The king's political influence has increased in recent years. Sultan Abdullah has intervened in the past to determine who will become prime minister, including naming Anwar as prime minister after the 2022 general election that led to a hung parliament.
New Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (right) speaks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the swearing-in ceremony at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.credit: AP
Sultan Ibrahim indicated that he would maintain the practical approach. He said in an interview with Singapore Strait Times He posted last month that he did not want to waste five years on the throne as a “puppet king” but would focus on fighting graft and deepening unity in the country.
The Sultan and other rulers also warned against opposition attempts to overthrow Anwar's government, calling instead for political stability.
Who is Sultan Ibrahim?
Sultan Ibrahim, whose mother is English, is also vocal about welfare issues and takes annual road trips on his motorbike to meet people in his state.
He also did not hide his wealth. Earlier on Wednesday, the Sultan flew from Johor to Kuala Lumpur on his private plane, a gold and blue Boeing 737. Aside from the aircraft fleet, he has an extensive collection of cars and motorcycles, as well as overseas properties. Sultan Ibrahim is also the only ruler to have a private army, a condition agreed upon for the country to join modern Malaysia.
A military band performs during the reception of the 17th King of Malaysia.credit: AP
Sultan Ibrahim's high profile – including a stake in the multi-billion-dollar Forest City development in Johor with embattled Chinese developer Country Garden – has raised eyebrows amid concerns about a potential conflict of interest. And he said to Singapore Strait Times He plans to revive the high-speed rail link project with Singapore and support the faltering Forest City project.
But the Sultan defended his business dealings. In 2015, he joked that he had to “earn a living, like ordinary Malaysians” because he could not rely on his monthly government allowance of 27,000 ringgit ($5,700).
His wife, Raja Zareth Sophia, from another royal family, is an Oxford University graduate and a prolific writer who has written several children's books. They have five sons and a daughter.
AP
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