Sultan of Kelantan


The Sultan of Kelantan is the constitutional head of Kelantan state in Malaysia. The executive power of the state is vested in him as the monarch of the state. The current sultan, Muhammad V, is the 29th Sultan of Kelantan. He is the Head of Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities of its people. He was the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the monarch and head of state of Malaysia from 13 December 2016 to his abdication on 6 January 2019, after his election on 14 October 2016 at the 243rd Conference of Rulers.

History

Kelantan was historically a powerful state with trade links with early Chinese, Indian and Siamese civilisations. After being a tributary of the Majapahit and Srivijaya Empires in the 13th and 14th centuries, it fell under the power of Siam and then Malacca in the 15th century. Following the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan dissolved into several petty fiefdoms. These were conquered again by the Siamese and made subject to neighbouring Pattani.
In 1760, the raja at Kubang Labu, variously identified by accounts as either Long Muhammad or Long Pandak, succeeded in reuniting the disparate territories under a single ruler. Four years later, he was overthrown by Long Yunus, an aristocratic warlord of Pattani origin, who seized the throne and proclaimed himself Raja of Kelantan. Following the death of Raja Yunus in 1795, control of the state passed to Terengganu. In 1800, Long Muhammad, son of Yunus, declared himself Sultan Muhammad I. He was eventually accepted by the Siamese as ruler of a separate tributary, in 1812.
In September 2010, Sultan Ismail Petra was constitutionally deposed by the State Succession Council in favour of his eldest son, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra. The elder sultan had failed to sufficiently recover from a debilitating stroke he had suffered the previous May. This was followed by several months of litigation by lawyers acting on behalf of the former sultan.

Residences

Istana Negeri , located at Kubang Kerian, a district of Kota Bharu, is the official residence of the current ruler, Sultan Muhammad V. In addition, a number of official ceremonies have been performed at this palace.Istana Mahkota , also at Kubang Kerian, is the official residence of Sultan Muhammad V's mother Raja Perempuan Tengku Anis.Istana Balai Besar , located in the downtown area of Kota Bharu, was constructed in 1840 under the orders of Sultan Muhammad II. It replaced the old palace at Kota Lama as the administrative centre of the sultanate, and also served as the residence of a number of sultans. Since its completion, the town where the palace is located was named Kota Bharu and later became the state capital of Kelantan. It now serves as the main palace for state ceremonial functions.Istana Telipot , located in Kota Bharu, served, until recently, as the official residence of the current sultan whilst he was heir-apparent.Istana Bukit Tanah , located in Tumpat, It is understood that the palace was built before the Japanese rule of about 1910, during the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV.Istana Kota Lama , located on the banks of the Kelantan River, is the old palace of the modern sultanate, and served as the official residence of the sultans of the early 19th century. Its proximity to the river made it subject to flooding, and was replaced by the Istana Balai Besar in 1840, and subsequently renamed. However, it continues to be used as the official residence of the crown prince and Kelantan royal family.Istana Jahar , located in downtown Kota Bharu, was built in 1887 by Sultan Ahmad for his son and heir-apparent, Sultan Muhammad III. The name Jahar was taken from the tree that stands at the entrance, also known as "Flame of the Forest". It now houses the Museum of Royal Traditions and Ceremonies.Istana Batu , located in downtown Kota Bharu, was completed in 1939 under the reign of Sultan Ismail I. It was built as a wedding gift for his nephew and eventual successor, Sultan Yahya Petra. It later served as the residence of the next crown prince, Sultan Ismail Petra. It now houses the Royal Museum.

Succession

The succession order of Kelantan sultanate is determined by agnatic primogeniture. No female may become ruler, and female line descendants are generally excluded from succession. According to Laws of the Constitution of Kelantan, the Sultan of Kelantan must be Malay, royal in blood, descendant of the Kelantan sultanate, male and a Muslim. The crown prince is also subjected to the same rule. The constitution states that the Sultan must come from the line of Sultan Ismail Petra, only if there are no longer eligible descendant of him, then the sultan should be chosen from the descendants of Sultan Yahya Petra and so on.
The order of the descendants, in descending order of degree of kinship : Sultan Ismail Petra, Sultan Yahya Petra, Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan Ismail, Sultan Muhammad IV.

Current order of succession

The current order of succession is as follow:Sultan Ismail Petra
- previous Sultan
- current Sultan

List of dynasties and rulers

Sultans and Rajas of the Malay Kingdom of Langkasuka Dynasty

  • 1267–1339: Raja Sang Tawal, Raja of Langkasuka, elder son of Raja Sakranta, Maharaja of Jawaka. Defeated by the Siamese in 1295 and fled from Ligor after losing Singgora, finally settling in Kelantan here he established a new capital
  • 1339–1362: Sultan Mahmud Shah ibnu 'Abdu'llah, Raja of Lankasuka and Kelantan, son of Paduka Sri Sang Tawal
  • 1362–1418: Sultan Baki Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Shah, Raja of Chermin, son of Sultan Mahmud ibnu Abdullah, Raja of Langkasuka and Kelantan
  • 1418–1429: Sultan Sadik Muhammad Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Baki Shah
  • 1429–1467: Sultan Iskandar Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Baki Shah
  • 1467–1522: Sultan Mansur Shah I ibni al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar Shah
  • 1522–1526: Sultan Gombak Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mansur Shah
  • 1526–1547: Sultan Ahmad Shah ibni al-Marhum Raja Muda Mansur Shah II, son of Raja Muda Mansur Shah II ibni al-Marhum Sultan Gombak Shah. Succeeded on the death of his grandfather
  • 1547–1561: Sultan Mansur Shah III ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Shah
  • 1561–1565: Sultan Ibrahim Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mansur Shah III
  • 1565–1570: Raja Umar bin Raja Ahmad bin Raja Muhammad ibni Sultan Gombak Shah, Raja Muhammad bith in of
  • 1570–1579: Paduka Sri Sultan Ibrahim Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mansur Shah III

Sultans and Rajas from Jembal Dynasty

  • 1579–1597: Sultan Addil ud-din ibni al-Marhum Nik Jamal ud-din
  • 1597–1602: Sultan Muhammad ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim
  • 1602–1605: Sultan Addil ud-din ibni al-Marhum Nik Jamal ud-din, Raja of Kelantan
  • 1605–1616: Sultan Samir ud-din ibni al-Marhum Nik Jamal ud-din, Raja of Kelantan, son of Nik Jamal ud-din bin Wan Abul Muzaffar, Deputy King of Champa
  • 1616–1637: Sultan 'Abdu'l Kadir ibni al-Marhum Sultan Samir ud-din
  • 1637–1649: Raja Sakti I ibni al-Marhum Sultan 'Abdu'l Kadir, Raja of Kelantan-Utara and Patani
  • 1649–1663: Raja Loyor bin Raja Sakti I
  • 1663–1667: Interregnum or queen Puteri Saadong
  • 1667–1671: Ratu Sa'adong I binti Raja Loyor, Putri Vijaya Mala, Raja of Jembal
  • 1671–1676: Sultan Abdul Rahim ibni al-Marhum Sultan Samir ud-din Bahar
  • 1675–1721: Sultan Omar Ibni Al-Marhum Raja Sakti I

Sultans and Rajas of Patani Dynasty

18th century

  • 1721–1734: Raja Long Bahar bin Dato' Pengkalan Tua Wan Daim, son of a Bugis adventurer who arrived and settled in Patani around 1640. Styled Laksamana and Tuan Long Besar before his accession. Succeeded his father-in-law, as Regent 1715. Became Raja of Patani soon afterwards, but was expelled by Raja Bendang Badan in 1716. Succeeded on the death of his grand father-in-law, as Raja of Kelantan-Utara, before 22 October 1721. Assumed the title of Sultan. He married his first wife, Raja Mas Kelantan of Patani, daughter of Raja Bakar of Patani. His second marriage was to Pah binti Raja Sakti, daughter of Raja Sakti II of Kelantan. His daughter is Sri Biji di-Raja of Patani.
  • 1734–1739; 1746–1756: Raja Long Sulaiman Bin Long Bahar, son of Long Bahar and his father's first wife Raja Mas Kelantan. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1734. Deposed by his cousin in 1739 and restored again in 1746 and lastly deposed by his son-in-law in 1756.
  • 1739–1746: Interregnum during the First Kelantanese Civil War between Raja Long Pandak of the western faction and Raja Long Sulaiman of the eastern faction.
  • 1756–1758: Raja Long Pandak bin Tuan Sulung Bin Dato' Pengkalan Tua Wan Daim. Succeeded as ruler of West Kelantan around 1717. Granted the title of Dato' Sri Maharaja by Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Syah of Johor on 1741. Later recognised as ruler of all Kelantan by his brother-in-law, Long Derahman, and installed at Fort Kubang Labu, 1756.
  • 1758–1763: Raja Long Muhammad bin Tuan Sulung. Appointed heir apparent by his brother in 1756. Proclaimed as Raja of Kelantan by Long Derahman, at Fort Kubang Labu, before 1758. Expelled from Kubang Labu by Long Yunus before 1763.
  • 1763–1795: Raja Long Yunus bin Raja Long Sulaiman. Expelled Long Muhammad and became Raja of Kelantan at Fort Kubang Labu, before 1763. Became Raja and Yang di-Pertuan of Kelantan, 1776 and installed as Yang di-Pertuan Muda of Kelantan by his father-in-law Sultan Mansur Shah I of Terengganu in 1793. Married his first wife before 1741, Jumat, Inche' Puan Balai Dua, daughter of Engku Tanang Wangsa of Trengganu. His second marriage around 1793 was to Inche' Encik Tuan Nawi, daughter of Sultan Mansur Riayat Shah I of Terengganu.
  • 1795–1800: Tengku Muhammad ibni Sultan Mansur Riayat Shah I of Terengganu. First marriage on 1764 to Engku Wan Teh, daughter of Paduka Sri Raja Long Yunus. Installed as second Yang di-Pertuan Muda of Kelantan in 1795 after his father-in-law's death. Defeated by Long Muhammad in 1800.

19th century

  • 1800–1835: Sultan Muhammad I expelled his brother-in-law Tengku Muhammad with Chinese help. Installed as Raja and Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Kelantan on November 1801 and became a separate tributary of Siam in 1812.
  • 1835–1836 : Tengku Long Zainal Abidin ibni al-Marhum Raja Long Yunus. Installed as Raja Bendahara 17 November 1801. Appointed as Governor of Banggul and granted the title of Phaya Banggul by King Rama I of Siam 1812. Assumed power after the death of Sultan Muhammad I as regent with the title of Yang di-Pertuan Muda in 1835. Deposed by Sultan Muhammad II in 1837. He died at Nongchik, Patani, 1845.
  • 1836–1886: Sultan Muhammad II ibni al-Marhum Tengku Temenggong Long Tan bin Raja Long Yunus. As a consequence of dissension within the Royal Family, he was obliged by the Siamese to share power with his uncle, Tengku Long Zainal Abidin. Recognised as ruler by the King of Siam and raised to the title of Phaya Visit Bakdiya 1836. Raised his station by King Rama V of Siam on March 1877.
  • 1886–1889: Sultan Ahmad ibni Long Senik Mulut Merah. Appointed as regent of Kelantan but installed as Yang Di-Pertuan of Kelantan by Siam on October 1886 after his father Muhammad II died. Before that he was appointed as Siamese Governor over Kelantan and presented with a Sword of Honour, 14 June 1869 by King Rama IV.
  • 1889–1890: Sultan Muhammad III ibni Sultan Ahmad Ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad. Born 1845, he was the eldest son of Sultan Ahmad. Appointed Raja Bendahara and Tengku Sri Indra before his accession. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Raja Kelantan in September 1887. Succeeded on the death of his father on March 1889. Installed as Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Besar, at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu in September 1890. First marriage to Tengku Sofia binti al-Marhum Tengku Putih, daughter to Tengku Puteh ibni al-Marhum of Patani. He died at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, 11 May 1890 and buried in the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.
  • 1890–1899: Sultan Mansur ibni Sultan Ahmad ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Tengah. Born 1870, he was son to Sultan Ahmad. Appointed as heir presumptive in September 1887. Then he was installed as heir apparent and regent for his brother in September 1889. Succeeded on his death, as Yang di-Pertuan in 1890 and granted the title of Phra Visit Bakdiya in 1897. Proclaimed as Paduka Sri Sultan in 1898. Married Engku Nik binti al-Marham Raja Patani. He died at Istana Johar, Kota Bharu on 17 June 1899 and buried at the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.

20th century

  • 1899–1920: Sultan Muhammad IV Ibni Sultan Muhammad III. Born in Kota Bharu on 23 May 1870, son of Sultan Muhammad III and his wife Tengku Sofia. He was granted the title of Tengku Sri Indra on 23 September 1890. Appointed as heir presumptive on 25 July 1898 and then granted the title of Phaya Bpakdi Sri Sultan Muhammad Ratna Nuchit Siti Santun Wiwangsa Pia Kelantan by the King of Siam. Succeeded on the death of his childless uncle on 17 June 1899. Installed as Raja Kelantan and Yang di-Pertuan on 9 February 1900. Kelantan was transferred to British Protection on 19 July 1909. Crowned as Paduka Sri Baginda Sultan Muhammad IV on 22 June 1911. Altered the name of the state to Negeri Kelantan Dar ul-Naim, July 1916. Founded the Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat di-Hormatai and the Paduka Mahkota Kelantan al-Muhammad on 1916. Married his first wife in 1888, Nik Wan Zainab binti Nik Wan Muhammad Amin whom was crowned as sultanah on 15 February 1916. He died at the Istana, Kota Bharu, 23 December 1920 and buried at the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.
  • 1920–1944: Sultan Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV. Born in Kota Bharu on 20 August 1880, eldest son of Sultan Muhammad IV. Granted the title of Tengku Sri Jaya Raja and promoted to Tengku Sri Indra Mahkota 11 March 1901. Granted the title of Phra Rattasadana Adipati Putra by the King of Siam 1901. Appointed as heir apparent and formally invested with the title of Raja Kelantan on 22 June 1911. Succeeded on the death of his father on 23 December 1920. Crowned at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, 28 April 1921. Married his first wife Tengku Petri binti Tengku Long. While his second wife was Tengku Nik bin Tengku Kaya Pahlawan and third wife was Wan Mek, from Bukit Marak. His fourth wife was Tengku Sri Mariam binti Tengku Ahmad. He died from tuberculosis, at Istana Jahar, Kota Bharu on 20 June 1944 and was buried in the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.
  • 1944–1960: Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV. Born at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu on 9 October 1897. He was the second son of Sultan Muhammad IV. Granted the title of Tengku Sri Indra Mahkota by his father on 22 June 1911. Appointed as heir apparent on 21 April 1921. Succeeded on the death of his brother on 20 June 1944 and proclaimed the next day where he was crowned at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu on 25 October 1944. Attended the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London in 1953. His first marriage was to Tengku Zainab binti Tengku Zainal Abidin on 6 July 1914, she was a daughter of Tengku Long Zainal Abidin. His second marriage happened in 1915 and was to Tengku Yah binti Tengku Long Sulaiman. Married his third wife, Cik Embong binti Daud in 1916. While he married his fourth wife Cik Siti and fifth marriage to Cik Safiah. While his sixth marriage was to Cik Habiba. He died from a cerebral haemorrhage at Istana Sri Cemerlang, Kota Bharu on 9 July 1960 and buried at the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.
  • 1960–1979: Sultan Yahya Petra ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim Sultan. Born at Istana Kota Lama, Kota Bharu on 10 December 1917. He was the second son of Sultan Ibrahim. He was educated at the Francis Light School in Georgetown, Penang, and later in England. Raised by his heirless uncle, Sultan Ismail I. Invested with the title of Tengku Temenggong on 21 July 1939, and promoted to Tengku Bendahara on 6 February 1945. Appointed as heir apparent in preference to his eldest brother and granted the title of Tengku Mahkota on 1 February 1948. Formally invested at the Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, 19 June 1948. He was Vice-President of the Council of Religion & Malay Customs, Private Sec. to the Sultan, Assistant State Treasurer, Territorial Chief of Kota Bharu and Regent of Kelantan. Succeeded on the death of his father on 9 July 1960. Installed at the Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, 10 December 1960, and crowned there by the Tengku Panglima Raja on 17 July 1961. Became Deputy Supreme Head of State Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 22 July 1970, and Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 21 September 1975. He was Col-in-Chief the Malaysian Artillery Regt. Patron of The Kelantan Royal Project. Rcvd: DKM, DK, DMN, and SMN of Malaysia, SPMK, SJMK, SPSK, DK of Brunei, Terengganu, Selangor, Kedah, Pahang, and Perlis, and DP of Sarawak. His first marriage was to Tengku Zainab binti Tengku Muhammad Petra on 4 June 1939. His third marriage was to Tengku Alexandria binti Tengku Yusof. He died of a heart attack at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur on 29 March 1979 and was buried at the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.
  • 1979–2010: Sultan Ismail Petra ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra Sultan. Born at Istana Jahar, Kota Bharu on 11 November 1949, eldest son of Sultan Yahya Petra and Tengku Zainab. Educated privately and at Sultan Ismail College, Kota Bharu. Installed as heir apparent on 11 November 1967. Served as regent during the absence of his father from the state. Succeeded on the death of his father on 29 March 1979. Crowned at Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu on 30 March 1980. He was formally deposed in favour of his eldest son by the Kelantan Royal Succession Council of State, on the grounds of incapacity after failing to fully recover from a debilitating stroke on 13 September 2010. Thereafter styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ismail Petra. He was Maj TA, prom Hon Lieut-Col, Hon Col, and Hon Maj-Gen, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Artillery Regt, and of the Royal Intelligence Corps. Hon D.Phil. from the University Malaysia Sabah. He was patron of the Royal Kelantan Club until 1992. Rcvd: DK, SPMK, SJMK, SPKK, SPSK, DMN, SMN, DK of Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Perak, Terengganu, and Perlis, DKMB of Brunei, DPSS of Sarawak, DP of Sarawak. His first marriage was on 4 December 1968 and 12 March 1969, to Tengku Anis binti Tengku Abdul Hamid. His second marriage to Cik Puan Elia Suhana binti Ahmad was in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on 23 December 2007 but they divorced on 12 February 2010. He died of heart failure at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Kota Bharu on 28 September 2019 and was buried at the Royal Cemetery, Kampung Langgar.

21st century

Timeline of Kelantan monarchs


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from: 1267 till: 1579 color:s text:Jambi Dynasty
from: 1579 till: 1721 color:h text:Jembal Dynasty
from: 1721 till: end color:sx text:Patani Dynasty
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from: 1269 till: 1339 color:s text:"Raja Sang Tawal"
from: 1339 till: 1362 color:s text:"Sultan Mahmud"
from: 1362 till: 1418 color:s text:"Sultan Baki Shah"
from: 1418 till: 1429 color:s text:"Sultan Sadik Muhammad Shah"
from: 1429 till: 1467 color:s text:"Sultan Iskandar Shah"
from: 1467 till: 1522 color:s text:"Sultan Mansur Shah"
from: 1522 till: 1526 color:s text:"Sultan Gombak"
from: 1526 till: 1547 color:s text:"Sultan Ahmad Shah"
from: 1547 till: 1567 color:s text:"Sultan Mansur Shah"
from: 1561 till: 1565 color:s text:"Sultan Ibrahim"
from: 1565 till: 1570 color:s text:"Raja Umar"
from: 1570 till: 1579 color:s text:"Sultan Ibrahim"
from: 1579 till: 1597 color:h text:"Sultan Addil ud-din"
from: 1597 till: 1602 color:h text:"Sultan Muhammad"
from: 1602 till: 1605 color:h text:"Sultan Addil ud-din"
from: 1605 till: 1616 color:h text:"Sultan Samir ud-din"
from: 1616 till: 1637 color:h text:"Sultan 'Abdu'l Kadir"
from: 1637 till: 1649 color:h text:"Raja Sakti"
from: 1649 till: 1663 color:h text:"Raja Loyor"
from: 1663 till: 1667 color:h text:"Puteri Saadong"
from: 1667 till: 1671 color:h text:"Ratu Saadong"
from: 1671 till: 1676 color:h text:"Sultan Abdul Rahim"
from: 1676 till: 1721 color:h text:"Sultan Omar"
from: 1721 till: 1734 color:sx text:"Raja Long Bahar"
from: 1734 till: 1739 color:sx text:"Raja Long Sulaiman"
from: 1739 till: 1746 color:sx text:"First Kelantanese Civil War"
from: 1746 till: 1756 color:sx text:"Raja Long Sulaiman"
from: 1756 till: 1758 color:sx text:"Raja Long Pandak"
from: 1758 till: 1763 color:sx text:"Raja Long Muhammad"
from: 1765 till: 1795 color:sx text:"Raja Long Yunus"
from: 1795 till: 1800 color:sx text:"Tengku Muhammad"
from: 1800 till: 1835 color:sx text:"Sultan Muhammad I"
from: 1835 till: 1836 color:sx text:"Tengku Long Zainal Abidin"
from: 1836 till: 1886 color:sx text:"Sultan Muhammad II"
from: 1886 till: 1889 color:sx text:"Sultan Ahmad ibni Long Senik Mulut Merah"
from: 1889 till: 1890 color:sx text:"Sultan Muhammad III "
from: 1890 till: 1899 color:sx text:"[Sultan Mansur ibni Sultan Ahmad ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Tengah|Sultan Mansur "
from: 1899 till: 1920 color:sx text:"Sultan Muhammad IV"
from: 1920 till: 1944 color:sx text:"Sultan Ismail"
from: 1944 till: 1960 color:sx text:"Sultan Ibrahim"
from: 1960 till: 1979 color:sx text:"Sultan Yahya Petra"
from: 1979 till: 2010 color:sx text:"Sultan Ismail Petra"
from: 2010 till: end color:sx text:"Sultan Muhammad V"
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