Rulers to elect new king on Jan 24

The Conference of Rulers will convene on Jan 24 to elect the next Yang di-pertuan Agong and the swearing-in ceremony will take place on Jan 31.

This was decided during a special meeting of the rulers at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Of the nine state monarchs, six were present at the meeting - Raja Perlis Syed Sirajudin Syed Putra Jamalullail, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (Terengganu), Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (Johor), Sultan Sallehuddin Shah (Kedah), Sultan Nazrin Shah (Perak) and Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Kelantan ruler Sultan Muhammad V, whose resignation as the 15thYang di-pertuan Agong was announced yesterday, did not attend.

Also absent were Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah and Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

According to a media statement, Keeper of the Royal Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said Sultan Ahmad Shah is unwell whereas Sultan Sharafuddin is overseas.

Syed Danial said the rulers also expressed their appreciation to Sultan Muhammad V for executing his duties as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with integrity and responsibility.

Sultan Muhammad V became the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 13, 2016. His tenure was scheduled to end in 2021.

Until the new king is installed, Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin, who is the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would serve as acting king. - Mkini