Grand occasion: Sultan Ibrahim is installed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceremony at Istana Negara that is attended by 700 guests including royalty and foreign dignitaries. — Bernama
Regal ceremony welcomes newly-installed 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong
PETALING JAYA: In a regal ceremony steeped in history and tradition, the nation welcomed its newly-installed 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
The country witnessed the swearing-in of Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim, 65, who began office as the King of Malaysia on Jan 31, to officially mark his five-year reign.
Sultan Ibrahim arrived at Istana Negara wearing the official ceremonial attire known as the “Muskat”, complete with the royal headdress, a buckle, and a short dagger that made up the royal regalia.
The King and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, who was resplendent in a gold baju kurung Johor, entered the Balairung Seri at Istana Negara in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Kuala Lumpur, at 10.21am.
The royal couple’s entrance was greeted by the sounds of the nafiri (trumpet) and the tune of Raja Berangkat played by the Nobat (Royal Orchestra) of Perak.
Once Their Majesties were seated, Grand Chamberlain Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini approached the dais to seek the consent of His Majesty to begin the ceremony.
The Grand Chamberlain brought a copy of the Quran and the rest of the royal regalia into the majestic hall, including the Keris Panjang Diraja (Government Keris), the Proclamation Letter, and the Oath of Installation.
The King then kissed the copy of the Quran to signify the start of the installation ceremony.
The Grand Chamberlain presented the Proclamation Letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who read it out and formally proclaimed Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sultan Ibrahim was then entrusted with the Government Keris, which His Majesty placed on the table to his left, before taking his oath as Malaysia’s new King.
Right after the oath, the Grand Chamberlain led the hall in proclaiming “Daulat Tuanku” three times.
The national anthem was then played, and a 21-gun royal salute was sounded. Following that, Anwar, representing the government and the people, delivered his congratulatory message before the King and Queen.
Sultan Ibrahim then proceeded with his royal address to the people, pledging to lead the country in a just and fair manner according to the laws and the Federal Constitution, and to uphold and preserve Islam in his role as the head of state.
Following the royal address, a doa selamat prayer was recited and the Grand Chamberlain then collected the Quran from the throne, signifying the completion of the ceremony.
Last night, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah graced a royal banquet at Istana Negara to commemorate His Majesty’s installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In attendance were the special foreign royal guests, the Malay Rulers and members of the Malaysian royalty as well as Cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and senior government officials.
