KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia witnesses the installation of Sultan Ibrahim as the nation's 17th King today.
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 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.
Follow the New Straits Times here for complete live coverage of the installation ceremony.
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11.25am: Sultan Ibrahim has been installed as the 17th King of Malaysia, becoming the second generation of the Johor Sultanate to hold the esteemed position.
The Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, held at Balairung Seri, Istana Negara this morning was held in accordance with Article 32(1) of the Federal Constitution. On Jan 31, Sultan Ibrahim took the oath of office to reign as King for the next five years.
11.15am: Sultan Ibrahim pledges to fulfill his duties with honesty, sincerity, fairness, and compassion for the people and the nation. The King expresses hope that the government of the day will continue to alleviate the people's burdens and develop the country.
11.06am: Sultan Ibrahim thanked the King of Bahrain for his presence. The presence of the King of Bahrain at the ceremony highlights the strong ties between the two countries, says His Majesty. Sultan Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei for attending the installation ceremony.
11.03am: Anwar: The government and people pledge allegiance and loyalty to the King. He says the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a binding force for unity.
11am: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar, in his declaration to the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, said the King plays a key role in strengthening ties with Asean countries, the Islamic community, and at the international level.
Anwar pledged that efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty will materialise by the end of this month, with a continued focus on addressing housing issues and the rising cost of living, in his speech to the King of Malaysia. He also promised that the government will continue to emphasise education, health reforms, and stability.
10.55am: Installation of 17th King creates new page in history, raises country's dignity, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his official declaration.
10.40am: The Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara, Datuk Azuan Effendi Zairakithnaini, accompanies Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to read the official declaration letter before the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim.
10.35am: Grand Chamberlain Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini approaches to seek His Majesty's consent to begin the ceremony.
10.30am: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah have entered the Balairung Seri (Throne Hall) of Istana Negara to begin the Installation Ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia. The King, wearing the 'Muskat', the official dress of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and the Queen, looking elegant in a golden Kurung Johor outfit, attracted the attention of the guests as they walked past them to sit on the throne.
10am: Their Majesties descend from the Royal Dais and proceed to the Dewan Seri Maharaja for the installation ceremony.
9.55am: The national anthem was played by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment Battalion (RAMD), and the Royal Standard of the King was hoisted.
9.46am: King's installation begins with the Royal Salute.
9.45am: Sultan Ibrahim, Raja Zarith Sofiah arrive at Istana Negara for the installation ceremony.
9.32am: Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, arrives at Istana Negara.
9.24am: King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, arrives at Istana Negara.
9.06am: Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, arrives at Istana Negara.
9.05am: Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim arrives at Istana Negara.
9.00am: Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra arrives at Istana Negara.
8.57am: Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, arrives at Istana Negara.
8.52am: Penang's Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, arrives at Istana Negara.
8.50am: Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, arrives at Istana Negara
8.50am: Senior Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, and his wife, Ho Ching arrive at Istana Negara.
8.44am:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrive at Istana Negara.
8.40am: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis, arrive at Istana Negara.
8.32am: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah arrives at Istana Negara.
8.22am: Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman arrives at Istana Negara.
8.20am: Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail arrives at Istana Negara.
8.16am: Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat arrives at Istana Negara.
7:41am: Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain arrives at Istana Negara.
7.40am: Local and international media personnel gather outside Istana Negara as early as 6am.
7.30am: Malaysians of all races and walks of life are eagerly anticipating the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. People met by the New Straits Times said they were looking forward to the once-in-five-years event and extended their congratulations and well-wishes.
7.20am: The installation of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King 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.