Istana Negara abuzz as guests arrive for King's installation

KUALA LUMPUR: Istana Negara is a hive of activity as dignitaries and guests await the arrival of Sultan Muhammad V for His Majesty's installation ceremony as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

At the lounge area, a huge "Daulat Tuanku" sign decorated with yellow flowers has been set up to welcome guests, along with a screen to display a live stream of the event.

Dignitaries began arriving as early as 7.30am, dressed in either traditional clothes or white official ceremonial outfits.

Among those who arrived early were MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg, Women, Family and Community Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Also in the crowd were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Guests were treated to a breakfast spread at the lounge area's balcony before the event was scheduled to begin.

The installation ceremony officially marks the beginning of Sultan Muhammad V's reign as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in a ceremony steeped in royal Malay customs and tradition.

The event is expected to begin at 9.30am at the royal dais on the parade ground, where His Majesty will take the royal salute from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment before proceeding to the throne room.