All eyes have been on the Malaysian royal institution since the start of this year.
The “unscheduled meetings” followed by Sultan Muhammad V abdicating on Jan 6 got many talking about the monarchy.
This led to much speculation and drama.
In what was described by sources as an “uncontested” affair, the Malay rulers decided that newly proclaimed Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Shah be appointed the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong – marking the beginning of a new era.
The oath taking ceremony is on Jan 31.
In a statement, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah is the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Twentytwo13 was the first to reveal on Jan 7 that Al-Sultan Abdullah was tipped to take over from his unwell father Sultan Ahmad Shah to pave the way for him to become the next King.
It was announced on Jan 12 that Al-Sultan Abdullah would be made Pahang ruler, a day after a three-and-a-half-hour Pahang Royal Council meeting at Pullman Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
According to the unique rotation system, after Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, the next in line is Sultan Pahang followed by Sultan Johor and Sultan Perak.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and his father Sultan Ahmad have always enjoyed a cordial relationship with the people.
Having spent decades as sports administrators, father and son are generally loved by members of the Press for their openness to constructive criticism and differing opinions.
Al-Sultan Abdullah is a familiar face in the domestic and international sports scene, having served as president of the FA of Malaysia and Malaysian Hockey Confederation in the past. He is also the former Asian Football Confederation vice-president.
He is currently president of the Asian Hockey Federation and a FIFA Council member.
Tengku Abdullah has nine children – Tengku Amir Nasser, Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan, Tengku Puteri Ilisha Ameera, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Tengku Puteri Ilyana, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah, Tengku Ahmad Ismail Muadzam Shah, Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah and Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah.
Al-Sultan Abdullah’s consort Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah who will be bestowed the Tengku Ampuan Pahang title on Jan 29, is the sister of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar.
Born on August 5, 1960, she is passionate about cooking and arts, namely Tenun Pahang Diraja, as she often holds activities and workshops for inmates, believing they deserve a second chance in life.
She is also involved in several organisations, including as founder and life president of Tunku Azizah Fertility Foundation and is the first Royal Patron of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ fundraising arm, Friends of Asia Pacific.
Their son Tengku Hassanal, who reported to the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the United Kingdom earlier this month, obtained special leave to return for the royal ceremony on Jan 29 where he will be made Tengku Mahkota and Regent of Pahang next week.
