PUTRAJAYA: The full rehearsal for the Trooping of the Colours ceremony in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Precinct 1 here proceeded smoothly today (Sept 12).
A total of 25 officers and 503 personnel of other ranks of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), led by the commanding officer of the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Firdaus Sa'ad, participated in the rehearsal ahead of the actual ceremony scheduled for this Saturday (Sept 14).
Five Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Colours will be paraded during the main event, namely those of the Royal Malay Regiment, the Royal Ranger Regiment, the Royal Armoured Corps, the Navy and the Air Force.
These Colours, a prestigious award from the King, symbolise the highest level of loyalty upheld by each member of the Royal Malay Regiment. They serve as a source of motivation in their duty to defend the nation's independence and sovereignty.
Trooping the Colours is a demonstration of respect, honour and ceremonial pledge of allegiance by the armed forces to the King and country.
One of the highlights of this Saturday's ceremony will be the 21-gun salute by the 41 Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Hafizan Mat Ghani.
The event will also feature a flypast formation of five helicopters, each carrying the Jalur Gemilang, and the flags of the ATM, the Malaysian Army, the RMN and the RMAF led by Major Mohd Fazruzaman Md Faril from RMAF's 10 Squadron.
Prominent leaders expected to attend the Trooping of the Colours ceremony include Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
Foreign dignitaries will also be present to witness this historic event, which underscores the ATM's credibility, loyalty and readiness to serve the King and country. – BERNAMA
TAGS: Trooping the Colours, rehearsal, King, ATM