Malaysia's King Muhammad V steps down

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Malaysia's King Muhammad V resigned on Sunday after just two years on the throne.

This is the first time a ruling monarch has stepped down before completing the five-year tenure in the Muslim-majority country since it gained independence from Britain in 1957.

The king's resignation took effect immediately, the National Palace said in a statement.

The statement did not give any reason for the 49-year-old royal's move. But 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 he had married a former Miss Moscow in Russia – although royal officials in Malaysia have so far not commented on the rumors.

Speculation intensified about his future this week when the country's Islamic royals reportedly held a special meeting.

An official statement from the palace said the king was grateful for the opportunity given to him by the Council of Rulers and thanked the prime minister and government for their cooperation during his rule.

“His Highness has worked towards fulfilling his responsibilities entrusted to him as the head of state, serving as a pillar of stability, the source of justice, the core of unity for the people,” the palace statement said.

The 15th king of Malaysia, Sultan Muhammad V (R), preparing to deliver his address during the opening ceremony of the parliament in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad (L) looks on, July 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

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.

The selection of the next king can be decided by a vote in the Council of Rulers, made up of all nine royal households.

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters