Royal residence with fascinating features

CALM AND QUIET. Istana Negara entrance is calm and quiet during a check on Thursday afternoon although the country is in a political turmoil. Yang di-Per­tuan Agong is cur­rently re­ceiv­ing treat­ment at the Na­tional Heart In­sti­tute.- RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

THE Istana Negara or the National Palace has served as the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, as well as the centrepiece of the country’s constitutional monarchy system, the symbol of the position of Islam as the religion of state and other aspects that define the nation’s identity.

Originally, Istana Negara was located on an 11.34ha compound in Jalan Istana, Bukit Petaling, facing the Klang River.

Now situated in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim (formerly Jalan Duta), it spreads across a total of 97.65ha of land.

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

Although it has many uses, including for official events and receptions held by the King, it serves mainly as a symbol of the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers.

Consisting of three main components – formal, royal and administration – the palace also houses other facilities such as a surau that can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, a security office,

elevated roads, a visitors square, underground parking, a multi-purpose hall, a medical treatment room, a 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 are designed to resemble an arrangement of sirih (betel nut) leaves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The royal section of the palace is specially designed for the use of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong and other members of the royal family.

Although it is often seen as an administrative area, it is also a home to the royal family.

The national palace also 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.

Istana Negara has three main entrances, with the main entrance via the multi-storeyed road

from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim reserved for the use of the King and the Queen as well as fellow Malay Rulers and Her Royal Highnesses, and the Yang Di Dipertua Negeri, head of states and governments.

The main entrance also sees the deployment of Royal Guards from the First Battalion of the Malay Regiment.

The second entrance, situated in Jalan Changkat Semantan, is reserved for royal guests and those who are specially invited to events at the palace.

The third entrance, also known as Pintu 3, is located in Jalan Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara. It is meant for the use of civilians who have business regarding the King and Queen, as well as the administrative staff and guests invited to Istana Negara.