Mizan new king of Malaysia
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, at 44 Malaysia's second-youngest king ever, will serve a five-year term after he was sworn in at a solemn ceremony at the king's palace in the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Clad in royal yellow and sporting a sparkling ethnic Malay head-dress and a ceremonial knife, he was flanked by Malay state rulers as he read and signed an oath of office vowing to be loyal to Malaysia's laws and constitution.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The new monarch pledged to protect Islam, Malaysia's official religion, and to ensure "a fair and peaceful rule in the country."
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi then presented and read a letter declaring Mizan as king.
The sultan of northern Kedah state, Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, was also sworn in as deputy king.
Mizan and his wife, Nur Zahirah, 33, arrived earlier Wednesday from Terengganu and headed for parliament in a mustard gold Rolls Royce for an official welcome from Abdullah.
They were given a 21-gun salute after Mizan inspected a guard of honour. Ministers and foreign dignitaries shook hands with Mizan and his queen, also dressed in yellow with a tiara placed on her headscarf.
Mizan will be formally installed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong (He Who Is Made Lord, in Malay) in a grand ceremony next year at a date to be set.
Neighbouring Singapore sent its congratulations and expressed optimism bilateral ties will grow during the new king's reign.
"Under your majesty's guidance, I am confident that Malaysia will continue to make good progress in its development efforts," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Malaysia has had a system of elective monarchy since independence in 1957, with the rulers of nine of the country's 13 states choosing a new king every five years.
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