Abdication of Yang di-Pertuan Agong done in a courteous manner

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The abdication of Sultan Muhammad V as the country's 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong through a statement issued by Istana Negara on Sunday (Jan 6) was done in a courteous manner, says member of the Perak Royal Council Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini.

He said despite the announcement of his abdication, Sultan Muhammad V expressed hope that Malaysia would remain peaceful and harmonious.

"Sultan Muhammad also expressed his gratitude to the Malay Rulers who had elected him.

"He also expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister and the government, and as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, he also extended his gratitude to all the personnel," Annuar said when appearing as a guest in Bernama News Channel's Ruang Bicara programme on Monday night.

He said the meeting of the six Malay Rulers at the Istana Negara on Monday to discuss the dates to elect and hold the swearing-in ceremony for the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his deputy, proved that it was really a huge responsibility.

"When it was announced that Sultan Muhammad had stepped down, six of the eight Malay Rulers immediately convened a meeting to set the dates because Feb 1 is Federal Territories Day and, traditionally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will confer the federal awards on that day.

"We must have a Yang di-Pertuan Agong on that day.

"So their speed in making the decision shows that they do not want to have a vacuum and that the vacant position must be filled as soon as possible," Annuar said.

The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad in a statement said Malaysia's next King would be known on Jan 24 when the Conference of Rulers convened a special meeting to elect the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his deputy.

The matter was decided by the Malay Rulers in their meeting at 10.30am Monday at Istana Negara, which also fixed Jan 31 for the swearing in ceremony of the new King and his deputy. - Bernama