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Malaysia's new king takes office | Malaysia's new king takes office |
(10 minutes later) | |
Malaysia has crowned its 13th king in a ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur, ushering in a more devout younger generation of Muslim royals. | |
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, 45, was sworn in to the post in December, as King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin's five-year term as monarch ended. | Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, 45, was sworn in to the post in December, as King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin's five-year term as monarch ended. |
The stock market is closed and civil servants are having the day off. | The stock market is closed and civil servants are having the day off. |
Under Malaysia's rotational monarchy, each of nine hereditary state rulers occupies the throne for five years. | Under Malaysia's rotational monarchy, each of nine hereditary state rulers occupies the throne for five years. |
The king's role is largely ceremonial, with power in the hands of parliament and the prime minister. | The king's role is largely ceremonial, with power in the hands of parliament and the prime minister. |
Malaysia is the only country in the world to have a rotating monarchy. | Malaysia is the only country in the world to have a rotating monarchy. |
Malay pageantry | Malay pageantry |
The king, known as Yang di-Pertuan Agong or He Who Is Made Lord, formally took office at a ceremony in the throne room of the national palace. | |
The sultan is the former ruler of the oil-rich Terengganu state, which sent a royal court orchestra to play traditional music during the ceremony. | |
The king - dressed in a black ceremonial robe embroidered in gold and royal headdress - and his queen, Nur Zahirah, were seated on the thrones. | |
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi proclaimed Sultan Mizan the 13th king, before an audience of the country's other sultans and government ministers. | |
Sultan Mizan was then presented with the royal long dagger - a symbol of power and authority - which the king drew and kissed. | |
He pledge to perform his duties and protect Islam, the official religion of Malaysia. A 21-gun salute followed. |