PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will meet with Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Thursday, amidst rumours the sultan will become the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sources familiar with the matter told FMT that Mahathir and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohammad Ali will meet with Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Bahru, their first courtesy call on the ruler since the May 9 general election.
“Yes, the two will meet on Thursday. The sultan had requested for a meeting with Mahathir for some time now,” one source told FMT today.
However, the source could not confirm what the meeting would discuss.
It is likely that the stepping down of Sultan Muhammad V as the king yesterday will be one of the topics.
The meeting follows speculation that Pahang’s Sultan Ahmad Shah, the next in line to become king, is unlikely to do so because of ill health.
The post of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is rotated among the nine Malay rulers every five years.
After Pahang is Johor – whose ruler has been embroiled in several spats with Mahathir over the years – followed by Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah.
Pahang crown prince Tengku Abdullah is carrying out the duties and functions of his father. But although he is the regent, he is unlikely to be appointed the king as he is not the state ruler yet.
Earlier, the Council of Rulers today decided it will meet on Jan 24 to elect the new Agong and his deputy.
The swearing-in ceremony for both positions will be held on Jan 31. - FMT
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