The Istana Negara in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, is the centrepiece of the country’s consitutional monarchy. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
IN the olden days since the Melaka Sultanate, the Malay royal palaces not only served as the main dwellings for the Ruler and his family, but played other prominent roles such as centres of intellectual discourse and dissemination of education.
Based on historical records, the palaces were spaces of intellectual discourse and translation of Arabic literature and royal records.
The Istana Negara, or the National Palace, serves as an important historical legacy of Malaysia’s national heritage and culture.
The National Palace, which spreads across 97.65ha of land in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, 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 – 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, a visitors square, underground parking, a multi-purpose hall, a medical treatment room, a helicopter pad, stables and sports facilities including a swimming pool.
Mounted royal guards returning to base at the end of their shift at the palace grounds. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Distinctively standing out with two large gold domes, the palace has a total of 22 domes which resemble an arrangement of sireh (betel nut) leaves.
Each suite and royal hall is distinctively decorated with traditional Malay-themed ornate carvings, drawings and designs that incorporate 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.
At the main lobby, visitors will find themselves standing 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 with eight paintings depicting the country’s history from the Melaka Sultanate to the present time.
Police officers stationed at the front gate of Istana Negara. - AZHAR MAHFOF & RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
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, the installation ceremony of a new elected King and the appointment of a new prime minister and the federal government.
Other formal occasions held here include 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 also sometimes serves as a banquet hall.
Guards on duty outside the palace. — AZHAR MAHFOF & RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
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, the Raja Permaisuri Agong and other 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.
