49-Year-Old Malaysian King Sultan Muhammad V Resigns After Marrying A Russian Model Half His Age

Malaysian King Sultan Muhammad V has abdicated the throne early, in his second year of the five-year term without providing any explicit reason, reports Times of India.

One of Malaysia’s youngest monarchs had become a subject of controversies after marrying a Russian model while on an extended medical leave.

The abdication, a first in the nation's history, ended weeks of speculation of his future after the 49-year-old King took a two-month medical leave and married a 25-year-old Russian model, Oksana Vojvodina.

Neither the Sultan, the palace nor the government had given an official confirmation of the wedding, however, the Russian and British media, as well as social media, had pictures of their wedding which reportedly took place in Moscow.

The pictures of the former model drew flak from the deeply conservative Muslims who form the majority in King’s home state of Kelantan. The 2015 Moscow beauty queen, who has reportedly converted to Islam to marry the Sultan, has several photos in ‘revealing’ attire and other clothing considered ‘immodest’.

Despite speculations of his vacating the seat after his return, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Friday had said that he was unaware of any abdication plans. The statement from Comptroller of the Royal Household, said, “His Majesty tells the people of Malaysia to continue to be united to maintain unity, tolerance, and work together.”

After gaining Independence from Britain in 1957, nine hereditary state rulers have served as the country’s kings for five-year terms. Though the role is mostly ceremonial, the ethnic Malay Muslim majority harbours deep respect for the kings and criticising them is strictly forbidden.