Motorcycle-Riding Sultan Ibrahim Becomes Malaysia's New King

 

Malaysia welcomed Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar as its new king in a grand ceremony rich with centuries-old traditions, signaling the monarch's determination to play a significant role in maintaining political stability. While the position is predominantly ceremonial, recent years have seen the king's involvement in the nation's intricate political landscape.

Aside from overseeing crucial political appointments, the king serves as the official head of Islam in this Muslim-majority country and holds the position of commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Sultan Ibrahim, along with his family who governs the southern Johor state, is estimated by Bloomberg to be worth at least $5.7 billion, with investments spanning Singaporean land and interests in various industries like palm oil, real estate, and telecommunications.

Donning royal blue ceremonial attire, the 65-year-old monarch took the oath of office in a traditional ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur. The event, attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other dignitaries, was broadcast nationally. Sultan Ibrahim was chosen last year by the country's royalty to be the next head of state, and a formal coronation ceremony is scheduled for the coming months.

Malaysia operates as a constitutional monarchy, where the throne transitions every five years among the rulers of nine states, each led by traditional Islamic royalty. Although primarily symbolic, the king's role has gained significance in recent years, intervening in the appointment of prime ministers during political crises.

In a December interview with Singapore's The Straits Times, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his reluctance to be a "puppet king" and emphasized his allegiance to the Malaysian population rather than lawmakers. He pledged support to the government but asserted his willingness to address any perceived misconduct.

The king holds the authority to grant pardons, a power previously exercised in 2018 when Sultan Muhammad V, a predecessor of Sultan Ibrahim, pardoned Anwar, who had served a jail sentence for sodomy. The position of king in Malaysia carries considerable prestige, and criticism that is deemed to disrespect the monarch can lead to imprisonment.

Sultan Ibrahim, of Malay-British descent, belongs to the influential Johor royal family, where the head commands a private army. Known for his close ties with Anwar and outspoken stance on politics and corruption, Sultan Ibrahim is considered a religious moderate. In 2017, he mandated an apology from a laundrette owner accused of discriminating against non-Muslims.

Married with six children, Sultan Ibrahim has engaged in philanthropy, undertaking annual charity rides around Johor on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. With significant business interests, including a stake in the $100 billion Forest City development project, the socially active king also boasts a collection of luxury cars, private jets, and is an avid polo player and a military officer.

This marks the first time in 39 years that a Johor sultan has ascended to the throne since Sultan Ibrahim's father, Sultan Iskandar, became Malaysia's eighth king in 1984.