KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia celebrated the ascension of Sultan Ibrahim to the throne in a majestic ceremony held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Known for his passion for motorcycles, Sultan Ibrahim took his oath of office earlier in January and now assumes the mantle as the country’s 17th king.
The monarchy in Malaysia operates on a rotational basis every five years among the rulers of the nine states, each with its own esteemed royal lineage.
While largely ceremonial, the role of the king has gained prominence in recent years, particularly amid political crises. The monarch has played a pivotal role in appointing prime ministers following governmental collapses and parliamentary stalemates since the 2018 electoral defeat of former premier Najib Razak.
In addition to his ceremonial duties, Sultan Ibrahim also serves as the official head of Islam in Malaysia, a nation mostly Muslim, and holds the position of commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
According to Bloomberg, the 65-year-old monarch and his family, who hail from the southern Johor state, are estimated to possess a substantial wealth exceeding US $5.7 billion. The family has investments spanning various sectors, including palm oil, real estate, and telecommunications, with land holdings in neighboring Singapore.
The grand coronation ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Sultan Ibrahim, married with six children, is noted for his annual charitable motorcycle rides across Johor on a Harley-Davidson, where he distributes aid to the underprivileged. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, he maintains a keen interest in business ventures, notably holding stakes in the $100 billion Forest City development project. His collection of luxury cars and private jets also reflects his affinity for prestige and mobility.
Earlier in 1984, Sultan Ibrahim’s father, Sultan Iskander, held the crown; this was the last time a Johor sultan became king.
