The Pahang Royal Council is scheduled to meet and decide on Friday the ascension of Tengku Abdullah Shah to Sultan of Pahang.
The Regent of Pahang returns from London today and is expected to join the meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
It is understood Tengku Abdullah is being backed by “several Sultans”. The Malay rulers are scheduled to meet on Jan 24 to discuss and decide on the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The new King will take his oath on Jan 31.
In an unprecedented move, Sultan Muhammad V abdicated as Yang di-Pertuan Agong last Sunday. It remains unclear why the Kelantan ruler did so.
Following the rotation system, the next in line is Sultan Ahmad Shah (Tengku Abdullah’s father), followed by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak. However, Sultan Ahmad is said to be unwell.
Twentytwo13 had on Monday revealed efforts were being made for Tengku Abdullah to be proclaimed Pahang Sultan en route to him becoming the next King.
“Many, including those in the royal family, read the Twentytwo13 article. They have been receiving plenty of text messages and calls regarding the matter. We will get a clearer picture when the Council meets on Jan 11 (Friday),” said a source.
“Once a decision is made, the Council will seek Tuanku’s (Sultan Ahmad) consent proclaiming Tengku Abdullah as the next Sultan.
“Tengku Abdullah is a filial son and wouldn’t want to be seen as unfaithful. It’s been rather stressful for him too.”
Tengku Abdullah comes with a wealth of experience as he is the longest serving Crown Prince in the country.
He was appointed Crown Prince of Pahang on July 1, 1975 and formally installed on Oct 23, 1977 at Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan. A government notification dated Dec 28, 2016 announced Tengku Abdullah’s appointment as the regent.
Turning 60 on July 30, Tengku 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 and is the former Asian Football Confederation vice-president.
He is currently president of the Asian Hockey Federation and a FIFA Council member.
