Advertisement
Malaysia’s monarchy looks to turn page on scandal as new king Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah installed
- Sultan Abdullah pledges to work with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has had a difficult relationship with the royals in the past
- Installation marks a new chapter for the institution, which has been troubled by scandals and public spats with the government
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
With the installation of its 16th king on Tuesday – Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah – Malaysia’s monarchy will be seeking to leave behind an awkward chapter in its history just six months after the previous sovereign shocked citizens by abdicating the throne.
And amid speculation about growing friction between the government and some of the nation’s provincial rulers, the new king, or agong, has made efforts to show he is friendly towards the current administration, even throwing a surprise birthday party for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 94 this month.
In his installation speech, Sultan Abdullah emphasised the importance of close cooperation with the government for the sake of the people, adding that Mahathir was widely experienced and well informed, and would lead the country to success.
Advertisement
He said his father, who served as king during Mahathir’s first stint as prime minister from 1984 to 2003, had a close and understanding relationship with Mahathir, and that he hoped this would continue so as to better ensure the nation’s prosperity.
Advertisement
Sultan Abdullah said his role played an important part in Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy, serving as “the basis of unity” in bringing people together and instilling a sense of patriotism, Malaysian state media reported.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x