Malaysia's king, Sultan Muhammad V, has unexpectedly abdicated in an historic first.
No Malaysian monarch has stepped away from the throne since the country gained independence from the UK more than 60 years ago.
The National Palace did not give a reason for his resignation but said it would take effect immediately.
It comes amid intense speculation about Muhammad V's private life following reports that he has married a Russian.
He went on medical leave in November and, later that month, photographs emerged that appeared to show him marrying a former Miss Moscow in the Russian capital.
[Source: BBC]
