KUALA LUMPUR: The historic installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia began with a Royal Salute steeped in military tradition at the main square of Istana Negara.
The ceremony, involving members of the armed forces, symbolises the pledge of loyalty of the national defence forces to the King as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
It began with the arrival of Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, at 9.49am on Saturday (July 20) at the Anjung Tamu, where they were welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Their Majesties then proceeded to the Royal Dais.
Once Their Majesties were on the Royal Dais, the King was accorded the Royal Salute by the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
The national anthem was then played and the Royal Standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was hoisted.
Sultan Ibrahim then inspected the Guard of Honour comprising military officers from various ranks.
Once the inspection was completed, His Majesty was accorded the second Royal Salute and the national anthem was played.
Their Majesties then alighted from the Royal Dais and entered Istana Negara for the installation ceremony.
The ceremony was broadcast live via the national television station, allowing the public to witness the historic event.
The installation ceremony commenced at 9am on Saturday (July 20), conducted with strict adherence to the order and rules of protocol, each element laden with symbolism, such as the military ceremony serving as a prelude to the grand occasion, symbolising the pledge of loyalty of the national defence forces to the King, their Supreme Commander.
The historical event will be attended by about 700 guests, including the Malay rulers, governors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Cabinet ministers, foreign dignitaries, and leaders.
