KUALA LUMPUR: The week-long events in conjunction with the historic installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia, will begin today.
The installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will see a range of customary practices taking place starting with the Yasin recital and doa selamat at the National Mosque today.
This will be followed by a special Friday sermon that will explain and remind all Muslims about the importance of the constitutional monarchy institution and the 'pecah bendera' ceremony.
The pecah bendera ceremony is part of the royal protocol where the personal standard (flag) or the ruler is hoisted to mark their presence.
His Majesty is expected to wear the ceremonial attire called a muskat, which is the royal attire of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, complete with Royal Regalia including a tengkolok, pending and keris, while Her Majesty the Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah is expected to wear an attire prepared by a prominent local designer.
This 17th installation however is said to have some additional personal touches to its preparations, as the King himself had asked for certain changes to be made in the running up to the event.
Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini when speaking about the arrangements ahead of Saturday's installation told Bernama TV, the invitations, souvenirs and medals were all meticulously reviewed by the royal couple.
"For instance, the royal invitation for the historical event this time has incorporated Tiffany blue, Their Majesties' favourite colour.
"Sultan Ibrahim is also expected to showcase his unique touch at the installation ceremony in Istana Negara, including during the presentation of the Keris Panjang Diraja (Royal Long Keris), which symbolises the centralisation of power entrusted to the King.
"Some Kings held the keris aloft, while others unsheathed and kissed it. We don't know what will be done this time, and I believe we will witness it on Saturday," the Director of the Istana Negara Royal Ceremonies was quoted saying.
He further said that the historic ceremony would be graced by the presence of two foreign heads of state, namely the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Based on the information gathered from the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar official Facebook page, the Songket that will be worn by the King for the installation was woven in Terengganu.
It was specially hand woven by a Songket maker called Kak Ana, who has about 48 years experience.
The orchestra that would be playing for the event is also the same Nobat DiRaja Perak, the Royal Orchestra of Perak which played at Their Majesties' wedding ceremony on September 22, 1982.
The installation will be graced by 700 guests.