Pahang ruler Sultan Ahmad Shah, 88, is next in line to become the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, but the state monarch is ill.
However, it was reported that the Pahang palace is expected to discuss the ascension of the regent, Tengku Abdullah.
If this is accepted, then the 59-year-old regent would replace his ailing father as the sixth sultan of Pahang this Friday.
Under the Pahang constitution, the succession of rulers could take place if the sultan consents to relinquish his rights and powers.
The abdication must be accompanied by a warrant to acknowledge the relinquishing of powers, signed and stamped with the state’s seal by the outgoing ruler.
The signing of the warrant must be witnessed by the menteri besar and the state secretary. The warrant would then be declared in the government gazette and to the people in the state.
“The matter (proposal to install Tengku Abdullah as sultan) was submitted by several influential family members and advisers in the royal house. Sultan Ahmad has been informed of the matter,” a royal source was quoted as saying.
“The meeting on the abdication will be held this week. It is to be attended only by close family members and advisers. The sultan is unwell. Tengku Abdullah has been handling state matters in his father’s stead.
“Based on the rotation system, it is Pahang’s turn to be the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after Kelantan. We wish to respect the rotation system.”
The ascension would effectively pave the way for Tengku Abdullah’s election as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Reportedly, Sultan Ahmad was in Kuala Lumpur for treatment at the National Heart Institute. He was discharged two weeks ago and is residing at Istana Pahang in Bukit Kewangan here.
Tengku Abdullah is returning from London to attend the meeting, which is expected to take place at Istana Pahang.
On Monday (Jan 7), the Conference of Rulers held a special meeting in Istana Negara and set Jan 24 for them to elect the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with the swearing-in ceremony to take place on Jan 31.
Until the new king is elected, Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would serve as the acting king.