Malaysia's new king calls for racial unity at coronation

Malaysia's sports-loving Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called for racial unity as he was installed Tuesday as the country's 16th king under a unique rotating monarchy system.

It was a double celebration for Sultan Abdullah from central Pahang state, who turned 59 the same day.

He was picked as Malaysia's new ruler in January, after Sultan Muhammad V from northeast Kelantan state abruptly resigned after just two years on the throne in the first abdication in the nation's history.

Nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns as king for five-year terms under the world's only such system, which has been maintained since Malaysia's independence from Britain in 1957.

In his coronation speech, Sultan Abdullah warned that any attempt to sow racial discord in the country was akin to "playing with fire that will burn not only oneself but also burn down the whole village.

"Unity and national harmony are the country's pillars of strength. Do not ever stoke racial misunderstanding by raising matters that can threaten national unity and harmony," he said.

Garbed in black and gold regalia, Sultan Abdullah voiced confidence that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government is able to tackle economic and social challenges in trying to rebuild the country after winning last year's elections.

A large number of ethnic Malay Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million people, still support the opposition.

While carrying out economic and institutional reforms, Mahathir's multiethnic alliance has to quell fears among Malays that their privileges under decades-old affirmative action that favors them in jobs, business and education will be eliminated.

Ethnic Chinese and Indians comprise about 30 percent of the population.

Mahathir in his speech acknowledged minor incidents of racial strife and said the government has set up an advisory body to strengthen racial unity. He said the government will step up efforts to bolster the economy and fight corruption to ensure that "no one is above the law."