Malaysia’s new king calls for racial unity at coronation

Malaysia’s sports-loving Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called for racial unity as he was installed on Tuesday as the country’s 16th king under a unique rotating monarchy system.

It was a double celebration for Sultan Abdullah from central Pahang state, who turned 59 the same day. He was picked as Malaysia’s new ruler in January, after Sultan Muhammad V from northeast Kelantan state abruptly resigned after just two years on the throne in the first abdication in the nation’s history.

A view of the National Palace during the royal coronation of Malaysia's King Abdullah in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as king for five-year terms under the world’s only such system, which has been maintained since Malaysia’s independence from Britain in 1957.

In his coronation speech, Sultan Abdullah warned that any attempt to sow racial discord in the country was akin to “playing with fire that will burn not only oneself but also burn down the whole village.

“Unity and national harmony are the country’s pillars of strength. Do not ever stoke racial misunderstanding by raising matters that can threaten national unity and harmony,” he said.

Garbed in black and gold regalia, Sultan Abdullah voiced confidence that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s government is able to tackle economic and social challenges in trying to rebuild the country after winning last year’s elections.

Sultan Abdullah is holding hands with Queen Tunku Hajah during his royal coronation.

A large number of ethnic Malay Muslims, who make up about 60 per cent of Malaysia’s 32 million people, still support the opposition. While carrying out economic and institutional reforms, Mahathir’s multiethnic alliance has to quell fears among Malays that their privileges under decades-old affirmative action that favors them in jobs, business and education will be eliminated.

Ethnic Chinese and Indians comprise about 30 per cent of the population.

Mahathir in his speech acknowledged minor incidents of racial strife and said the government has set up an advisory body to strengthen racial unity. He said the government will step up efforts to bolster the economy and fight corruption to ensure that “no one is above the law.”

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also attended the ceremony at the national palace, steeped in centuries-old Malay tradition.

Sultan Ahmad posing with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed (L) and Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (R) after his royal coronation at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur.

British-educated Sultan Abdullah is a prominent figure in sport bodies. He is a council member of the world football governing body FIFA, president of the Asian Hockey Federation, and an executive board member of the International Hockey Federation.

He took over after Sultan Muhammad V, 49, quit shortly after marrying a 25-year-old former Russian beauty queen last November. Sultan Muhammad however, reportedly divorced his wife recently.

Known as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, or He Who Is Made Lord, Malaysia’s king plays a largely ceremonial role, since administrative power is vested in the prime minister and Parliament. The monarch is highly regarded as the guardian of Islam and Malay tradition, particularly among the Malay Muslim majority. He is also the nominal head of the government and armed forces.

All laws, CaBinet appointments and the dissolution of Parliament for general elections require his assent. The king also issues pardons for criminals.

Associated Press