5 things to know about Malaysia's new King

5 things to know about Malaysia's new King

Malaysia crowned its 15th King, Sultan Muhammad V, in a colourful ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Dec 13).

Born in Kota Baru as Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra, Muhammad V was Crown Prince of Kelantan before he became its Sultan in 2010.

Under Malaysia's unique rotational monarchy among nine hereditary state rulers, the new king, who is officially known as Yang di-Pertuan Agong (He Who Is Made Lord), will hold office for five years.

The role is largely ceremonial in nature but wields considerable prestige.

So, what is Malaysia's new King like? Here are 5 things to know about him.

1) He is one of the youngest Malaysian Kings

Sultan Muhammad V is one of the country's youngest constitutional monarchs to ascend the throne. At 47, he is half the age of his predecessor, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, who at 89, was the country's oldest monarch, reported the BBC.

A few other sultans were reportedly in their 40s when they were sworn in as monarch.

2) He has no queen by his side

He is the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong in history to reign without a queen consort or Raja Permaisuri Agong in Malay. But he is not without company at home - he keeps horses, cats, chickens and birds as pets, reported The New Straits Times, which shows his gentle nature.

3) He bonds with people, assists those in need

To promote a healthy lifestyle and unity among his people, he has held walkathons in Kota Baru, which have seen large numbers of participants, reported The Star and The New Straits Times.

Reportedly popular with his people, he is also known for promoting welfare and for his philanthropic ways such as giving houses to flood victims.

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4) He enjoys extreme sports

He loves four-wheel-drive vehicles and is keen on extreme sports like off-road driving, archery and endurance challenges, reported The Star. He also enjoys horse riding, golf, football and bowling.

5) Known to be a devout Muslim

Sultan Muhammad V is known to visit mosques around the Kelantan state and pray with the congregation. He is accompanied by his Islamic teacher when he travels abroad, reported the Malay Mail.

He did diplomatic and Islamic studies at St Cross College at the University of Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. As king, he is regarded as the symbolic head of Islam in the country.

chenj@sph.com.sg

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