KUALA LUMPUR: Taking advantage of the weekend, large crowds flocked to the ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition at the National Museum on Saturday (July 27) to view over 272 personal collections and items related to the Institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
A Bernama check found that people from all walks of life, including foreign tourists, filled the National Museum. Many visitors felt that the exhibition drew them closer to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and provided valuable insights into the history of the royal institution.
Visitors also seized the opportunity to see the Johor State Crown and Diadem, which were specially brought from the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Johor and will be on display only for the first five days of the exhibition, which runs until Sept 29.
Health consultant Fadzrel Abu Bakar, 34, said the exhibition could foster a sense of love and appreciation towards the Supreme Head of the Federation.
"What captured my interest are the Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion) and Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the Universe). These royal regalia hold distinct value, and their intricate design symbolises the sovereignty of Islam under the King’s reign,” he told Bernama.
He said the exhibition also offered a glimpse into Sultan Ibrahim’s favourite pastimes.
"We know that the royals have their protocols and unique customs. However, by visiting this exhibition, observing the personal items and listening to the curators’ stories, we get to know our King better,” he said.
Ng Chua Wan, 76, a daycare teacher based in Puchong, said she came to the ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition to take some pictures for her students who could not attend.
She emphasised the importance of exposing the younger generation to such exhibitions, as many of her students have very little knowledge about local history.
Meanwhile, Sherina Lya, a 27-year-old tourist from Pekanbaru, Indonesia, found the ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition fascinating.
"The most interesting item is the Muskat ceremonial attire worn by His Majesty. I also had the chance to observe the differences between exhibitions in Malaysia and Indonesia,” she said.
Apart from the Johor State Crown and Diadem, the Raleigh Chopper bicycle that Sultan Ibrahim purchased with his own money during his childhood and His Majesty’s tiger-striped Harley Davidson motorcycle, often used during the Kembara Mahkota Johor tour, are also on display.
The ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition, held in Galleries 1 and 2 at the National Museum, is part of the events organised in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim’s installation as the 17th King of Malaysia on July 20. - Bernama
