Malaysia's King Sultan Muhammad V steps down from throne

Muscat: Malaysia's king Sultan Muhammad V has stepped down as the nation's head of state, authorities have confirmed.
Comptroller of the Royal Household, Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz confirmed the abdication saying, “In discharging the wishes of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, Istana Negara hereby announces that His Majesty is abdicating as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong effective Jan 6, 2019, pursuant to Article 32 (3) of the Federal Constitution."
Malaysia's king, otherwise known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is chosen from among the nation's nine monarchs to serve a five-year term as the ceremonial head of state. Sultan Muhammad, who is the ruler of the state of Kelantan in northern Malaysia, had ruled since 13 December 2016 and was the 15th king of Malaysia.