Malaysia’s king has abdicated, royal officials have said, ending weeks of speculation about his future.
The announcement on Sunday follows a leave of absence by the head of state and rumours he had married a former Russian beauty queen.
Sultan Muhammad V’s decision marks the first time a king has abdicated in the Muslim-majority country since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957.
“The National Palace informs that his majesty has resigned as the 15th king effective January 6,” a statement from the palace said on Sunday.
The palace did not give any reason for the 49-year-old royal’s move.
There had been a question mark over the reign of the king, who ascended to the throne in December 2016, since he took a leave of absence for medical treatment in November.
Reports then circulated online that the king had married a former Miss Moscow in Russia, although royal officials in Malaysia have so far not commented on the rumours.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with a unique arrangement where the throne changes hands every five years between the rulers of the nine Malaysian states headed by centuries-old Islamic royalty.
Speculation had intensified about Sultan Muhammad V’s future this week when the country’s other royals reportedly held a special meeting.
