Malaysia picks Sultan Ibrahim to be next king

Malaysia's royalty appoints Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar as 17th king, a largely ceremonial role overseeing major appointments and head of Islam. Unique system in place since independence from Britain in 1957. Outgoing king Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah ascended throne in 2019. Ibrahim hails from wealthy Johor royal family, close relationship with PM Anwar Ibrahim. Fully trained army, navy and air force officer who studied in US. King wields power to pardon convicted figures. Role of king accorded considerable prestige, criticism can attract jail term. Last Johor sultan became king 39 yrs ago.

Malaysia's royalty on Friday chose an influential sultan from the southern state of Johor to be the country's next king.

The position is largely ceremonial but oversees major appointments such as the Prime Minister and serves as the head of Islam in the Muslim-majority country and the commander-in-chief of its armed forces.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique arrangement where the throne changes hands every five years between rulers of the nine Malaysian states headed by centuries-old Islamic royalty.

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was appointed the country's 17th king after a conference of rulers in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The 64-year-old will be sworn in after the incumbent king's term expires on January 31 next year, before a coronation ceremony several months later.

The system has been in place since independence from Britain in 1957. The outgoing king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, ascended the throne in 2019.

Ibrahim hails from the wealthy and powerful Johor royal family, the head of which commands its private army.