Istana Negara all set for historic event

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will once again witness a historic event today with the installation of Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

It will be the second installation ceremony of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to be held at Balairung Seri of Istana Negara, with preparations in full gear for the event, which will be steeped in royal Malay customs and tradition.

Istana Negara has been beautifully landscaped and meticulously decorated with colourful lights to add gaiety to the occasion, highlighting its stature as the landmark of the constitutional monarchy system practised by the Malaysia.

In conjunction with the ceremony, posters and banners bearing images of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong have been put up to inform the public of the installation of Sultan Muhammad V as the supreme head of the country for the next five years.

According to Istana Negara’s Datuk Paduka Maharaja Lela assistant Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, the date of the ceremony was chosen by the sultan after receiving advice from the ulama and mufti. He said the date coincided with Israk and Mikraj.

The ceremony, which occurs only once every five years, begins at 9.30am and will be broadcast live by Radio Televisyen Malaysia.

Sultan Muhammad V had taken his oath of office and signed the Letter of Appointment at a ceremony held on Dec 13 last year.

With his installation, Sultan Muhammad V will be the second sultan of Kelantan to reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.