KUALA LUMPUR - Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, Sultan of Malaysia's Kedah state, was sworn in as the country's 14th Supreme Head of State on Tuesday, becoming the only one who serves as the King of Malaysia for a second time since Malaysia gained its independence.

After arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in the morning, Abdul Halim was given a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament Square, where he was greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Mohamad Yassin, cabinet ministers and other senior officials.

The 84-year-old Sultan then attended the oath-taking ceremony in conjunction with a special meeting of the Conference of Rulers at the National Palace. He made the pledge and signed the instrument of office, assuming the post of Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

Najib and his deputy Muhyiddin attended the ceremony broadcast live by Radio Television Malaysia. Also present were former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Badawi.

Abdul Halim, a graduate of Oxford University in Britain, became the Sultan of Kedah in 1958 and served as Malaysia's 5th Supreme Head of State from 1970 to 1975.

He served as Deputy Supreme Head of State during the term of his predecessor, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu state, and was elected as the country's 14th king on a special meeting of the Conference of Rulers in October.

Mizan's term ended on Monday.

Abdul Halim had expressed hope that the country will continue to enjoy peace and prosperity with various races living in harmony. Meanwhile, he criticized some politicians for "playing up" religious and racial issues to keep popularity.

Also on Tuesday, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelatan state, 42, took the oath of office as Malaysia's Deputy Supreme Head of State.

Constitutionally, the position of the Supreme Head of State is rotated every five years among the traditional Malay rulers of nine of Malaysia's thirteen states. The system has been in use since Malaysia gained independence in 1957.

Malaysia's new King Abdul Halim (C) inspects an honour guard during the welcoming ceremony at the parliament square in Kuala Lumpur Dec 13, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]