PETALING JAYA – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar was sworn in as the 17th King of Malaysia in a traditional ceremony at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur on July 20, marking the commencement of his five-year reign. Sultan Ibrahim, 65, from Johor, donned the official ceremonial attire known as muskat and the royal regalia, which includes the royal headdress, a buckle, and a short dagger.
The King and his consort, Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah, arrived at the throne hall, the Balairung Seri of Istana Negara, at approximately 10:20 a.m. The Queen wore a gold baju kurung, and their entrance was accompanied by the sounds of the nafiri (a type of trumpet) and the tune of “Raja Berangkat” played by the royal orchestra.
Once seated, the Grand Chamberlain, Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, sought His Majesty’s consent to begin the ceremony. The Grand Chamberlain then brought in a copy of the Quran and the rest of the regalia, including the government keris (a dagger symbolizing regal power and authority), the proclamation letter, and the oath of installation.
The King kissed the Quran to signify the start of the installation. The Grand Chamberlain presented the proclamation letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who formally proclaimed Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Sultan Ibrahim was entrusted with the government keris, which he placed on a table before taking the oath as Malaysia’s new king. Following the oath, the Grand Chamberlain led the hall in proclaiming “Daulat Tuanku (Long live the King)” three times. The national anthem was then played, accompanied by a royal 21-gun salute.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the government and the people. Sultan Ibrahim then gave his royal address, pledging to lead the country justly and expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the installation ceremony.
A prayer was recited, and the Grand Chamberlain collected the Quran from the throne, declaring the installation ceremony officially completed. Approximately 700 guests, including Malay rulers, governors, foreign dignitaries, and leaders, attended the ceremony, which was broadcast live on national television.
Sultan Ibrahim was elected by the Malay Rulers at the 263rd (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers in October 2023 to serve a five-year term starting January 31. He succeeded Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin of Pahang, whose term as the 16th King ended on January 30.