Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who died on Saturday, will be succeeded as ruler of Negri Sembilan state by his nephew, Tunku Mukhriz Tunku Munawir (left). -- PHOTO: REUTERS
KUALA LUMPUR - A 59-YEAR-OLD prince was on Monday picked as the new ruler of a southern Malaysian state, following the death of a former king of the country.
Tuanku Jaafar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who died on Saturday after complaining of dizziness and chest pains, will be succeeded as ruler of Negri Sembilan state by his nephew, Tunku Mukhriz Tunku Munawir, the official Bernama news agency said.
Tunku Mukhriz was appointed to the position over three of the former ruler's children, following a secret meeting of four powerful chieftains.
The role means Tunku Mukhriz could one day become king of Malaysia, which has had an elected monarchy since independence from Britain in 1957.
In a unique arrangement the monarch is chosen by, and rotates among, the rulers of the nine Malaysian states still headed by royalty. Four other states are not headed by monarchs. -- AFP
