With pomp and circumstance, and to the sound of cannon fire, billionaire Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar was crowned the new king of Malaysia on Saturday – a role that has gained greater significance in times of political uncertainty.
Repeated monarchical intervention was required, for example, to appoint a prime minister during the dramatic government crisis in 2018.
Iskandar is seen as relatively outspoken on political issues, moderate in religious matters, and has several times spoken out against corruption.
Together with his family, he is worth approximately 60 billion kronor. The 65-year-old has a large collection of exclusive vehicles and private planes – and also has a smaller private army at his disposal.
He has previously had the habit of making annual motorcycle trips in his state of Johor to distribute gifts to the poor.
Malaysia, like Sweden, is a constitutional monarchy, with the difference that the country changes its king every five years. In addition to approving political appointments, the monarch is also seen as the highest representative of Islam in the country, as well as the supreme commander of the military.
