Malaysia crowns new king

 

Tuanku Mizan, right, and queen after being sworn in last December [AFP]

Government leaders and diplomats watched as Tuanku Mizan, 44, solemnly unsheathed the ivory-studded “Royal Long Dagger” symbolising power and authority.

 

With the queen, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, 33, by his side, Tuanku Mizan proclaimed he would “rule Malaysia in a fair manner” and “uphold at all times the religion of Islam”.

 

The ceremony concluded with the blare of trumpets, a 21-gun salute and shouts of “Daulat Tuanku!” or “Long Live the King!” echoing through the throne room.

 

The coronation was attended by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the prime minister, Malay rulers, members of the royal household, government ministers, and other state and foreign dignitaries.

 

 

Government offices, banks and the stock market were closed to mark the king’s coronation.

 

Malaysian monarchy

Nine sultans rotate every five years to become king Nominal military head and keeper of Islam Legacy of first Hindu kingdoms

The new king has already introduced changes to the palace administration particularly in dealings with the people and government, a Malaysian newspaper reported.

 

Almost 80 per cent of the senior administrators have been replaced with those handpicked by Tuanku Mizan, who has been described as the “working king”.

 

Palace officials have also been instructed to be more efficient and “people-friendly”, said The Star newspaper.

 

Tuanku Mizan was elected the 13th king at a special meeting of the ‘Conference of Rulers’ on November 3 last year to succeed Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail.