Our King's majestic residence

THE Istana Negara, which serves as the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong, has seen many royal ceremonies, official events and receptions hosting world leaders, with the latest being US president Barack Obama.

The National Palace, situated in Jalan Duta that spreads across a total of 97.65ha of land, is the centrepiece of the country’s constitutional monarchy, the position of Islam as the religion of state and other aspects that define the nation’s identity.

Consisting of three main components – the formal, royal and administration – the palace also houses other facilities such as a surau that can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, security office, elevated roads, visitors square, underground parking, multi-purpose hall, medical treatment room, helicopter pad, stables and sports facilities including a swimming pool.

Distinctively standing out with two large gold domes in Kuala Lumpur, the palace has a total of 22 domes which was designed like an arrangement of sireh (betel nut) leaves.

Each suite and royal hall is distinctively decorated with traditional Malay-themed ornate carvings, drawings and designs with Islamic features.

Islamic elements are also evident in the three-dimensional geometry, carvings of Quranic verses and lamps used throughout the palace, especially in the surau.

As visitors walk in the main lobby, they will find themselves under a dome that is 40m above ground – as high as a 10-storey building – fitted with a magnificent chandelier specially made in Kuala Selangor.

The massive dome is surrounded by large round pillars where there are eight paintings depicting the country’s history from the Malacca Sultanate to the present time.

The Istana Negara has suites and halls built for specific uses and purposes.

The Balairong Seri, or the main throne room, has been used for official functions – including ceremonial occasions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new elected King and the appointment of a new prime minister and the federal government.

Other formal occasions held here included investiture ceremonies and the taking of oaths by the government ministers and state governors. This is also where the presentation and acceptance of foreign diplomatic appointments are held. It sometimes serves as a banquet hall.

The iconic royal throne room is finely decorated with Malay traditional carvings and calligraphy of Quranic verses from handiwork of famous woodcarving masters from Kelantan and Terengganu.

The royal section of the palace is specially designed for the use of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong and members of the royal family. It consists of bedrooms, the King’s office, dining and living rooms, as well as rooms for royal guests.

The well-manicured and landscaped garden is an equally prominent feature of the royal palace.

The Istana Negara in Jalan Duta started operations on Nov 11, 2011, during Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin’s tenure as the nation’s 13th King.

Previously, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was located at Istana Negara Lama along Jalan Istana.