KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - In a unique ceremony witnessed by his fellow royal families, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Cabinet members, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Malaysia's Johor state took his oath of office and was officially sworn in as the nation's new king on Wednesday. The billionaire sultan, who is 65 years old, boasts an extensive business empire that spans various industries such as real estate, telecommunications, and power plants.
Under Malaysia's rotating monarchy system, nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns serving as king for five-year terms. This system, the only one of its kind in the world, has been in place since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. With 13 states in Malaysia, only nine have royal families, some of whom can trace their roots back to centuries-old Malay kingdoms that were independent states before being united by the British.
Sultan Ibrahim's election to the national throne by his fellow rulers in October was widely anticipated, as it followed an established rotation order. Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak state, next in line to the throne, was reelected as deputy king. The role of the king, known as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong or He Who is Made Lord, is primarily ceremonial, with administrative power vested in the prime minister and Parliament. While the monarch is the nominal head of the government and armed forces, the king's notable responsibilities include protecting Islam and Malay traditions, providing assent for laws and Cabinet appointments, and possessing the power to proclaim emergencies and grant pardons to criminals.
Sultan Ibrahim succeeds Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang state, who presided over a tumultuous period marked by COVID-19 lockdowns and political instability. The political influence of the king has grown in recent years, with Sultan Abdullah intervening in the past to determine the appointment of prime ministers, including naming Anwar as the prime minister following the 2022 general elections, which resulted in a hung parliament.
In an interview with the Singapore Straits Times published last month, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his intention to maintain a hands-on approach during his reign. He stated that he did not want to be a 'puppet king' and would instead focus on combating corruption and fostering unity in the country. The sultan, along with other rulers, has also cautioned against attempts by the opposition to overthrow Anwar's government, emphasizing the need for political stability.
Sultan Ibrahim, whose mother is English, is known for his advocacy of welfare issues and his annual road trips on his motorbike to engage with the people of his state. He is not shy about his wealth, with an impressive collection of cars, motorcycles, and properties abroad. Additionally, Sultan Ibrahim is the only ruler with a private army, a condition agreed upon for the state of Johor to join modern-day Malaysia.
However, his high corporate profile, including a stake in the multibillion-dollar Forest City development project in Johor with China's Country Garden, has raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, Sultan Ibrahim has defended his business ventures, citing the need to 'earn a living, like ordinary Malaysians' as he cannot solely rely on his monthly state allowance of 27,000 ringgit ($5,700). Sultan Ibrahim's wife, Raja Zarith Sofiah, hails from another royal family and is an Oxford graduate and prolific writer of children's books. Together, they have five sons and a daughter.
As Malaysia ushers in a new king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar's ascendance to the throne brings with it a mix of anticipation and expectations. With his vast experience in business and his stated commitment to addressing key issues in the nation, the sultan will play a crucial role in shaping Malaysia's future. Only time will tell the impact he will have on the monarchy, governance, and the broader society as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
