Al-Sultan Abdullah concludes term as 16th Malaysia King

Malaysia is set to bid farewell to Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah as he wraps up his five-year tenure as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 30 January.

His journey began on 31 January 2019, a mere 15 days after being proclaimed Sultan of Pahang, with a traditional swearing-in ceremony witnessed by Malay Rulers, their representatives, Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the Cabinet, and various dignitaries.

Throughout his reign, Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed gratitude to Istana Negara personnel for their outstanding service.

In a heartwarming “Malam 1000 Kenangan” program at Istana Negara on 26 January, the royal couple reminisced about the cherished memories created during their five years at the national palace.

The ceremony concluded with a special video screening and a patriotic flash mob performance by palace employees.

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Their Majesties have earned widespread recognition across the nation for their warm and compassionate personalities.

In an interview marking the end of his five-year reign, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed his dedicated efforts to build the country and foster unity.

Looking forward to a new role, he expressed love for meeting and assisting people, especially in Pahang, where he served as Sultan for only 15 days.

Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah plan to visit all districts in the state, emphasizing their commitment to helping the people.

Despite no longer being the King of Malaysia, he hopes to remain the “king of your hearts.”

“I may not be the King of Malaysia after January but if I can be, I hope to be the King of all of your hearts,” said Sultan Abdullah.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead for five years, he apologized for any shortcomings.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah added her thanks to Allah, concluding their tenure with humility and appreciation.

Al-Sultan Abdullah reflects on challenges and hopes for a harmonious future

In a recent media interview at Istana Negara, Al-Sultan Abdullah, alongside Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah, emphasized the importance of political stability for Malaysia’s progress.

The constant changes in government during the past five years were deemed “extremely wasteful,” posing challenges to maintaining harmony and stability.

Al-Sultan Abdullah, who faced four prime ministers during his term, highlighted the need for a stable administration, urging against abrupt changes that hinder the country’s progress.

He emphasized the importance of allowing the elected government to complete its term, stating that frequent changes discourage foreign investors and contribute to economic instability.

Addressing the idea of a unity government, Al-Sultan Abdullah revealed that he proposed the concept after the 15th General Election to address the impasse of the hung parliament at the time.

However, the proposal faced rejection from key political figures, including opposition leaders from the Perikatan National alliance Muhyiddin Yassin and Abdul Hadi Awang.

He expressed concern about the impact of political actions on the people and called for harmony among citizens.

As Al-Sultan Abdullah prepares to leave Istana Negara after five years as Malaysia King, he acknowledged the challenges faced and expressed a heartfelt desire for unity among the people.

Despite his efforts for the country, he expressed sadness at the prospect of departing Istana Negara amid lingering divisions among the people.

Al-Sultan Abdullah’s send-off ceremony set for 30 January

As the public bids farewell to Al-Sultan Abdullah, a send-off ceremony is scheduled for 30 January along Jalan Parlimen up to Dato Onn Roundabout.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid emphasized the closure of the route from 6 am for the farewell team’s movement, consisting of 3,650 personnel from various ministries.

The public is encouraged to adhere to traffic control instructions for a smooth and orderly event.

Following the conclusion of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s term, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commencing his five-year term on 31 January 2024.

Only King who reigned with four prime ministers and four different Cabinets

Al-Sultan Abdullah could be possibly the only King who has been given the authority to rule the country with four different Prime Ministers and four Cabinets.

The nation’s monarch primarily holds a ceremonial role, overseeing crucial appointments, including the Prime Minister.

Additionally, the King of Malaysia serves as the head of the predominantly Muslim state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Malaysia operates under a unique constitutional monarchy system, with the throne rotating every five years among the rulers of the nine Malaysian states, all of which are led by Islamic royal families with centuries-old heritage.

The rotational system for the Malaysian monarchy has been in place since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957.

The role of the Malaysian King includes the power to grant pardons to individuals facing legal convictions.

In 2018, Sultan Muhammad V, the 14th Malaysian King from Kelantan, granted a royal pardon to Anwar Ibrahim, who was serving a prison sentence on charges of sodomy.

The position of King in Malaysia holds great prestige, particularly among the Malay Muslim majority, and any criticism deemed to insult the King of Malaysia can result in legal consequences, including imprisonment.

The King also serves as the nominal head of government and the armed forces. All legislation, Cabinet appointments, and the dissolution of Parliament for general elections require royal consent.

The Malaysian Constitution allocates approximately RM5 million (approximately US$ 1.21 million) annually for the King’s expenses and household maintenance, including palace upkeep, with the amount subject to Cabinet approval.