Malaysia’s King Abdicates After Marrying Former Miss Moscow
Sultan Muhammad V was expected to step down in three years
Malaysia’s nine royal houses rotate the throne among them every five years, and Sultan Muhammad V, shown here in September, had been expected to give up the throne in three years’ time.
Malaysia’s nine royal houses rotate the throne among them every five years, and Sultan Muhammad V, shown here in September, had been expected to give up the throne in three years’ time.PHOTO: AHMAD YUSNI/SHUTTERSTOCK

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By James Hookway
Jan. 6, 2019 2:43 p.m. ET
Malaysia’s king has abdicated after weeks of speculation following his apparent marriage to a former Russian beauty queen.

Sultan Muhammad V’s decision marks the first time that a king has abdicated in Malaysia. A statement from the royal palace issued