 6 following two years of rules. The 59-year-old new-elected king will serve a five-year term. A traditional ceremony to inaugurate him is expected to take place on January 31.

Context

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy. According to the Constiution, the national throne changes hands every five years between rulers of the country's nine states headed by Islamic royalty.

Advice

As a reminder, despite his mainly ceremonial role, the Malaysian King usually commands great respect, especially from the Muslim Malay majority. Criticising the King is strictly forbidden.