Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad read out the instrument of proclamation today (January 31), officially signifying Sultan Abdullah's ascension to the throne as the new head of state of Malaysia, in accordance with the laws and the Federal Constitution.

The Mufti of Sabah, Bungsu Aziz Jaafar, recited the "doa" (prayers), seeking the blessings of the Almighty for the well-being of Their Majesties, the people and the nation.

This handout photo taken and released by Malaysia's Department of Information on January 31, 2019 shows the 16th King of Malaysia, the sixth Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah, (seated 4th-R), looking on after taking the oath at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters

Sultan Abdullah succeeds Sultan Muhammad V, the Sultan of Kelantan, who stepped down as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 6 after having reigned for just over two years of the five-year term from December 13, 2016.

Earlier, Sultan Abdullah had come to Istana Negara with sovereign escorts from Parliament Square, after the state welcome there following the flight from Kuantan.

The incoming 16th King of Malaysia, the sixth Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah prays with Queen Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj during the welcoming ceremony at the Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur on January 31, 2019. Photo: AFP

Then the central band of the Royal Rangers Regiment, comprising Major Abdul Aziz Abdullah and 33 men played the national anthem.

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