Malaysia’s King set to extend powers as ‘honorary’ police chief
Malaysia’s government is poised to make His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the “honorary” head of the police force, a new position that may see the monarch expanding his powers in the Southeast Asian nation.
(The Edge) – Malaysia’s Home Ministry is seeking Parliament’s approval to create the role of “Honorary Commissioner-in-Chief” of police that the King will assume, among a slew of other proposed changes in the Police (Amendment) Bill 2024. Lawmakers are set to debate and vote on the Bill before the current Parliament meeting ends on March 27.
The move is another sign of the growing influence of Malaysia’s monarchy. While mostly ceremonial, the royal rulers have become increasingly important in determining who holds power in a country whose past three prime ministers lasted less than two years on the job on average.
