THE history of the Malay Sultanate can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Langkasuka and the Melaka Sultanate.
Most of the state sultanates in Malaysia have their roots in the Melaka Sultanate, founded by Parameswara in 1400 AD, according to the Istana Negara’s official website.
However, the Kedah Sultanate is an exception as its origins lie in Langkasuka, an ancient kingdom established in the second century AD.
The Kedah Sultanate is also the oldest kingdom in Malaysia and possibly the oldest continuously existing kingdom in the world.
Meanwhile, the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was established based on the recommendations of the Reid Commission, which drafted the Federal Constitution.
The suggestion for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong arose from opposition to the formation of the Malayan Union, which was perceived as an attempt to abolish the Malay Rulers’ institution.
In August 1957, having chosen the title Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Conference of Rulers convened to elect the first King.
Considering the length of reign, then Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim ibni Sultan Abu Bakar, who ascended the throne in 1895, was the most senior among the Rulers.
However, Sultan Ibrahim declined the appointment due to his advanced age (he was 84 at the time).
The second in line, Sultan Sir Abu Bakar Riayatuddin Al-Muadzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdullah Al-Mutassim Billah Shah (Sultan of Pahang), who ascended the throne in 1932, did not receive sufficient mandate for the appointment.
The next longest-reigning Ruler, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad of Negri Sembilan, who ascended the throne in 1933, was then appointed as the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya at the time.
