This is what we know about Malaysia’s new king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
The ruler of the central state of Pahang is heavily involved in sport and has carved a name for himself in the military
Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah – the hereditary ruler of the central Malaysian state of Pahang – will be sworn in as Malaysia’s 16th Yang di Pertuan Agong (or king) today, January 31, replacing Sultan Muhammad V who abdicated on January 6.
The 59-year-old was elected to serve a five-year term by eight other Malay sultans in the country’s Conference of Rulers. Malaysia follows a rotation system involving the nine royal houses.
Sultan Abdullah became Pahang’s sixth monarch, a week before the decision was made to crown him king. He replaced his ailing 88-year-old father Ahmad Shah, who reigned for nearly 45 years, The Star newspaper reported.
This is what we know about Malaysia’s next king.
Educated in Malaysia and Britain
Born on July 30, 1959 at Istana Mangga Tunggal, Malaysia’s incoming king attended school in Malaysia until he completed secondary school, and then went to Britain to further his studies.
He attended preschool at Clifford School in Kuala Lipis (1965), primary school at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ahmad in Pekan and Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan St Thomas in Kuantan (1966-69), and secondary school at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St Thomas (1970-74), according to Bernama.
After graduating, he enrolled at Aldenham School, Elstree, Hertfordshire and Davies College in London (1975-77).
Sultan Abdullah then entered The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (1978-79), Worcester College and Queen Elizabeth College (1980-81), where he attained a diploma in international relations and diplomacy.