While the position is mostly ceremonial, it holds special discretionary powers, including swearing in the prime minister and pardoning convicts. Sultan Muhammad V pardoned Anwar Ibrahim, who is expected to become the nation’s next premier. It’s also prestigious among the country’s Malay Muslim majority, with Sultan Muhammad V, aged 49, one of the youngest to ascend the throne. The Sultan of Perak, Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has carried out the king’s duties as acting monarch since November, when Sultan Muhammad V went on leave for medical reasons. Sultan Muhammad V’s resignation was in accordance with Article 32(3) of the Federal Constitution, comptroller of the Royal Household Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said.

Source: National Post January 07, 2019 13:14 UTC