Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku! In Malaysia, these are the exclaims one gives to the king which literally means "Long live the king!"
Every five years, Malaysia rotates the post of King amongst 9 sultanates. I never forget the date of the official installation because it falls on the 26th April - my birthday (beaming away).
This year, the Royal Highness is the 13th King (Agong) of Malaysia. Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is a young man of 45, who epitomises today's Malay generation. Other than being partly educated in Australia, his curriculum vitae would include being a 7th Dan Black Belt Taekwando fighter, equestrian and diver. It was also reported that he is rather outspoken, compared to some other sultans or Kings. Perhaps one appealing factor this young King has is the fact that his position on the throne will be shared with Queen Nur Zahirah - who covers her head like Muslims should.
I am optimistic. I am hopeful that the new King will have a significant role in Malaysia.
