Meet Malaysia’s New King who is an Extreme Sport Buff

Not many people know that Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is a Gooner

By Komal Nathani | Feb 15, 2019
Entrepreneur Asia Pacific

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Malaysia welcomed its new king Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after the former monarch stepped down amid rumours of his marriage with a 25-year-old Russian beauty queen. On 31 January, Sultan Abdullah sworn in for the next five-year term in a completely decked up ceremony, held at the national palace in Kuala Lampur.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, the 59-year-old was welcomed at the national parliamentand inspected a guard of honour from the first Battalion Royal Malay Regiment. Under the Malaysia’s unique election system, one Sultan from each of the nine royal states becomes king, or “Agong” in five years’ time. Out of the 43 monarchies in the world, Malaysia’s system of choosing its king is quite unique. There is an established order for selecting the next king, but the Sultans of each family still have to vote.

The new king of the country has donned many hats before taking over the throne. Not many people know that the Sultan is a Gooner, a term of endearment for fans of English Premier League club Arsenal FC. His favourite player is Former French striker Thierry Henry, who used to play for Arsenal. The Sultan also adores the Gunners’ former goalkeeper.

Watch the video to know more about the new king of Malaysia.

Malaysia welcomed its new king Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after the former monarch stepped down amid rumours of his marriage with a 25-year-old Russian beauty queen. On 31 January, Sultan Abdullah sworn in for the next five-year term in a completely decked up ceremony, held at the national palace in Kuala Lampur.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, the 59-year-old was welcomed at the national parliamentand inspected a guard of honour from the first Battalion Royal Malay Regiment. Under the Malaysia’s unique election system, one Sultan from each of the nine royal states becomes king, or “Agong” in five years’ time. Out of the 43 monarchies in the world, Malaysia’s system of choosing its king is quite unique. There is an established order for selecting the next king, but the Sultans of each family still have to vote.

The new king of the country has donned many hats before taking over the throne. Not many people know that the Sultan is a Gooner, a term of endearment for fans of English Premier League club Arsenal FC. His favourite player is Former French striker Thierry Henry, who used to play for Arsenal. The Sultan also adores the Gunners’ former goalkeeper.

Watch the video to know more about the new king of Malaysia.

Komal Nathani

Former Correspondent, Entrepreneur Asia Pacific
A firm believer of hard work and patience. Love to cover stories that hold a potential to change the momentum of business world. Currently, a part of all-women web team of Entrepreneur's Asia Pacific edition to jig the wheel of business journalism!

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