King abdicates to tie knot with former beauty queen
Monday, 7 January 2019
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 06 (AFP): Malaysia's king has abdicated, royal officials said Sunday, ending weeks of speculation about his future after he took a leave of absence and amid rumours he married a Russian former beauty queen.
Sultan Muhammad V's decision marks the first time a king has abdicated in the Muslim-majority country since it gained independence from Britain in 1957.
"The National Palace informs that his majesty has resigned as the 15th king effective January 6," said a statement from the palace.
It 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.