Tunku Sallehuddin proclaimed Kedah’s Raja Muda

Royal custom: Tunku Sallehuddin offering his respects to Tuanku Abdul Halim after receiving the royal ‘keris’ from the Sultan at Istana Anak Bukit. — Bernama

ALOR SETAR: Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, 74, was proclaimed as the Raja Muda of Kedah at a ceremony steeped in royal custom at Balai Penghadapan, Istana Anak Bukit, here.

The proclamation and pledge of loyalty ceremony was held in conjunction with the return of the Kedah Sultan to the state after the end of his five-year term on Monday as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tunku Sallehuddin replaces the previous Raja Muda of Kedah, Tunku Abdul Malik ibni ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, 86, who passed away from old age on Nov 29, last year at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.

Yesterday’s proclamation was made by state secretary Datuk Bakar Din before the Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Sultanah Kedah Tuanku Hajjah Haminah.

Tunku Sallehuddin, who is the younger brother of the Sultan, took his loyalty pledge to carry out his responsibilities with honesty and sincerity, and to always uphold the Kedah Sultan’s command.

Tunku Sallehuddin then took his oath of office as Raja Muda and signed the document, witnessed by Kedah Syariah chief judge Datuk Syeikh Abdul Rahman Abdullah and High Court judge Datuk Hashim Hamzah.

The Sultan of Kedah then presented the royal keris to the Raja Muda and this was followed by the playing of the nobat by the royal court’s music ensemble and firing of a nine-gun salute in the distance.

Born on April 30, 1942, Tunku Sallehuddin is married to Puan Sri Tengku Maliha Tengku Ariff. They have two sons. — Bernama