KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — The atmosphere in the capital city is supercharged with excitement as the day of the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the 17th King of Malaysia, draws closer.
A walkabout by Bernama found that the air around the capital city is enlivened by digital displays at key locations, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, congratulating His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in addition to banners and billboards announcing the historic event put up in public spaces.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said that over 1,000 banners have been hung along roadsides since last Friday in conjunction with the event. The banners will be displayed until July 30.
In addition to the Istana Negara area, banners are also placed at 23 other locations around the capital city, including Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Parlimen, Jalan Ampang, Merdeka Square and Jalan Bukit Bintang, it said.
“DBKL is assisting in the putting up of these banners. The process took five days and we hope it will further enliven the atmosphere of this ceremony, which is rarely witnessed as it only occurs once every five years,” according to DBKL.
Marketing executive Nor Hidayah Zulkifli, 27, who is visiting the city for the first time with her family, also feels the anticipation.
“I don’t want to miss the event that showcases the identity of the Malay Sultanate and the uniqueness of a country practising a Constitutional Monarchy system,” she said.
Content creator Nur Fitri Najwa, 27, is also excited to witness the ceremony: “Everyone is very excited to see what happens this Saturday. As Malaysians, we have been eagerly waiting for this moment because it’s a historic event that happens once every five years. Let’s all come together to witness this installation ceremony on Saturday,” she said.
Meanwhile, personal assistant Nur Syazwina Zakaria, 46, hopes that Sultan Ibrahim can become a ruler of the nation who prioritises the interests and welfare of the people.
“I am also excited to watch the installation ceremony considering it is a ceremonious event full of royal protocols that are rarely seen,” she said.
Consultant Mohammad Fariq Mohammad Razalim, 46, hopes that Sultan Ibrahim will always be a monarch who empathises with the people and listens to their issues, especially concerning the cost of living.
He said he would watch the live broadcast of the momentous ceremony on television stations with his children this Saturday.
Events in conjunction with the Installation Ceremony of the 17th King of Malaysia begin today with the Yasin recital and Doa Selamat at the National Mosque at 5.30pm, followed by a special Friday sermon tomorrow.
Royal guests expected to attend Sultan Ibrahim’s installation ceremony include the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Other events include a Royal Banquet at Istana Negara on Saturday and a visit to the Orang Asli Gombak Hospital by the Queen, Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, on July 23.
Additionally, the ‘Raja Kita’ exhibition will be held at the National Museum on July 25 and open to the public from July 26 until Sept 2, allowing people to view around 130 royal regalia from the federal level and the state of Johor. — Bernama
