Installation ceremony showcases uniqueness of Malaysia's constitutional monarchy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Installation Ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia showcases the distinctive features and uniqueness of the country’s Constitutional Monarchy system.

Senior Lecturer and member of Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Institution of Malay Rulers Chair panel of experts Dr Ismail Ma’rof said the ceremony, held once every five years, also represents Malaysia’s model of unity and moderation.

At the same time, the ceremony on Saturday (July 20), steeped in tradition also symbolises the sovereignty and legitimacy of the Malay Rulers within the country's administrative system, he said.

"It also serves as an example for other countries in preserving heritage that deserves to be passed down. We continue to uphold this long-standing tradition,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s programme, ‘Granstan Khas Pertabalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong ke-17’, on Saturday.

The installation ceremony was held at Istana Negara’s Balairung Seri (Throne Hall) and attended by hundreds of guests, including the Malay Rulers, governors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and foreign dignitaries and leaders.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, as well as Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, also graced the ceremony.

Meanwhile, a member of UiTM’s Institution of Malay Rulers Chair panel of writers, Noraiman Suhaidi Norizam, emphasised the crucial role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in maintaining balance in the country’s governance, in line with Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution.

Under this provision, the King must act on the advice of the Cabinet or a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet, except in cases where the Federal Constitution requires His Majesty to act at his discretion, he said.

"Article 40 of the Federal Constitution states that His Majesty can act at his discretion and seek advice from other experts, such as the Conference of Rulers. This clearly illustrates the significant role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in balancing the country's governance,” he said.

In addition, he said through this provision, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can use his wisdom to resolve issues, including political crises.

"For example, in 2021, when there were uncertainties in the democratic process, it was evident that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong stepped forward and resolved the issues created by political players themselves. Therefore, if the royal institution did not exist in the country, what would happen to us, the people,” he said.- Bernama