Malaysia - Monarchy

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, nominally headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong [“He Who Is Made Lord”], customarily referred to as the king. The full title for His Majesty is Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The king also is the leader of the Islamic faith in Malaysia. His Majesty holds the position of Islamic Religious Head for the States of Penang, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territories. The King performs his official duties upon the advice of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet as provided for by the Constitution. As Malaysia's Supreme Head of State, the King is also the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces. In theory, the King could play an important role if Malaysia were to face a constitutional crisis.

The history of the Malaysian monarchy has been largely neglected. Critical works by academics based in Malaysia’s public universities are virtually non-existent, inhibited by the possibility of being indicted for lèse-majesté against a royal institution officially consecrated by the Federal Constitution. Lèse-majesté from the Latin laesa maiestas or ‘injured majesty’ covers the crime of insulting heads of state. It was the Romans who first outlawed this behavior. Insulting a country’s head of state remains illegal in Lebanon, Norway, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco and Malaysia.

In 2009, at least one of Malaysia's royal families said they would ask the country's Conference of Rulers to seek the restoration of powers and protections former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad took away from them in the 1990s. The history of some rules is fairly scanty, given the inherently insipid nature of most of their official duties, felicitating public events.

The paramount ruler is elected for a five-year term by the nine hereditary sultans of the federation from among themselves. Under the Constitution only these sultans may stand for and vote in the election. As a rule, the most senior sultan (based on dates of accession) is chosen, unless he is a minor, has declined to be elected, or has been determined by his peers to be unfit and incompetent. At least five affirmative votes are needed to become the constitutional monarch. Reelection is not allowed until the sultan of each state has been elected paramount ruler at least once.

The paramount ruler's powers are largely ceremonial. The executive authority of the federation is vested nominally in him, and all laws are supposed to be proclaimed and executed in his name, but he must act on the advice of the prime minister or of the cabinet. He may convene, prorogue, or dissolve parliament when so requested by the prime minister. Another formality is to appoint the prime minister in accordance with the British-influenced parliamentary convention, under which the head of the government is the leader of the majority party or of the coalition commanding a majority in the lower house of parliament.

Among the paramount ruler's other duties are those of giving royal assent to all bills passed by parliament, including constitutional amendments submitted to him for his signature; of exercising the power of pardon and reprieve for offenses triable by court-martial; and of appointing the lord president (chief justice), judges of the Supreme Court (called the Federal Court until mid-December 1983), and judges of the two second-echelon courts— the High Court in Malaya (for Peninsular Malaysia) and the High Court in Borneo (for Sarawak and Sabah).

Once in office the paramount ruler may not exercise any power as ruler of the state from which he originates. The power to amend the constitution of his state government remains unchanged, however. During his absence from the state, the ruler's power is delegated to a regent appointed by him.

The Constitution provides for the office of deputy paramount ruler of the federation, who is elected in the same way as the paramount ruler. The deputy remains the ceremonial ruler of his home state and carries out the functions of the paramount ruler in the event of the latter's disability or absence from the federation lasting over 15 days. In case the paramount ruler dies or resigns, the deputy becomes the first in line of succession by election through the Conference of Rulers.

The institution of a rotating kingship is unique to Malaysia. The first Prime Minister of Malaysia (then Malaya) Tunku Abdul Rahman introduced the system to address the potential problem of electing just one of the nine Malay rulers as head of the Federation. He resolved the problem by convincing the Conference of Rulers to elect a King among them for a term of five years, after which the King would retire and return to his state as Ruler. Since independence, all the traditional rulers of all nine states have served as King.

Observers draw comparisons between the election of the King and the election of the Pope. Although only nine votes are involved, extreme care is taken to ensure the whole procedure is kept confidential so that the nine rulers do not know how their peers voted. After the votes are cast and counted in the full view of all the rulers and the results announced, the whole procedure is repeated for the election of the Deputy King. The result of the election is then conveyed to the Prime Minister who announces it to the nation. Before the conference is adjourned, the ballot papers are then burnt to ashes in full view of the rulers present.

The King and the Sultans perform ceremonial functions and serve as the heads of Islam in their respective areas. Mahathir-era constitutional amendments significantly reduced the King and Sultan's discretionary political powers. The 1983 amendments essentially stripped away the King and the Sultans' powers to block legislation. The 1993 amendments removed the legal immunity of the Malay rulers in their personal capacity, so that they may be tried in a Special Court once the Attorney General has given consent. A King can also be removed from his position if five members of the Conference of Rulers vote to remove him.

In his biography of Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysian Maverick (Palgrave-Macmillan, 2009), Barry Wain speaks about how the sultans of the nine states had “sometimes played politics, leveraged their positions for financial gain and indulged in fairytale-like extravagance at the public expense”. Although the sultans were “not meant to engage in commerce, they were actually so deeply involved that they were resented by the business community”.

Roger Kershaw's Monarchy in South-East Asia (Routledge, 2001) states that “in return for secure wealth and status”, the Malaysian monarchy gives the ruling Malay elite a "more traditional kind of legitimacy” by proxy, in what is said to be an “important but unwritten 'social contract'” in contemporary Malaysia.

On this political relationship, associate professor Azlan Tajuddin in Malaysia in the World Economy (1824-2011) (Lexington Press, 2012) claims that when the constitutional article on royal immunity in 1993 was removed, “the real aim” of the government of seeking “full control of the monarchy" was “to ensure that the Malay royalty continued to serve a political function in preserving Malay electoral support for UMNO”. The author says it should not be surprising “to find some of the sultans publicly generating support for UMNO or admonishing those who have been critical of the party”.

Mahathir-era constitutional amendments significantly reduced the King and Sultan's discretionary political powers. In theory, the King could play an important role if Malaysia were to face a constitutional crisis. As Prime Minister Mahathir successfully fought to circumscribe the powers of the King and traditional rulers, resulting in two amendments to the Constitution in 1983 and in 1993. The 1983 amendments essentially stripped away the King and the Sultans' powers to block legislation. The 1993 amendments removed the legal immunity of the Malay rulers in their personal capacity, so that they may be tried in a Special Court once the Attorney General has given consent. A King can also be removed from his position if five members of the Conference of Rulers vote to remove him.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong should also be seen as the leader responsible for the unity of the people, responsible for the glory of the nation and the people's sovereignty. The position of the king and the people is like a tree where the king is like a tree and the people of the root, surely the trees are not able to live without roots and roots need a tree to strengthen its position. So this is a symbiotic relationship where the king needs the people and the people need the king as a shelter. The king is the umbrella to the people and the people are the pillars of the king.

In 2013 Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid and Muhamad Takiyuddin Ismail argued that " ultra-conservative Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are playing the race card by depicting the monarchy – the symbolic institution of Malay hegemony, as being in danger of abolition by allegedly anti-Islamic and republican elements lurking in Malaysia’s main opposition parties.... their extravagant lifestyles and reckless personalities, which were anomalous for them as titular heads of Islam in their respective states. Malay-Muslims, for whom attachment to the monarchy has always been an important facet of their political lives, have been understandably troubled by embarrassing revelations about the realities of less than Islamic activities taking place behind doors of the state-funded palaces."


	1957-1960 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong I - Tuanku Abdul Rahman Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Muhammad served from 31 August 1957 through 1 April 1960. The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad (1895-1960) became Malaysia's first Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He was appointed His Royal Highness the King on 2 September 1957 at the National Palace, Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was held at Balai Rong Seri and was attended by 500 main and special persons comprising the first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malay Rulers, Governors and Chief Ministers. Prior to his appointment as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he was the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan since 1938. He died on April 1, 1960 at Istana Negara at the age of 65. Tuanku Abdul Rahman died at the Istana Negara , Kuala Lumpur in the early morning of April 1, 1960. The death of his Majesty was announced nationwide by Prime Minister YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra . The last time he showed himself in the crowd, was on March 30, when he opened the opening of the 2nd Asian Football Cup competition at the Merdeka Stadium. With the death of His Majesty the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong , the Sultan of Selangor, Tuanku Hisamuddin Alam Shah , the Deputy King of the Agong has been declared to carry out the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong until a new Yang di-Pertuan Agong appointed by the Conference of Rulers. His portrait picture is still used on Ringgit Malaysia notes since the first series (1967) to date. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman street is named after Malaysia’s first Agong (King). Filled with a mix of old pre-war shop lots and modern buildings, it is a great place for fabric hunting and cheap finds. Many of the retails outlets are family run businesses that have been around for years. The pre-war buildings on this road, with their unique features, still exist and are preserved. Every Saturday, between 5 to 10 pm, the Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to vehicles to make room for a night market that offers an assortment of fabrics, textiles, clothing and food at attractive prices.
	1960-1960 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong II - Sultan of Selangor Al-Marhum Tuanku Hisamuddin Alam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Alaiddin Sulaiman Shah served from 14 April 1960 through 1 September 1960. The turmoil and confusion sweeping across the Malay Peninsula in the immediate aftermath of World War II (1939–1942), provided the perfect foil for bitter rivals to settle old scores. Dramatic political reprisals were visited upon ‘disloyal’ Malay royals during the volatile nascent days of the British Military Administration (1945–1946). Perhaps the most vindictive retribution, however, was meted out to Sultan Musa Ghiathuddin Riayat Shah (1893–1955), better known as Tengku Musaeddin, Tengku Kelana Jaya Petra and Sultan Selangor Darul Ehsan VII (1942–1945). He was arrested and exiled to the Cocos & Keeling Islands, where he was held captive for over ten months before being reluctantly returned to Malaya after intense lobbying by his formidable consort, Sharifah Mastura Shahabuddin (1897–1959). No charges were laid against him and no formal reason was ever given for his detention. There exists a reluctance within local academia to discuss Tengku Musaeddin and the circumstances surrounding his deposition and exile. This hesitation and self-censorship has resulted in a lack of reliable information on Tengku Musaeddin, which in turn have led to gross misinterpretations of his exile and inexplicable inaccuracies over the simplest facts of his life and reign. While it is expected, and indeed necessary, for this topic to be discussed sensitively with due restraint and objectivity, any concerns that it may bring into question certain issues are superfluous, needless and unwarranted, seeing that the line of succession in Selangor Darul Ehsan is explicity stated, legally protected and permanently enshrined in its state constitution. Tengku Musaeddin left no legitimate heirs and held no ill-will towards the current status quo, and accorded full respect and support towards his younger brother who was reinstated as ruler and later became the Yang di-Pertuan Agong II.
	1960-1965 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong III - He served from 21 September 1960 through 20 September 1965. Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail. Honors included : D.M.N., S.P.M.P., D.K.M., D.M.N., S.M.N., D.K.(Selangor), S.P.D.K.(Sabah), D.K. (Kelantan), D.P.(Sarawak), D.K.(Kedah), D.K.(Pahang), D.K.(Johor), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.P.S.S.(Sarawak), D.K.(Perak), D.K.(Terengganu), D.K.M.B.(Brunei), Knight Commander of St. Micfhael&St. George (K.C.M.G), Raja of the Order of Sikatuna, Philippines (Noblest Award of Chivalry), The Great Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia, The Most Auspicious Order of the Royal Friendship of Thailand, Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan), Cordone Hussein Ben Ali (Jordan), Collar of the Nile (United Arab Republic). Muzium Negara used to be the site of the Selangor Museum, established in 1898. After the country's independence in 1957, the new federal government built a newer, larger museum on the same spot. Once completed, the reigning King at the time, the Yang di- Pertuan Agong III, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail officially opened the museum on 31 August 1963. The Parliament Building underwent its first major renovation since it was officiated by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong III, Tuanku Syed Putra Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail in November 1963.
	1965-1970 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong IV - Al-Marhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin. Honors included : D.K.,D.K.M.,D.M.N.,S.P.M.T.,D.K.(Kelantan), D.K.(Selangor), D.K.(Perak), D.K.(Pahang). He served from 21 September 1965 through 20 September 1970. Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin, the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong who ruled from 21 September 1965 until 20 September 1970 was born in Kuala Terengganu on 24 January 1907. He was the 14th Sultan of Terengganu and ruled for 34 years, from 1945 until 1979. Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah received his early education at a Malay school in Terengganu followed by the Malay College in Kuala Kangsar. In 1925, when he was 18 years old, he became a Sub-Inspector with the police force and on 4 April 1929 he was appointed as a cadet in the civil service of Terengganu. For the next five years he worked as an officer at the State Secretariat. On 1 August 1934 he was appointed as an Assistant Land Officer. On 25 October 1934, he was appointed as a member of the State Government Consultative Council. He was later transferred to the Appeal Court on 4 April 1939 as the Deputy Public Prosecutor. Later he was appointed as the Secretary of the Islamic Affairs Council. Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah became the registrar of the Supreme Court, Appeal Court and Land Court on 1 January 1940. Later he was appointed a First Class Magistrate in Terengganu. On 15 November 1941 he was appointed as the State Secretary. On 3 April 1944, Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah married Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja in Terengganu and were blessed with nine children. The eldest son of Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah is Tuanku Mahmud Al Muktafi Billah Shah, the 15th Sultan of Terengganu. When Tuanku Mahmud passed away in 1998, his son HRH Al-Wathiqu Billah Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah ascended the throne on 15 May 1998 and was installed on 4 March 1999. On 6 June 1945, at the age of 38, Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah was installed as the Sultan of Terengganu at the Maziah Palace in Terengganu. On 21 September 1965, Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah was elected the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah died away on 29 September 1979.
	1970-1975 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong V - Tuanku Abdul Halim KeBawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Almu`tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu`adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah served from 21 September 1970 through 20 September 1975. Honors included : D.K.,D.K.H.,D.K.M.,D.M.N.,D.U.K.,D.K.(Kelantan), D.K.(Pahang), D.K.(Selangor),D.K.(Perlis), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.K.(Johor), D.K.(Terengganu), D.K.(Perak), D.P.(Sarawak), D.U.N.M.,S.P.M.K.,S.S.D.K.,D.H.M.S. He was born at the Bukit Anak Palace near Alor Setar, Tuanku Abdul Halim is the son of Sultan Badlishah and Tunku Sofiah Tunku Mahmud. Abdul Halim received education at the Malay schools in Alor Merah and Titi Gajah and Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Setar between 1946 and 1948. Subsequently, he pursued his studies at Wadham College in Oxford and obtained a Diploma in Social Science and Public Administration. Later, he joined the mandatory public administration by serving the Alor Setar district office before moving to the state treasury. He was promoted to the Young Ruler on August 6, 1949 and ascended the throne of the state after his father died on July 15, 1958. Tuanku Abdul Halim became Deputy of the Agong from 21 September 1965 until 20 September 1970, before being appointed the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 21 September 1970 until 20 September 1975. At that time, he was only 43 years old, making it the youngest second ruler to become Yang di-Pertuan Agong after King Perlis, King Syed Putra, who was promoted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1960 to 1965 at the age of 40. Tuanku Abdul Halim was appointed as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong in November 2006, making it the first to be appointed to hold the post. In October 2011, his 84-year-old king was appointed by the Malay Rulers to serve one term as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong beginning Dec. 13 of the same year. His first Queen was Tuanku Bahiyah, son of Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, who married her in 1956. Many buildings and institutions named after him. Among them are the Sultan Abdul Hallim Highway and Tunku Abdul Halim Primary School in Alor Setar, Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Penang and Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Kepala Batas. There is Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital and Sultan Abdul Halim Campus Teachers' Teacher Education in Sungai Petani, Kedah. While in Jitra, there are Sultan Abdul Halim Secondary School and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Polytechnic. Among other honors to him was the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge (the second bridge of Penang) and Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur which is now renamed Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim.
	1975-1979 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong VI - Al-Marhum Tengku Yahya Petra ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim. Honors included : D.K., D.K.M., D.M.N., S.M.N., S.P.M.K., S.J.M.K., S.P.S.K., D.K.(Selangor), D.K.(Terengganu), D.K.(Kedah), D.K.(Brunei), D.K.(Pahang), D.K.(Perlis), D.P.(Sarawak). He served from 21 September 1975 through 29 Mac 1979
	1979-1984 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong VII - KeBawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta`in Billah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri`Ayatuddin Al-Mu`adzam Shah. Honors included : D.K.P.,D.K.,D.K.M.,S.S.A.P.,S.I.M.P.,D.M.N.,D.K.(Perak), D.K.(Johor), D.K.(Kelantan), D.K.(Terengganu), D.K.(Perlis), D.K.(Kedah), D.K.M.B.,D.K.(Brunei), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.K.(Selangor). He served from 26 April 1979 through 25 April 1984
	1984-1989 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong VIII - Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Sultan Iskandar ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail served from 26 April 1984 through 25 April 1989. Almutawakkil Alallah, Sultan Iskandar ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, D.K., the eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia was born on 8 April 1932 at the Semayam Palace in Johor Bahru. His mother is HRH Almarhum Sultanah Aminah binti Almarhum Ungku Ahmad. On 11 May 1981, he was installed as the Sultan of Johor. Sultan Iskandar received his early education at Ngee Heng Primary School in Johor Bahru before furthering his studies at the English College (now called Sultan Abu Bakar College) in Johor Bahru. Later he furthered his studies at the Trinity Grammar School, in Australia and then to United Kingdom. Upon completing his studies in 1956, Sultan Iskandar returned to Johor and served as a Cadet Officer with the Johor Civil Service. He was formally appointed the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) on 29 April 1981. On 11 May 1981, he was proclaimed the fourth Sultan of Johor following his father’s demise. Being a sovereign ruler, Sultan Iskandar was always close to his subjects and by the side especially when they are faced with natural catastrophe or the like. As the Head of Religion, Sultan Iskandar is in close contact with the State Religious Council as well as senior officials of the religious department such as the head of the department, the chairman of the Islamic Affairs Committee and the Mufti of the state. As such, Sultan Iskandar always receives feedback from the government on the latest developments, problems and actions taken. During his free time, Sultan Iskandar loves playing polo and his favorite sport is boardsailing. Since 1982, boardsailing had been included as one of the activities carried out during the celebration of his birthday. In fact, this event became an international championship, which received very encouraging response from various countries like Thailand, Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Hawaii and Hong Kong. Apart from that, Sultan Iskandar also has a passion for helicopters and ships. He owns several helicopters and a ship for cruising along the shores of Johor, which is the longest shore in Peninsula Malaysia. When he was younger, Sultan Iskandar had many hobbies including horse-riding, fast cars, go-carts, race boats, hunting, tennis, golf, boxing, swimming and polo which remains his favorite. Sultan Iskandar once won the Johor Grand Prix held for the first time during the 1960s in Johor Bahru. As a result of the Johor Grand Prix initiated by Sultan Iskandar, similar events are held in Kuala Lumpur. Sultan Iskandar also received basic military training with the Johor Military Forces founded by his great grandfather Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar in 1885. Sultan Iskandar is currently the Commander of this military force. Although Sultan Iskandar is strict in carrying out all duties assigned to him, he was a gentle and considerate person. Sultan Iskandar was appointed as the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on 5 April 1982 replacing his late father who was the first Chancellor of the university since its establishment. Sultan Iskandar married Sultanah Zanariah binti Tengku Ahmad and the royal couple had 10 children – two sons and eight daughters. The Conference of Rulers in its 129th meeting elected Sultan Iskandar as the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 26 April 1984. Sultan Iskandar was installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong VIII on 15 November 1984.
	1989-1994 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong IX - Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah. Honors included : D.K., D.K.M., D.M.N., D.K(Kelantan), D.K.(Terangganu), D.K.(Perlis), D.K.(Johor), D.K.(Selangor), D.K.(Kedah), D.K.M.B.(Brunei), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.K.(Pahang), S.S.M.,P.M.N.,P.S.M., He served from 26 April 1989 through 25 April 1994.
	1994-1999 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong X - Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Ja'afar took over the state throne in 1967 and eventually served as Malaysia's 10th constitutional monarch between 1994 and 1999. He served from 26 April 1994 through 25 April 1999. Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Ja`afar ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Honors included : D.K., D.K.M., D.M.N., D.K.M.B. (Brunei), D.K. (Kelantan), D.K. (Kedah), D.K. (Selangor), D.K. (Perlis), D.K. (Johor), D.K. (Pahang), D.K. (Terengganu), D.K. (Perak). In early 2008, Tuanku Ja'afar made headlines in the first trial involving a Malaysian monarch following a 1993 constitutional amendment that dissolved the immunity of state rulers from criminal and civil lawsuits. A special court ordered Tuanku Ja'afar to settle $1 million that he owed to a bank in a landmark verdict that ended a centuries-old tradition shielding royal rulers from legal prosecution. Tuanku Ja'afar had a famous passion for sports, particularly cricket. His family was nicknamed the "royal family of sports" and held top posts in prominent sports associations. Tuanku Ja'afar, the constitutional head of central Negri Sembilan state, was taken to a hospital December 27, 2008 after complaining of a headache and dizziness, said state secretary Norzam Nor. He died in an intensive care unit several hours later. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi called for national and state flags to be flown at half staff when Tuanku Ja'afar is buried.
	1999-2001 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XI Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, monarch, born March 8 1926; died November 21 2001. He served from 26 April 1999 through 21 November 2001. Al-Marhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Alhaj. D.K., D.K.M., D.M.N., S.P.M.S., S.S.S.A, D.K.M.B. (Brunei), D.K. (Terengganu), D.K. (Kelantan), D.K. (Perlis), D.K. (Johor), D.K. (Kedah), D.K. (Negeri Sembilan), D.K. (Perak), D.K. (Pahang), S.P.D.K. (Sabah), D.P. (Sarawak), D.U.M.M. (Melaka), P.J.K. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj, the Al-Marhum, eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia was born on 8 March 1926 at the Istana Bandar in Kuala Langat. He received his early education at the Pengkalan Batu Malay School in Klang in 1934. In 1936 he furthered his studies at the Kuala Kangsar Malay College until 1941 when World War II began. After World War II, he went to England in 1947 and studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London for two years. Upon his return from the United Kingdom, he served with the Civil Service Department as a Trainee Officer with the Selangor Survey Department. He later served as an Inspector of Schools for eight years. In 1952, he attended a short-term course at the Malay Military Troop in Port Dickson for six months and was commissioned with the Queen Commission carrying the rank of captain. Thereafter, he was promoted to the rank of major. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was appointed as the Tengku Laksamana of Selangor on 1 August 1946 and as the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Selangor on 13 May 1950. When his father passed away on 1 September 1960, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah became the Sultan of Selangor on 3 September 1960 and was installed as the 28th Sultan on 28 June 1961. On 26 April 1984, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was appointed as Captain-in-Chief of the Royal Navy by the Malaysian Armed Forces in place of the position of Colonel-in-Chief of the Malaysian Royal Air Force which he held since 1966. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah married Tuanku Siti Aishah on 3 May 1990. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah had four sons and six daughters from his previous marriages. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was a keen sportsman. His interest in golf was well-known within and outside the country. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah also loved sailing, collecting antique cars, rearing animals and planting orchids. He also liked visiting foreign countries to widen his knowledge and experience. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was elected the eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 26 April 1999 and died on 21 November 2001 after ruling the country for 2 years and six months. Malaysia's monarchy is designed to provide a titular head of state above the federal parliament and prime minister. King Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah proved to be the archetypal ruler. The former sultan of Selangor practically never meddled in government, but he was close to the Malaysian people. They dubbed the humorous golfing enthusiast with none of his immediate predecessor's arrogance "the ruler with the heart of the people". He showed an unregal enthusiasm for bicycling into villages to meet his subjects and hear their grievances. He also attended Friday prayers in as many mosques as possible. He garnered most publicity when he refused to be drawn into the legal battle between the prime minister, Mahathir Mohammad, and his former deputy leader, Anwar Ibrahim, despite lobbying from the reform movement. But Salahuddin also refused to overtly support the prime minister. · Tuanku Siti Aishah was born on 18 November 1971, and brought up in Kuala Lumpur. She received her early education at the Jalan Gurney Primary School and furthered her studies in Banking at MARA Institute of Technology (now known as MARA University of Technology) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. She married the Sultan of Selangor on 3 May 1990. On 20 June 1994 she was conferred the order of the Sarawak government “Datuk Amar” (D.A.) by H.E. the Head of State of Sarawak. Similarly, she was awarded Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K. - the Most Esteemed Royal Family Order) by HRH the Sultan of Selangor on 8 March 1996, in conjunction with his 70th birthday. Tuanku Siti Aishah is the patron of the MARA University of Technology Alumni, Selangor Women’s Association, Selangor Girl Guides, Jantung Hatiku Society and Girl Guides Association of Malaysia. Tuanku Siti Aishah spent her free time reading, cooking and playing golf. She also likes driving, collecting books and traveling.
	2001-2006 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XII Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail Malaysia named the sultan of its smallest state as the country's new king 13 December 2001. Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail. D.K.P., D.K., S.S.P.J., D.M.N., D.K.(Perak), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan). Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail replaced the late monarch Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz, who died in NOvember 2001. He became Malaysia's 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, since the country gained independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia's nine hereditary Malay rulers chose Syed Sirajuddin during a secret ballot at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. The new monarch, 58, attended Britain's army officer training school of Sandhurst and served in the military before succeeding his late father last year as ruler of Perlis, the nation's smallest state. It is a mostly rural state dotted with rice paddy fields in the north of Peninsula Malaysia, bordering Thailand. Syed Sirajuddin has two children with his wife Fauziah Abdul Rashid and has a keen interest in golf, soccer, rugby and photography.
	2006-2011 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIII Sultan Mizan Zainal On 07 November 2006 the Conference elected Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Sultan Mahmud Al Mukatfi Billah Shah, the Sultan of Terengganu, age 44, as the thirteenth "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" or the King of Malaysia for a five-year term effective December 13, 2006. The Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Sultan Badlishah, became the Deputy King also for a five-year term. Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah. Honors included : D.K.T., D.K.R., D.M.N., S.S.M.Z., S.S.M.T., S.P.M.T., D.K. (Perlis), D.K.(Johor), D.K.M.B.(Brunei), D.K.(Perak), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.K. (Kedah), D.K. (Kelantan), D.K. (Selangor), S.P.M.J., Commandeur De La Legion D'Honneur (France). On 07 April 2007, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin lifted the ceremonial 'keris" (dagger) at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur, in a ceremony steeped in Malay tradition and was sworn in as Malaysia’s 13th king and one of Malaysia's youngest ever heads of state. News agencies reported: “The king, known as Yang di-Pertuan Agong or He Who Is Made Lord, formally took office at a ceremony in the throne room of the national palace. The sultan is the former ruler of the oil-rich Terengganu state, which sent a royal court orchestra to play traditional music during the ceremony. His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah was born on 22 January 1962 (15 Syaaban 1381 Hijrah) at Istana Al-Muktafi in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman. His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the eldest from seven siblings. His Majesty received his early education at Sultan Sulaiman II Primary School and later at Sultan Sulaiman Secondary School, Kuala Terengganu. He then continued formal education abroad, at the prestigious Geelong Grammar School in Melbourne, Australia from 1980 till 1981. His Majesty then joined a 3-month military course at the Royal Malay Regiment, Sebatang Karah Camp, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan on 18 May 1981. His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong then enrolled in the Military Course PRE SMC (E) 33 at the Army School of Languages from 2 November 1982 till 31 May 1983. His Majesty completed his training by attending the military course SMC 33 at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England from 3 May 1983 till 9 December 1983 and became an Honorary Lieutenant on 1 March 1984 and served in the Royal Cavalry. A high interest in lifelong learning and the yearn to grasp more knowledge and education encouraged His Majesty to once again further his studies and thus His Majesty continued tertiary level at the U.S. International University-Europe in London (now known as Alliant International University). His Majesty completed his studies and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations on 9 June 1988. At a very young age of 17, His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, was called to shoulder his rightful responsibility when His Majesty was appointed as the Yang di-Pertuan Muda (Crown Prince or Regent) of Terengganu Darul Iman on 6 November 1979. His Majesty was later appointed as the Acting Sultan of Terengganu on 20 October 1986 and on 21 October 1990 till 8 November 1990. Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah was born on 7 December 1973 (12 Zulkaedah 1393 Hijrah). Her Majesty received her primary school education at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan St. Nicholas Convent and secondary education at Sekolah Menengah St. Nicholas Convent which are both situated in Alor Setar, Kedah. On 4 December 2006 (13 Zulkaedah 1427 Hijrah), Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku was awarded an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Management from Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia (KUSTEM) Terengganu. The award is significant as it acknowledges the contribution in which Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku has placed towards organizing various charity works for the people in the state of Terengganu. On 28 March 1996 Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah married His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. His Majesty was the Regent of Terengganu (Yang di-Pertuan Muda Terengganu). The happily married royal couple has been blessed with four children; two princesses and two princes: Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah, (born 18 December 1996), Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Pemangku Raja Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail, (born 1 March 1998), Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Muhammad Mua’az, (born 22 December 2000), and Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Fatimatuz Zahra’, (born 19 April 2002). Her Majesty was installed as Queen on 19 July 1998 which was later replaced with a new title, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Nur Zahirah on 5 June 2006. She was conferred the dignitary titles of the Bintang Kebesaran Darjah Seri Setia Sultan Mahmud Terengganu Yang Amat Mulia Darjah Yang Pertama (D.K.) on 16 January 1999 and Darjah Kebesaran Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Terengganu Yang Amat Terpilih (S.S.M.Z.). The most recent dignitary title awarded to Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong was the Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (D.M.N.) on 5 April 2007.
	2011-2016 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIV Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim On 11 April 2012 Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, 84, who was king previously in the 1970s, became the first person to hold the position twice under Malaysia’s unique rotating monarchy. This creates a numbering problem for the institution, since is is both Agong V and Agong XIV. The deadly 1969 race riots that still haunt the country occurred just months before he took the throne as Malaysia’s fifth king for a five-year term starting in 1970. Sultan Abdul Halim is the ruler of Kedah state in the north. KeBawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Almu`tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu`adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah was born on Nov 28, 1927. On July 14, 1958, he ascended the throne of Kedah after the demise of his father, Sultan Badlishah ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. He was installed as the Sultan of Kedah on Feb 20, 1959. Honors included : D.K., D.K.H., D.K.M., D.M.N., D.U.K., D.K.(Kelantan), D.K.(Pahang), D.K.(Selangor),D.K.(Perlis), D.K.(Negeri Sembilan), D.K.(Johor), D.K.(Terengganu), D.K.(Perak), D.P.(Sarawak), D.U.N.M., S.P.M.K., S.S.D.K., D.H.M.S. He was appointed Yang di-Pertuan Agong pada 13 December 2011. The new king was in robust health for his age. In 2006 he walked more than a mile to a stadium to watch his state's football team in a tournament because his car was caught in traffic. Abdul Halim, who was installed as ruler of his state in 1958, has been described by his family as a caring leader and a fan of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Malaysian media noted that when Abdul Halim became king in 1970 he had to travel by train from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city. Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah always did his best to turn up at events that he was invited to, even when he felt unwell. Tuanku Abdul Halim ended his term as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong December 2016 and was replaced by Kelantan ruler Sultan Muhammad V. Kedah Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah died at the age of 89 on 11 September 2017.
	2017-2019 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V Sultan Muhammad V was the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysian and the Sultan of Kelantan. He was born on 6 December 1969 and now he was 48 years old when elected Agong. He was proclaimed Sultan of Kelantan on 13 September 2010, succeeding his father, Sultan Ismail Putra, who was deemed incapacitated by illness. He was proclaimed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 13 December 2016. His full name is Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra Ibni Tengku Ismail Petra. His father's name is Ismail Petra and his mother's name is Tengku Anis Binti Tengku Abdul Hamid. His majesty has a mini-safari park in Kampung Baruh Raja, Gunong here, covering 74.76 hectares, which was home for 130 deer, an ostrich, 50 buffaloe, 15 horses, a lion, as well as goats. He attended St Cross College, Oxford and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies for diplomatic studies, graduating in 1991. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid and Muhamad Takiyuddin Ismail wrote that "Sultan Muhammad V injected vigour into the monarchy with his simple lifestyle, humility, friendly disposition and avoidance of controversies which had beleaguered the Kelantan royal household. It was widely rumoured that his parents had favoured his younger brother Tengku Fakhry Petra to succeed the throne, but Tengku Fakhry’s flamboyance, as made infamous by his high-profile marriage and messy divorce with Indonesian teenage model Manohara, rendered him unfit in the eyes of the Kelantan palace elders and indeed the public. ... he lived up to his official position as head of Islam in Kelantan by leading congregational prayers, participating in the ritual slaughter of animals during the annual Festival of Sacrifice of the Hajj pilgrimage season and changing the regal salutation of ‘Daulat Tuanku’ (Long Live My Sovereign) to “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great)." The ceremony of His Royal Highness His Majesty the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong was approved by His Majesty on April 24, 2017 and was approved by the government. He actually chose this date after receiving advice from scholars and mufti. This date is also the date of the greatness of Islam ie it falls on the date of Israq and Mikraj. An important thing at every occasion of this ritual is to preserve the heritage of the Malay Sultanate. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is also the head of the Islamic religion. The Malaysian National Palace said in a statement 06 January 2019 that Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan had resigned as the Agong or Supreme Ruler of the federation. “His Majesty has prepared to return to Kelantan Darul Naim to be with the state government and especially the people of Kelantan to safeguard and develop Kelantan for the betterment of you the public”, the Istana Negara said. The reasons for his renunciation were not disclosed. Muhammad V had recently taken a leave of absence for medical reasons. There had been tensions between the palace and the government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who led the opposition to an election win in May 2018. Mahathir, known for challenging royalty during his past 22-year tenure as prime minister, said in a blog post last week that everyone "from the Rulers to the Prime Minister and Ministers, to the civil servants and ordinary citizens" are subject to the law. He did not elaborate. In June 2018, the government and palace faced a near two-week impasse over a plan to appoint a non-Malay as attorney-general. The king eventually approved the appointment, though the incident had stoked racial tensions. In late November 2018, media reported that Sultan Muhammad V had married a beauty queen from Russia, Oksana Voevodina, in Moscow. On the couple’s big day, the groom appeared donning a national Malay tunic, while the bride sizzled in a snow-white gown surrounded by neatly arranged rows of similarly clad bridesmaids. Miss Moscow title holder Oksana Voyevodina has become the first lady of Malaysia after marrying King Muhammad V, 49, in a lavish ceremony in the prestigious Moscow suburb of Barvikha after reportedly converting to Islam earlier in the year. Shortly after she grabbed the Miss Moscow title, she described her school years as those of ‘a kind of bandit’, admitting she was obsessed with leisure activities such as skates, bikes, VMX etc. She went on to say at the time that she considered the stronger sex to be ‘the head of the family’, who ‘of course shall not earn less than a woman’. The Miss Moscow beauty queen who converted to Islam to wed the King of Malaysia previously romped in a swimming pool on a tacky reality TV show, it has been claimed. Russian model Oksana Voevodina, 25, had a screen name Nikol on the programme five years ago, according to the country’s biggest newspaper. The pro-Kremlin Komsomolskaya Pravda (KP) reported “Previously she was not shy at all,” referring to a sizzling scene in the swimming pool hours after her first appearance on the set. It added the “royal wife” clutched a Champagne glass as she “surprised the participants of a reality show by having sex on her first date.” KP said that “bloggers on social networks have spotted the amazing similarity of two beauties – Oksana Voevodina, the new wife of Malaysian king, and Ksenia Dyagileva, the ex participant of “Holidays in Mexico-2” reality show. “It is true – the facial features, height and weight, education – all is the same. “The same photographs were posted in the social accounts of both girls. “Besides, the celebrity of this TV show Val Nikolsky has confirmed to KP that Oksana and Ksenia (Nikol) is the same person.”
	Sultan Nazrin Paduka Seri Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-lah, Sultan of Perak, is Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and might serve the remainder of the term. The Sultanate of Perak began in the 16th century, when the latter son of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the last Sultan of Melaka, after the Melaka State defeated by the Portuguese in TM 1511 was appointed the first Sultan of Perak in 1528. The king was named King Mudzaffar Shah. According to the oral story obtained from the late Sultan Idris Almutawakkil Alallah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 33rd Sultan of Perak. The Peraks had told Tun Saban to invite King Mudzaffar to be rebuilt in Perak. When this Sultan will return to the Perak River, his ascension vessel was stuck in the Beting Rice Field located in Kuala Sungai Perak. Known for his humbleness and compassion, Sultan Nazrin is highly regarded by his subjects. Ipoh City Watch President Prof Dr Richard Ng said most Perakians are proud to have Sultan Nazrin as their Ruler. “We are proud to have a Sultan who is wise and respected not only by Perakians but throughout the world with his sought-after lectures and thoughts. Most of his lectures touches on how a country should be administered with utmost integrity and professionalism. He is indeed our most learned Sultan who is not only just concerned about his subjects but also the country. His Royal Highness is also very concerned about sustainable development where no one should be left behind and the environment should be protected”. During the Conference of Rulers that was held in July 2018, Sultan Nazrin, who is also the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, had called for efforts to unite the people following an intense 14th General Election. And during the first session of the 14th Perak State Assembly held in August, he told the government to keep its promises made to the people during the election. In his speech, Sultan Nazrin said the people dared to change the government as they are confident that it would bring good to the people and the country. He also urged the government to govern the state with dedication, sincerity, honesty and integrity.
	2019-2022 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI Tengku Abdullah Shah Tengku Abdullah Shah replaced his father, Ahmad Shah, as the ruler of the Malaysian state of Pahang. Ahmad Shah was next in line to be king after the sudden abdication of Malaysian King Muhammad V. Tengku Abdullah Shah, currently the regent of Pahang, will succeed his father, Ahmad Shah, as the ruler of Pahang, the Bernama news agency reported on Saturday. Ahmad Shah, 88, was next in line to be king, but had fallen gravely ill. "In this sad situation, regretfully, I and my family have to accept the fact that my father can no longer shoulder the duties and responsibilities as ruler," Tengku Muda Shah, Tengku Abdullah's younger brother, was quoted as saying. "In view of the situation, I and my closest family members agreed to propose to the Pahang Royal Council to appoint my elder brother Tengku Abdullah to be the successor." Tengku Abdullah Shah, 59, is a well-known figure in Asia's sports scene. He was the president of the Asian Hockey Federation and is a council member of world football's governing body, FIFA. Malaysian royalty are held in high esteem, though their role is ceremonial. The monarch is the historic head of Islam in the country, as well as the nominal chief of the military. Criticism of the monarch is regarded as a grave offense. HRH Abdullah served the Asian Hockey Federation in his capacity as President, and under his leadership, oversaw significant inroads that were made under his tenure and puts the AHF in a take-off position for the year 2019. HRH, who has played a crucial role in the development of hockey within Malaysia and the rest of Asia is well-known for his tenacity, leadership skills, empathy and his forever passion for hockey through which the hockey family today flourishes. It is also fair to speculate that the people of Pahang are likely to benefit greatly from HRH Abdullah’s ascending to be Sultan of Pahang. Born on the 30th of July 1959, HRH Prince Abdullah was the Crown Prince of his home state, Pahang, Malaysia. HRH Prince Abdullah completed his education at Worcester and Queen Elizabeth College in 1981. From his early youth, HRH Prince Abdullah always had a passion for a healthy and active lifestyle and practiced different sports himself. After over 30 years of professional experience in sports administration, HRH Prince Abdullah took over as President of the Asian Hockey Federation in September 2014 during his ongoing tenure at the Asian Football Confederation and an active involvement with FIFA. HRH Prince Abdullah Shah was also elected on the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2012, advocating the ambitions and development of hockey in Asia. HRH Prince Abdullah pledged to carry on the vision of the former president of the Asian Hockey Federation, His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah. The international sports management experience that HRH Prince Abdullah brings with him is a goldmine for the professional aspirations of the growing scene of hockey in Asia. HRH Prince Abdullah has initiated the regeneration of the sport of hockey as an attractive and professionally organized sport, and vowed to recreate the once glorious status of hockey as an extravaganza and symbolic sport on the Asian platform.