Malaysia: Mysterious abdication of King Muhammad V.

Malaysia: Malaysians learned Sunday the surprise abdication of their king Muhammad V, after only two years of rule. The reasons for this departure are subject to speculation.

This is a first in the history of the Malaysian monarchy, since its independence in 1957. On Sunday, January 6, the Malaysian Royal Palace announced the renunciation of Muhammad V under Agong, "King of Kings", after only two years on the throne. "The National Palace announces that his majesty has resigned as the 15th king, and that this decision comes into force on January 6th," said the Palace. He will not complete his five-year term. Sultan Muhammad V - Muhammad Faris Petra of his real name - had disappeared from the public scene in recent weeks. This absence, officially justified by medical reasons, had given rise to a large number of speculations, suggesting a possible resignation. The Kuala Lumpur daily New Straits Times announced on January 4 an exceptional meeting of the Royal Council concerning the absence of the King.

.....