Three royal guests to attend Installation Ceremony of 16th Agong

PUTRAJAYA, July 24 (Bernama) — The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah is among three royal guests who will attend the Installation Ceremony for the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara on Tuesday.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof said two other royal guests who had confirmed their presence were a Prince of Jordan,  Ali Al-Hussein, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Mujahid said in inviting the Rulers and Yang di-Pertua Negeri, a delegation had gone to all the states to present the instrument of invitation written in the Jawi script on material made of goat skin.

“Everyone whom we invited to attend had given their replies and would attend the historic event,” said the minister who is chairman of the special committee for the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong  at a media conference, here today.

Mujahid said 80 per cent of the preparation had been made to celebrate the historic day while the balance “ is only to look at the last-minute rehearsal to be held two or three times”.

The minister said six main events had been organised in conjunction with the Installation Ceremony for the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong beginning tomorrow with a Yasin recital session. thanksgiving prayer and ‘solat hajat’ or special prayer at the National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur.

The climax will be the Installation Ceremony to be held on Tuesday at the Balairung Seri (Throne Room) of the Istana Negara and followed by the Royal Banquet on the next day at the Main Banquet Hall of Istana Negara.

“It is expected that 700 guests will be present,” he said adding that they would comprise Rulers, Yang Di- pertua Negeri, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, ambassadors and senior government officers.

“Every day we receive the latest development on the replies for attendance so that we can prepare for the best regarding the estimated attendance,” he said.

Other events that were being arranged were a visit by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah to the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (Aug 1), An Exhibition On Our King at the Royal Museum (Aug 5 to Nov 5) a special sermon and Friday Prayer at Masjid Putra, Putrajaya on Aug 2.

"The government hopes all Malaysians can join in appreciating this ceremony as it is a manifestation to have greater understanding and respect for the royal institution and in particular, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he added.

Mujahid said the institution concerning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must be made an umbrella for national sovereignty and not merely a symbol of solidarity but more than that, which acts as a symbol of stability and national pride.

“The government has also declared the date July 30 as an additional public holiday for the whole country. So this is the time for all Malaysians to witness the event live on their television sets,” he said.

— BERNAMA