Bangladesh, Jan. 31 -- Kuala Lumpur, Jan 31 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was sworn in as Malaysia's 16th king in a ceremony at the national palace on Thursday.

Abdullah took his oath and signed the instruments of office with the country's other hereditary rulers witnessing the event.

Abdullah, ruler of the Malaysian state of Pahang, is joined by Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak as the deputy head of state for the next five years.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was present at the ceremony along with his cabinet ministers to accept the installment of the new king.

Earlier, a welcome ceremony was held at the parliament square as Abdullah inspected the guard of honor.

Abdullah, 59, is heavily involved in sports and is a ...