Malaysia King

Sultan Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia's 17th king as Royals gain influence

The billionaire sultan who rules Malaysia's Johor state was sworn in as the nation's new king Wednesday under a unique rotating monarchy system. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, 65, took his oath of office at the palace and signed the instrument of the proclamation of office in a ceremony witnessed by other royal families, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet members. A coronation ceremony will be held later. One of the richest men in the country, Sultan Ibrahim has an extensive business empire ranging from real estate to telecoms and power plants. The candid monarch has close ties with Anwar and his rule could bolster Anwar's unity government, which faces a strong Islamic opposition. Nine ethnic Malay state rulers have taken turns as king for five-year terms under the world's only such system since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia has 13 states but only nine have royal families, some that trace their roots to centuries-old Malay kingdoms that were independent

Malaysian King, Queen test positive for Coronavirus, show mild symptoms

Malaysia reported 17,476 new COVID-19 infections as of midnight Friday, bringing the national total to 4,219,395, according to the health ministry

Malaysia's past casts a long shadow on its present-day politics and economy

Unlike neighboring Indonesia and the Philippines, politics in Malaysia seems unable to throw up newcomers or mold-breakers

Malaysian PM seeks king's nod to declare state of emergency: Report

The government is scheduled to propose its 2021 budget on Nov. 6, and there have been questions over whether it can muster a majority in parliament for that.

Muhyiddin Yassin sworn in as Malaysia's PM, succeeds Mahathir Mohamad

Muhyiddin served as interior minister in the government that collapsed last Monday

In historic first, Malaysia's king Sultan Muhammad V steps down

Palace statement announces head of state's abdication ending weeks of speculation