Malaysia swears in new king amid palace controversy

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Reuters) Malaysia swore in a new king, its second-youngest ever, today amid controversy over the amount of money spent on the country's little-known royals.

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, 44, wore canary-yellow robes and jewel-encrusted Malay head-dress for the glittering ceremony at the national palace, which is to be replaced in a few years at a cost to taxpayers of 400 million ringgit (3 million).

Malaysia has nine sultans and each takes turn to rule for five years as king, signing legislation into law and appointing judges but always on the premier's advice.

A symbolic role, the king embodies Malaysia's heritage as a collection of Muslim kingdoms and also serves as titular head of the armed forces and keeper of the official religion, Islam.

But since the government announced plans last month for a new palace, despite painful budget cut-backs, the opposition has raised some awkward questions about the royal upkeep.

The new palace is to be built atop a hill on 240 acres (97 hectares) and is expected to be finished in 2009.

''The question we have in mind now is whether we really need a new palace at a time when our economy is so sluggish,'' said Ronnie Liu, a leader of the opposition Democratic Action Party.

''To us, the old palace is still in good condition and sufficient for its functions and purposes.'' The government has defended the project.

''We need a new palace with larger space,'' Works Minister S Samy Vellu was quoted by news agency Bernama as saying recently.

''It will not be the largest palace as there are larger ones around but will be one suitable for a country like Malaysia.'' Sultan Mizan, from the oil-rich northeastern state of Terengganu, held his palms open in prayer during the ceremony, watched by fellow royals and government officials.

A far less colourful figure than some of his predecessors as king or his fellow sultans, the new monarch attended Britain's Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and served as a land administrator before succeeding to the throne of Terengganu.

The royal family of southern Johor state has captured the most headlines over the years. Mahmood Iskandar, now the sultan of Johor and a former king, was once convicted of manslaughter but pardoned by his father who was then the sultan.

One of the new king's cousins described Sultan Mizan as a quiet family man.

''He's humble and down to earth,'' he said, adding: ''He loves horses. He competes internationally in horse endurance events.'' The new king was due to compete in the equestrian event at the Doha Asian Games but decided to pull out because it coincided with his swearing in ceremony, domestic media reported recently.

Mizan will be Malaysia's 13th king, or Yang di-Pertuan Agong, since the country gained independence from Britain in 1957. He replaced Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, ruler of Perlis state.

REUTERS BDP BST1550