Nine Malay royals chose Sultan Abdullah of Pahang state as the new king for five years, daily Star reported.
Sultan Abdullah, 59, is an avid sportsman and a member of the FIFA council.
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a federal representative character. The king is the ceremonial head while the prime minister oversees daily governance.
On Jan. 6, former Sultan Muhammad V rendered a shock resignation, a first in Malaysian history.
The new king is expected to be sworn in on Jan. 31, BBC reported.
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