Malaysia honors a new king in coronation marked by pomp and cannon fire

Traditional pomp and cannon fire marked the coronation of Malaysia’s billionaire King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, who pledged to govern fairly the five-year term he will serve under a unique rotating monarchy system. Sultan Ibrahim, 65, was sworn in on Jan. 31. Saturday’s coronation at the national palace formalized his role as Malaysia’s 17th king in a ceremony steeped in Malay culture and pageantry. Nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as Malaysia’s king for five-year terms under the world’s only such system. During the proceedings, Sultan Ibrahim kissed the Quran and was presented with a gold dagger, symbols of Islam and power. In his speech, the monarchy urged the government to improve the livelihood of the people.