A look at Malaysia's monarchy before sultans pick next king

23/1/2019 11:37

                Though largely a ceremonial post, Malaysia's monarch still signs off on most laws and appointments, including the prime minister, and hours after Mahathir and his alliance's stunning general election victory last May, King Sultan Muhammad V offered the job to someone else.
        
        The offer was rejected and Mahathir heaped pressure on the king by holding a series of news conferences. The king subsequently signed off on Mahathir, but the hours of uncertainty put the spotlight on Malaysia's monarchy at a time when some of the royals are seeking to reassert their influence in politics.
        
        Though Malaysia has only had a constitutional monarch since 1957, several of Malaysia's nine royal families trace their roots to centuries-old Malay kingdoms that were independent states until they were brought together by the British.