New Malaysia king Sultan Ibrahim formally installed

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Ibrahim was formally installed as Malaysia's new king on Saturday, as part of a grand ceremony marking the event held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, members of his cabinet as well as foreign dignitaries and guests, including Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In his royal address televised nationwide, Sultan Ibrahim pledged to reign with honesty, sincerity, fairness and compassion for the people and the nation. "I will discharge my duties faithfully and honestly, and to rule fairly with full consideration to all segments of the society in order to safeguard the wellbeing and sovereignty of the country," he said. Earlier at the ceremony, Prime Minister Ibrahim delivered an address of congratulations and pledge of loyalty on behalf of the people at the installation of Sultan Ibrahim, reminding the people that the king is a symbol of unity and prosperity for all ethnic gro ups in the country. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with nine sultans or rulers, who head their respective state and act as the religious leader, taking turns to serve as king for a five-year term. Source: Philippines News Agency