Malaysians were recently shocked and saddened by the news regarding Sultan Muhammad V’s sudden resignation as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The official announcement was made last Sunday (6th January), but no official reason was given by the palace.
On social media, many began to speculate that the abdication has something to do with the King’s alleged marriage to former Russian beauty queen, Oksana Voevodina – though neither he nor the palace ever confirmed this.
According to the Kelantan constitution, the Sultan’s consort known as the Raja Perempuan, need to be a Malay Muslim.
Nevertheless, legal experts has confirmed that the Ruler had his own reasons for stepping down and it had nothing to do with the fact that the Raja Perempuan of Kelantan must be a Malay Muslim.
After just 2 years on the throne, Sultan Muhammad V’s abdication marks the first time in Malaysian history that a monarch has stepped down before completing his full term of 5 years.
3 other Kings in Malaysia’s history did not complete their five-year term, but this was due to their deaths.
According to the rotation in place, the Sultan of Pahang would be next in line, but due to his health problems, many believed that the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim will be the next Agong with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin continues as the Deputy Agong.
Sources: Berita Harian, Utusan, NST.
