KUALA LUMPUR: While the grand ceremony to install a new king was proceeding at Istana Negara, many Malaysians turned up at the old national palace to celebrate their monarchy and mark the historic occasion.
Now the Royal Museum, the old palace in Jalan Istana here was the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong until the Istana Negara was moved to its present sprawling grounds in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim in 2011.
In 2013, the old palace was converted into a museum, giving Malaysians and visitors an insight into royal life.
Yesterday, scores of Malaysians took advantage of the public holiday to visit the majestic Royal Museum.
Johorean Rozie Othman swelled with pride talking about the installation of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I brought my three children here as I wanted them to know about Malaysian history and heritage,” said the 44-year-old.
She was also full of praise for the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah whom she described as down-to-earth and a good cook, noting too that the Queen is from her state.
Marking the moment: Personnel from Unit 41 Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment firing the 21-gun salute in conjunction with the installation ceremony. —Bernama
As the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong happens once every five years, Kamaruddin Zulkifli said he decided to make it an even more special day for his family by stepping into the Royal Museum.
“We are proud of our monarch and I brought my family here so that they do not miss out on this historic day.
“We’re really excited to be here,” the clerk at a medical institution enthused.
The 32-year-old brought seven of his family members, including his nephew and sister-in-law from Tanjung Malim, Perak, to visit the Royal Museum and the National Museum.
Other happy visitors of the Royal Museum included Zainal Khalil, 46, his wife and their three children.
The couple, too, said they wanted their children to learn more about Malaysian tradition, especially on the day of the King’s installation.Zainal added that he had wanted to check out the “Raja Kita” exhibition for the new King at the Royal Museum but found out that it would be open only on Aug 6.
Over at the new palace, Goh Hock Leong, 36, said he drove from Shah Alam at 8am and spent a couple of hours locating the venue.
“This is the first time that I have made my way to the palace grounds.
“Even though the installation ceremony is not open to the public, I want to be here on this auspicious day,” said the crane operator.
