SEAToday.com, Kuala Lumpur-On Tuesday (1/30) the King of Malaysia Sultan Abdullah officially ends his five-year reign as Yang Dipertuan Agong. The farewell ceremony occurred at Parliament Square and was led by Sergeant Ismail Katirin.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeted Sultan Abdullah and his wife Tunku Azizah along with other members of his cabinet, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries.

Their majesties were later escorted past lance bearers and received the royal salute from the honor guard before the national anthem was played. At the same time, the royal standard of the Yang Dipertuan Agong was lowered with a 21-gun salute.

After the ceremony, Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah waved to all attendees and placed their hands over their hearts as a sign of gratitude before boarding a motorcade to continue their journey and be flown back to Pahang.

Previously in a farewell banquet on Saturday (1/27) Sultan Abdullah expressed his gratitude and trust that the Malaysian people have given to their majesties throughout the last five years. And as his last message at the farewell banquet, the sultan calls for more political stability and unity among the Malaysian people.

During his five-year reign, Sultan Abdullah oversaw various political turmoil in Malaysia which led to an unprecedented intervention by the constitutional monarchy. (FELIX/ALVIN)