KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The royal family of Malaysia's central Pahang state announced on Saturday that its crown prince would succeed as the new ruler of the state, shortly before the country is set to appoint a new King.
Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported that the Pahang Royal Council had decided that Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, would be the sixth sultan of Pahang, replacing his father Sultan Ahmad Shah.
The oath taking ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 15.
Ahmad Shah, aged 88, is unwell and the move had been expected for some time, according to the reports.
The selection of the next King has become a highly discussed topic after Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan stepped down on Jan. 6.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with nine sultans, who head their respective state and act as the religious leader, taking turns to serve as King for a five-year term.
