Timeline of the King’s reign

Sultan Abdullah kissing the Keris Panjang diraja which symbolises the centralisation of power entrusted to him during his installation ceremony at Istana Negara on July 30, 2019. — Bernama

THROUGHOUT Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s reign as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty has seen the nation through periods of celebration and also turmoil.

From multiple political crises to the proclamation of a new city, we take a look at some of the major events in His Majesty’s five-year reign.

Dr Mahathir leaving the palace after meeting the king on Feb 24, 2020. His resignation as prime minister caused the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The star

Jan 24, 2019 – Sultan Abdullah is elected by the Conference of Rulers as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Jan 31, 2019 – Sultan Abdullah is officially sworn in as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

July 30, 2019 – A ceremony steeped in tradition is held at Istana Negara to install Sultan Abdullah as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Feb 24, 2020 – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigns as prime minister, causing the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

Mar 1, 2020 – Sultan Abdullah appoints Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister.

Jan 12, 2021 – A nationwide state of emergency is declared by Sultan Abdullah to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Feb 21, 2021 – Kuantan becomes a city by Sultan Abdullah’s proclamation.

Aug 16, 2021 – Muhyiddin resigns as prime minister following a loss of majority support in Parliament.

Aug 21, 2021 – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is appointed as the next prime minister by decree of Sultan Abdullah.

Sept 19, 2022 – Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96.

Oct 10, 2022 – Parliament is dissolved with Sultan Abdullah’s consent, paving the way for the 15th General Election.

Nov 24, 2022 – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia before Sultan Abdullah.

May 6, 2023 – Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah attend the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey, London.

Sept 3, 2023 – Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah begin an 11-day tour of Sabah and Sarawak as part of the Kembara Kenali Borneo programme.

Dec 11, 2023 – Sultan Abdullah officiates the installation of the first track for the East Coast Rail Link project.

Jan 30, 2024 – Sultan Abdullah ends his tenure as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar beginning his term next.

Staff members and customers watching the dissolution of Parliament announcement by Ismail Sabri on Oct 10, 2022. —YAP CHEE HONG/The star

Anwar took his oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before Sultan Abdullah at Istana Negara on nov 24, 2022. — Bernama

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah gracing the Parade of Thanks to mark the end of his reign as the 16th yang di-Pertuan Agong at the army square, Sungai Besi Camp. — FAIHAN GHANI /The star