Twin ceremonies for renewal

TWO constitutional federal democracies, both around 250 years old, had ceremonies for their head of state this month.

In Negri Sembilan (founded in 1773), the 77th birthday celebrations for the Yang di-Pertuan Besar as usual saw a diverse range of events being held, starting with prayers (a tahlil in the royal mosque) before sepak takraw, chess and tug-of-war tournaments, cycling and running competitions, as well as arts and crafts activities.