KUALA LUMPUR – The installation of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia will be held in a ceremony steeped in Malay royal customs and tradition at Istana Negara today, marking a historic and momentous event for the nation.
The ceremony, set in the grandeur of Balairung Seri at Istana Negara on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, serves as a formal proclamation to the world that Sultan Ibrahim has ascended to the throne as the supreme head of the federation, entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding Malaysians during his five-year reign.
This glittering event is eagerly anticipated by 34 million Malaysians and captures the attention of the international community, showcasing the unique and enduring legacy of the constitutional monarchy system that Malaysia has upheld since its independence in 1957.
The installation ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th YDPA of Malaysia in accordance with Article 32(1) of the Federal Constitution underscores the continuity of the rotational system among the nine Malay rulers.
This tradition, overseen by the Conference of Rulers, highlights the distinctive practice of electing and appointing the YDPA, a system unique to Malaysia.
Notably, Sultan Ibrahim’s ascension marks the first time he sits on the federal throne, becoming the second generation of the Johor Sultanate to hold this esteemed position after his father, the late Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail who reigned as the eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1984 to 1989.
According to the rotational system of Malaysia’s nine monarchical states, the order of succession since 1957 has been Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Johor, and Perak.
The second cycle started in 1994 when the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was installed as the 10th YDPA.
Meticulous preparations for the ceremony have transformed Istana Negara into a venue befitting this historic occasion, adorned with decorations symbolising the high stature of the Agong as a sovereign institution.
The capital city is abuzz with excitement – featuring digital displays, banners, and billboards congratulating His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim in celebrating this grand tradition which takes place every five years.
Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini said that while the ceremonial aspects of the King’s installation have remained consistent since 1957, each event possesses a unique charm, enhanced by the personal touches of Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah.
Azuan Effendy said that the installation ceremony also witnessed Sultan Ibrahim using the country’s royal regalia, such as the “Pending Diraja” (The Royal Waist Buckle), used by Sultan Iskandar when he was crowned as Malaysia’s head of state.
“One of the significant elements in the installation ceremony is the music played by Nobat Diraja Perak (the Royal Orchestra of Perak), which certainly evokes nostalgia, as the same instrumental ensemble was used in the installation ceremony of the late Sultan Iskandar,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim was elected the 17th YDPA of Malaysia at the special 263rd meeting of the Conference of Rulers, at Istana Negara, on October 27, 2023.
His Majesty replaces Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang, whose reign as the 16th YDPA ended on January 30.
The installation ceremony will commence at 9am today, conducted with strict adherence to the order and rules of protocol – each element laden with symbolism.
For example, the military ceremony serves as a prelude to the grand occasion, symbolising the pledge of loyalty of the national defence forces to the King, their supreme commander.
The historical event will be attended by about 700 guests, including the Malay rulers, governors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, cabinet members, foreign dignitaries and leaders.
The installation ceremony will be broadcast live on RTM and other local television stations, as well as across various social media platforms.
For the first time, the public can also witness the ceremony through “wayang pacak”, an outdoor movie screening, prepared by the Information Department, in collaboration with the Madani Community, at all 222 Parliamentary constituencies nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Malay rulers have converged at Istana Negara this morning to grace ceremony.
Among the first to arrive were Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu, and Yang Dipertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.
Also present were the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim as well as Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah and Sultanah Maliha Tengku Arif of Kedah.
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, as well as Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah were in attendance.
The Crown Prince of Kelantan Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra also graced the ceremony.
Governor of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Governor of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, Governor of Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Governor of Sarawak Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar were also in attendance.
The Brunei sultan, who just celebrated his 78th birthday last Monday, arrived at the palace at 9.34am, accompanied by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha.
The King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was also present to grace the ceremony, arriving earlier at 9.25am.
The Malay rulers, governors and royal guests were greeted on arrival by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who chairs the special committee for the king’s installation events, and his wife Azrina Puteri Mohamed Mahyuddin.
Upon arrival, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Sheikh Ahmad were each ushered to the Royal Stage at the Palace Square to receive the Royal Salute as their country’s anthem was played.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Sheikh Hamad are also scheduled to attend the Royal Banquet at the palace tonight. – July 20, 2024
