Sultan Abdullah sworn in as new King

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad read out the instrument of proclamation on Thursday (Jan 31), officially signifying Sultan Abdullah's ascension to the throne as the new head of state of Malaysia, in accordance with the laws and the Federal Constitution.

The Mufti of Sabah, Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, recited the "doa" (prayers), seeking the blessings of the Almighty for the well-being of Their Majesties, the people and the nation.

Sultan Abdullah succeeds Sultan Muhammad V, the Sultan of Kelantan, who stepped down as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 6 after having reigned for just over two years of the five-year term from Dec 13, 2016.

Earlier, Sultan Abdullah had come to Istana Negara with sovereign escorts from Parliament Square, after the state welcome there following the flight from Kuantan.

Sultan Abdullah acknowledged the salute from the guard-of-honour mounted by three officers and 31 men led by Mej Mohd Azwan Ariff Mohd Azawi from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Rangers Regiment as the royal vehicle passed the guard-of-honour enroute to the main porch of Istana Negara.

Then the central band of the Royal Rangers Regiment, comprising Maj Abdul Aziz Abdullah and 33 men played the national anthem. – Bernama