Malaysian royals prepare to pick king

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s royals prepared Monday to pick a new king to replace Sultan Muhammad V, who abdicated in a historic first after reportedly marrying a Russian former beauty queen, holding a special gathering at the national palace.
The king stepped aside Sunday following intense speculation about his future after reports surfaced in recent weeks that he had taken medical leave, and then wed the former Miss Moscow.
As the country reacted with shock to the news, Malaysia’s Islamic royal families set about the task of electing a new king to replace Muhammad V, 49, who gave up the throne just two years into his term.
A special meeting of the rulers was held at the palace in Kuala Lumpur to set a date for a new king to be elected, official news agency Bernama reported. It will happen in the coming weeks, with the new king expected to serve a full, five-year term. (AFP)