Malaysia crowned the Sultan of Johor, Ibrahim Iskandar, its new king on July 20. The coronation occurred six months after Sultan Ibrahim’s swearing-in ceremony, after which the 65-year-old billionaire became Malaysia’s 17th king.
Malaysia has a unique rotating monarchy system where nine Malay state rulers take turns serving as the country’s king for five-year terms. This system began after Malaysia broke free from British colonial rule in 1957. Though there are 13 Malay states, only nine have royal families. These royal families have been around for centuries, ruling independent Malay kingdoms before colonization.
Sultan Ibrahim is from the southern Johor state, which borders Singapore. He is one of the wealthiest people in the country, owning businesses in various industries such as telecoms and real estate. He is also the only state ruler to possess a private army. Ibrahim has been vocal about politics and has a record of speaking out on issues like corruption and racism.
The king of Malaysia generally serves in a ceremonial capacity. The prime minister and Parliament hold administrative power, whereas the king is the symbolic head of the government and army and upholds Islamic and Malaysian traditions. However, all laws, Cabinet appointments, and the dissolution of Parliament require the king’s approval. The king also has the power to declare a state of emergency and extend pardons to criminals.