ANTICIPATION is high as Malaysians eagerly await the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow.
Some four decades ago, a similar historic event unfolded involving the Johor royal family when Sultan Ibrahim's late father was installed as the country's eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. In 1984, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by the Conference of Rulers during its 129th meeting at Istana Negara.
Sultan Iskandar, then 52, assumed office on April 26 that year, following the conclusion of Tuanku Ahmad Shah Al-Must a'in Billah Sultan Abu Bakar's five-year reign.
The official installation ceremony was held on November 15, 1984, on a modest scale, respecting the economic conditions at the time, as per the king's wishes.
Sultan Iskandar and Sultanah Hajah Zanariah graced the glittering ceremony in the Balai Rong Seri of the old Istana Negara. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, was broadcast live by Radio Televisyen Malaysia.
In Johor, the state organised various activities, starting with prayers at mosques, temples, and churches across the region. A three-day historical exhibition took place at Jubilee Hall, while Tasek Utara Golf Club hosted a party for the disabled and elderly on the same day.
In tribute to the king's passion for windsurfing, sea sports were held along Lido Beach, visible from the palace grounds, followed by a cultural show at the Istana grounds that evening.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, thousands gathered at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to witness a spectacular fireworks display in honour of his installation, despite the heavy rain.
Two days after the installation, the Raja Permaisuri Agong opened the "Raja Kita" exhibition at the Muzium Negara, expressing hope for its exhibition in various states and districts. The exhibition showcased Malaysia's evolution as a parliamentary democracy, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the head of state and the Federal Constitution as its cornerstone.
Months after assuming the throne, Sultan Iskandar's first official function was opening the world's most prestigious badminton events, the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup, at Stadium Negara.
CHAMPIONING MUSLIM UNITY AND LEGAL REFORMS
Sultan Iskandar was installed as the country's Yang di-Pertuan Agong during a challenging period for Malaysia.
The nation faced rising tensions within the Malay Muslim community and growing political polarisation.
Sultan Iskandar's role as a unifying force became evident during the Umno-Pas debate controversy. As the head of Islam in the Federal Territory, Sultan Iskandar intervened and called off the debate, thus averting a further split among Muslims. While many, including former prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, had warned against the debate, only the King could cancel it without being accused of partisanship, preserving the dignity of both Umno and Pas.
In his speech at the national celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday at the National Mosque, Sultan Iskandar called on all Muslims in the country to stop accusing one another of being kafir (infidels). He emphasised the urgent need for discussions to restore Muslim unity. He urged the government to draft laws enabling Syariah courts to take action against those labelling other Muslims as kafir.
ROYAL COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION: THE SULTAN ISKANDAR FOUNDATION
Sultan Iskandar and the Queen had shown a great interest in education by establishing the Sultan Iskandar Foundation to support academic pursuits for individuals and institutions.
The royal couple donated their federal government allowances to the foundation, resulting in an annual contribution of over RM750,000. By the end of their reign, they had contributed more than RM3.8 million.
At the time, the king received a monthly allowance of RM52,000 from the Consolidated Fund, which included a Privy Purse of RM30,000, an entertainment allowance of RM10,000, and an Istana Negara royal allowance of RM12,000. The Queen received an allowance of RM12,000, which over five years amounted to approximately RM740,000.
Fast-forward to the present, Sultan Ibrahim's installation ceremony is set to reflect the Johor royal family's deep-rooted traditions and rich heritage. It will highlight the monarchy's continuity and showcase Malaysia's evolution over the past four decades.
Like his father, Sultan Ibrahim has demonstrated a deep commitment to his people.
His reign promises to uphold the values and principles established by Sultan Iskandar while addressing contemporary issues facing the nation.
Known for his philanthropy and dedication to social causes, Sultan Ibrahim has significantly contributed to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.