How Malaysia chooses a king every five years

Imagine a country where the king is chosen—for a limited time. Not by the people or by parliament, but from among other kings. And not for life, only for five years. This isn’t fiction or a joke. This is Malaysia.

Who holds power in Malaysia?

Malaysia is more than a single state; it is a union of 13 states. Nine of them are ruled by monarchs—sultans and other traditional leaders. These nine participate in a striking arrangement: one of them becomes the king of the entire country. Not forever, though—just for a five-year term.

How is the king chosen?

Every five years, the nine monarchs meet behind closed doors and select from among themselves the next head of state. The vote is secret, and while there is an order of rotation, it can change—for instance, if someone declines or cannot take office for other reasons.

The latest selection took place in January 2024. The new king was chosen from Johor: Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar became Malaysia’s 17th head of state. He is known for a taste for high-end cars, an interest in business, and forthright remarks—an image that naturally draws attention.

What does the king do?

The Malaysian king’s role is largely representative—attending ceremonies, signing bills, joining national celebrations. Yet the office holds genuine authority: he can appoint the prime minister, dissolve parliament, and grant pardons.

That authority becomes especially important during political crises. When it is unclear who should form a government, the final decision rests with the king. In moments like that, the crown becomes the system’s stabilizer.

Why design it this way?

This setup is about balance. Each sultan knows he has a chance to lead the country, which encourages unity among the states and respects the mosaic of cultures and traditions within one federation.

The five-year handover also acts like a built-in refresh. It prevents any one person from holding onto power for too long and keeps the institution responsive.

Are there drawbacks?

There are. Five years is not always enough to see major ideas through. And if a king steps down early—because of illness, personal choice, or other reasons—there is the immediate question of what follows. Such cases have occurred, but details are scarce, and that opacity can leave room for speculation.

Is it truly unique?

Yes. No other country uses this model. Elsewhere, kings inherit the throne by blood, or the monarchy has become largely symbolic. In Malaysia, it remains a living mechanism—one that works and adapts.

What lies ahead?

So far, the system projects stability. Still, no one knows how it will handle future pressures: political uncertainty, the growing force of social media, shifting public moods. Things may change, but the idea of rotation has already proved durable.

Malaysia shows that even a royal institution can be flexible and contemporary. And in five years, the next king could once again be an unexpected choice.