PEKAN: Tengku Panglima Besar Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah will be proclaimed as Tengku Mahkota Pahang, replacing his father Al-Sultan Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is now the Sultan of Pahang.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said he decided to appoint his eldest son as the heir apparent to the Pahang throne after holding a meeting with the state royal council.

He said the proclamation ceremony would be held on Jan 29 at Istana Abu Bakar here, running concurrently with the proclamation of Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar as the Tengku Ampuan Pahang.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said he was confident that Tengku Hassanal would be able to handle the responsibilities that come with being the Tengku Mahkota.

"Despite needing further guidance, I believe he has been well trained to hold the responsibility and will be able to perform as expected.

"I am sure he can be a good leader, not only for the state, but also for the people of Pahang as well

"I also believe that all my family members and the people are hoping that Tengku Hassanal will portray a good character and be a leader to all," Al-Sultan Abdullah said when approached after the council meeting here Tuesday (Jan 22).

Tengku Hassanal, 23, is currently undergoing training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain.

He had his early education at SK St Thomas, Caldicott Preparatory School and the Sherborne School in Britain.

He graduated with a degree in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy in Switzerland last year.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also said the title Tengku Puan Pahang could still be used until his consort Tunku Azizah is proclaimed the fifth Tengku Ampuan Pahang.

"After that date or after the proclamation ceremony is held, she is then to be called Tengku Ampuan Pahang," he said, adding that this was despite Tunku Azizah having been confirmed to hold the title.