Sultan Muhammad V has stepped down from his post as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong effective immediately.
Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said the King has resigned from his post in line with Article 32(3) of the Federal Constitution.
This article states that the Agong may at any time resign his office by writing to the Conference of Rulers or be removed from office by the Conference of Rulers.
“His Majesty has informed this matter officially to the Malay Rulers through a letter issued to the secretary of the Conference of Rulers,” said Wan Ahmad in a statement on Sunday (Jan 6).
Wan Ahmad said the King, through his time in office, has tried to fulfil his responsibilities as the Head of State, and played a part as an anchor of stability, source of justice, basis of unity and uniting factor among the rakyat.
The King has offered his thanks to the other Malay Rulers who had chosen him as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong from Dec 13, 2016.
He was installed on April 24, 2017.
He has also expressed his highest appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Federal government for their cooperation.
“As the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Majesty is very proud with the sacrifices and loyalty that has been shown to His Majesty and the country all this while,” said Wan Ahmad.
Wan Ahmad said His Majesty has decreed that Malaysians continue to remain united, practice compromise and work together in shouldering the responsibilities towards this sovereign nation so Malaysia will continue to be in peace and harmony.
The King has prepared to return to his home state of Kelantan to be with the State government and the people of Kelantan to help uplift the state further.
Sultan Muhammad V was rumoured to have been asked to abdicate following his reported marriage to former Russian model Oksana Voevodina.
Istana Negara has neither confirmed nor denied the wedding.
It was also reported that the Malay rulers had an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday night, purportedly to discuss a matter regarding the monarchy.
According to The Malaysian Insight, Sultan Muhammad V met a senior ruler for dinner last night at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malay rulers will now have to meet to decide on who among them would be the nation’s 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Related reports:
Jan 4, Agong at Friday Prayers in Kelantan
Jan 4, Report: Rulers in Rare, Special Meeting over “Serious” Matter
Jan 3, Kelantan Deputy MB: Don’t Believe Rumours Agong to Abdicate
Nov 29, PM: No Official Confirmation on Reported Wedding of Agong