World leaders congratulate our new King

PETALING JAYA: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is among several world leaders who have congratulated 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V (pic) on the occasion of his proclamation.

In his message reported in the Borneo Bulletin, the Sultan of Brunei said he was grateful to Allah for the very close ties and bilateral cooperation between both countries.

The Sultan of Brunei had also expressed confidence that this close friendship would be further enhanced for the benefit and interest of the people.

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko also sent congratulatory messages to Sultan Muhammad V.

The ascension of Sultan Muhammad V caught the world’s attention due to extensive international coverage.

The BBC noted that Sultan Muhammad V is one of the country’s youngest at 47 and that his interests are also relatively youthful.

It said the new King was keen on extreme sports like off-road driving, shooting and endurance challenges.

“He also enjoys reading, golfing and playing football, and participates in public walking events to promote healthy living,” it added.

It was reported that the British-educated King studied in St Cross College in Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and had succeeded his father as the Kelantan Ruler in 2010.

Channel News Asia reported extensively on Tuesday’s pomp and ceremonies, including Sultan Muhammad V’s arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

The Irish Times: Images of the Day included the guard of honour during the official welcoming ceremony for the new Malaysian King at Parliament Square while The Wall Street Journal: Photos of the Day also captured the same occasion.