Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim takes oath as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong

MALAYSIA: Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ascended to the esteemed position of Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The regal ceremony took place at Istana Negara on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.

The installation marked the formal transition of power from Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang, concluding his five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 30 January 2024.

In a solemn ceremony at the palace, Sultan Ibrahim, 65, undertook the oath of office and affixed his signature to the instrument of the proclamation of office.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including other royal families, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and members of the Cabinet.

Although a grand coronation ceremony is scheduled for a later date, this swearing-in ceremony marked the official commencement of Sultan Ibrahim’s term as the new King.

Sultan Ibrahim’s election to the throne transpired in October 2023, following a meeting of the country’s nine sultans at the Conference of Rulers.

The rotational system unique to Malaysia involves the election of a king among the nine Malay rulers, setting the nation apart as the only one practising such a system globally.

Concurrently, at the same ceremony, Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, aged 67, took the oath of office as the Deputy King.

The joint swearing-in ceremony unfolded at the Balairung Seri (Throne Room) during the 264th (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers, under the auspices of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

In the presence of the Malay Rulers from various states and other dignitaries, Sultan Ibrahim and Sultan Nazrin Shah formally assumed their respective roles by signing the instruments of office.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim then proclaimed Sultan Ibrahim’s ascension to the federal throne and read out the instrument of the proclamation in adherence to the laws and the Federal Constitution.

The ceremony concluded with Istana Negara Religious Officer Datuk Munir Md Salleh offering prayers, seeking divine blessings for the well-being of Their Majesties, the people, and the nation.