The last day of 2011

We already reach the last day of 2011. Time flew by so fast. For me personally, I'm still feel that it is only yesterday we celebrated the first day of 2011, and tomorrow a brand new year of 2012 will come to us. So, let us discuss briefly what has happening in the year of 2011.

2011 SUMMARY

Many important and historical event takes place in 2011 for our beloved nation. Many believes that 2011 is the year where we witnessed the 13th General Election. Nevertheless, that doesn't even occur. In this summary, I'll will take the royal engagement as the first priority.

January

In January 2011, the major event happening in this month is the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud marries a lebanese lady, Ragad Walid Al-Kurdi.

February

Ops Pyramid was launched by government of Malaysia to bring Malaysian students by air or sea out from Egypt due to the worsening anti-government uprising in that country.

March

The stepmother of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Bariah died at Seri Kota Medical Center, Klang, Selangor. Her body was flown back to Terengganu and was laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum near Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, Kuala Terengganu.

April

Major event which occur in April 2011 is no other than the State Election of Sarawak, where the Barisan Nasional (BN) retain its 2/3 majority in the State Assembly. Abdul Taib Mahmud sworn in as the Chief Minister of Sarawak.

May

In May, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan express his intention to get marry. Even though the Sultan does not elaborate about the matter further.

June

The Sungai Johor Bridge, the longest fresh-water bridge in Malaysia was opened for public for the first time.

July

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) ceased all operation at Woodlands, Bukit Timah and Tanjung Pagar railway station. The end route of KTM was relocated to Woodlands Train Checkpoint (WTCP).

August

Singapore government handed back its water treatment plants in Mount Pulai and Skudai and pump houses at Pontian and Tebrau to Johor state government ending the 1961 Water Agreement between Malaysia and Singapore.

September

An Iban hero during Insurgency, Kanang anak Langkau was conferred the Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang (P.G.B.K.) (English: Commander of the Order of the Hornbill Sarawak), with the title of 'Datuk' from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin.

October

Bernama TV cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor 39, who was kiled in an attack in Mogadishu, Somalia was received the posthumous award of Bintang Gagah Perkasa (B.G.P) from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob. (received by his wife)

November

The Istana Negara at Jalan Istana is officially closed and moved to the new building at Jalan Duta.

December

Tuanku Abdul Halim of Kedah is elected as the country's 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the second time and Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan is elected as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Acting Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak

The Honourable Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nassar sworn in as the acting Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak for the period from December 27, 2011 until February 10, 2012. Mohamad Asfia signed the instruments of oath and declaration before Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, witnessed by Kuching High Court Judge Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang at the Dewan Lapau of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Kuching, Sarawak.

Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom as well as several other state leaders and community leaders attended the function.

Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng is currently on leave. Abang Muhammad Salahuddin, 90, was reappointed Yang Dipertua Negeri for a two-year term beginning Dec 5 this year.

picture from Bernama

Panorama in the rainy season

Currently Malaysian experiencing a rainy season, where the only time of the year Malaysia gets more rain than usual. Several parts of Malaysia especially in Sabah, Sarawak and Malayan Eastern Coast badly effected by the rainy season and water level beginning to rise and flooding the area. We take a little break as the busy royalty life beginning to slow down a bit. (No news whatsoever regarding a royal engagement in the prime-time news this two and three days).

Here is some panorama of a rainy season during the vacation in conjunction of Christmas in front of the Astana (Palace) of Sarawak.

In Kedah, the people of Kedah still remember their worse nightmare during the Tsunami that hit the Northern States in 2004. Thus, the State Government built up a monument to commemorate it in form of a stack boat at the tragedy site. The memorial site is manage by Sungai Petani Municipal Council.

picture from Bernama

20 lost their home in fire

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah consent to visit the 20 victims who lost their home in fire. All of their belongings were perished in the fire which started in 5.15 pm which also destroyed a line of 5 houses. The fire started from the middle house and started out of control fast. The cause of fire and total loss is still under investigation.

One of the victim, Junaini Loke, 33, said, she was on her way to perform Asar Prayer when she heard the news from her husband and hurried back. The Crown Prince aside from his visit consent to deliver contributions in form of cash and daily goods to the victims. The Crown Prince also urged the authorities to take care the welfare of the victims.

(picture from Bernama)

Karnival Hijrah 2011

His Majesty the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin consent to officiate the launching ceremony of Karnival Hijrah held at Dataran Shahbandar, Kuala Terengganu. Also accompanied the Sultan were His Royal Highness the Tengku Seri Temenggong of Terengganu, Raja Tengku Baharuddin; The Honourable Menteri Besar of Terengganu, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said; Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Chairman of TV Alhijrah, Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Yusof Nor.

The carnival is a collaboration sponsorship by the Prime Minister's Department, State Government and TV Alhijrah also includes various religious and spiritual program such as Program Assalamualaikum, Forum Perdana and Bersama Ustaz Don. In the ceremony, the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin consent to deliver contributions of school uniform to 21 students represented the 500 recipients from Dungun in the Program Jom ke Sekolah sponsored by Takwa Foundation and Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim), Malaysian Islamic Development Department.

The carnival were held for three days from December 22 until December 24.

(picture from Sinar Harian)

3 famous celebrities received Datukship

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah consent to confer the State Honorary Award and Medal in conjunction of the 81st Birthday Celebration of the Sultan of Pahang, His Royal Highness Sultan Ahmad Shah. 137 including three famous celebrities received the order of Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) which carries the title "Datuk". They are AC Mizal, Eizlan Yusof and Ahmad Fadzli Yaakob.

Datuk AC Mizal received the order of DIMP

Datuk Eizlan Yusof received the order of DIMP

Datuk Ahmad Fadzli received the order of DIMP

In the ceremony, the Crown Prince also confer the State Order of :-

1. Darjah Setia Ahmad Shah Pahang (SAP) to 24 recipients.
2. Darjah Setia Mahkota Pahang (SMP) to 24 recipients.
3. Darjah Ahli Ahmad Shah Pahang (AAP) to 24 recipients.
4. Darjah Ahli Mahkota Pahang (AMP) to 39 recipients.
5. Pingat Khidmat Cemerlang (PKC) to 43 recipients.
6. Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT) to 36 recipients.
7. Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK) to 35 recipients.

picture from Bernama

Sultan visits Flood Relief Centres

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar consent to visit two Flood Relief Centres in the district to see for himself how the evacuees were faring. The flood relief centres is at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Kencana in Machap and another is at Sekolah Agama Kampung Tengah. The Sekolah Agama Kampung Tengah in the Kluang district houses the largest number of evacuees, exceeding 800. Kluang is the worst-affected of five districts hit by floods, with the total number of evacuees at 12 centres standing at 2,154.

The sultan arrived at Sekolah Agama Kampung Tengah at about 2 pm and spent some time talking to the evacuees and enquiring about their welfare. He advised children not to play in the floodwaters. The National Security Council portal reported that as at 10 am today, the number of evacuees in Johor had dropped to 2,991 from 3,265 overnight.

Besides Kluang, the other districts affected by floods in the state are Batu Pahat, Pontian, Segamat and Kulaijaya.

picture from Bernama

The Program of Selangor Prihatin

Their Royal Highness-es the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah consent to officiate the inauguration ceremony of "Majlis Perlancaran Program Selangor Prihatin" at Padang Besar, Perlis. As the symbolic of the launching ceremony of "Program Selangor Prihatin Projek Asnaf Berekonomi" at Chuping, the Raja Mudas consent to arrange the bricks at one of the houses built for the homeless.

Also attended the ceremony were the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perlis, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Isa Sabu.

picture from Bernama

Masjid Sultan Ismail proclamation ceremony

His Majesty the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin consent to officiate the proclamation ceremony of Masjid Sultan Ismail located at the state capital of Kuala Terengganu. The masjid previously known as Masjid Raja Chendering were built in 2008 with a construction cost of RM7.5 million. It is completed on May 2011 and was among of 491 Masjid in all of Terengganu. Accompanied the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin were his two sons, His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Muda (Crown Prince) of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail and His Highness Tengku Muhammad Mu'az. Also attending the ceremony were Menteri Besar of Terengganu, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and other State Officials and nobility.

In the ceremony, HM Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin expressed his sadness and upset as some of the masjid around the State still having two Jumaat Prayers in one qariah of Masjid. The Sultan also urge the people to search for a solution and takes Prophet Muhammad as an example who succeeded to unite the two tribes of Aus and Khazraj. The Sultan also consent to perform the Friday prayer alongside 1,000 jamaat at the masjid.

picture from Utusan

Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan proclamation ceremony

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar consent to officiate the proclamation ceremony of Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan located at Pasir Gudang, Johor. The polytechnic college previously known as Politeknik Johor Bahru. His Royal Highness also consent to officiate the breaking-ground ceremony for the construction of the polytechnic's Technology Center new building. After the ceremony, the Sultan Ibrahim visited the exhibition showing a product of the students of the polythechnic.

Also attended the ceremony were Menteri Besar of Johor, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin.

picture from Bernama

The Royal Duties continues

December 13, 2011, HM Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin returned back to Terengganu to rule the state after serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia for full five-year term. If he fortunate and have a long life, he will be back again on the throne after the rotation system returned again to Terengganu to ascend the throne as the Supreme Head of the Federation. Currently, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim of Kedah was proclaimed as King.

As old as he may seem, his first public duty as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong started on the same day. His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah consent to host a State Banquet at the Istana Negara in conjunction of the 227th Meeting (Special) of the Conference of Rulers and the Inauguration ceremony of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Almost 600 people attending the banquet including Prime Minister Mohd Najib and his Deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin alongside their wife.

Meanwhile, the still young and energetic Sultan of Terengganu, His Majesty Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin also starting his first royal engagement after returning back to Terengganu.

His Majesty consent to confer the Darjah Kerabat Diraja (D.K.R) to his first son and heir apparent, His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Muda (Crown Prince) of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail. Also attending the ceremony were Her Majesty the Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah and Menteri Besar of Terengganu, Dato' Seri Ahmad Said.

In the same ceremony, HM Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin urged all parties to respect the position of Islam as the official religion in the nation and preserved the peace and harmony of the the multi-racial and cultural society.

picture from Bernama

The dawn of a new Era

After serving for full five-year term, His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu step down and bid farewell to the Federal Capital. In Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the highest position and authority in the Federation. He is the Supreme Ruler, Commander of the armed forces and the Head of Islam. The throne is rotated among the nine Malay rulers in Malaysia and can only served for maximum five-year term.

Thus, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin has completed his responsibility and returned back to his home state, Terengganu Darul Iman. His reign always will be in the heart of Malaysian as Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is dubbed as 'the best Agong ever'. Just imagine, when he ascended the throne in 2006, he is just 45. Among the youngest Agong, a handsome and fearless gal-lad and not to mention having a beautiful consort by his side.

Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Tuanku Nur Zahirah

A deepest gratitude to the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia by Your Majesty's services and affection in ruling the nation.

December 13, 2006 until December 12, 2011

Just like a malay phrase sound, Yang patah tumbuh.. yang hilang berganti.. In English, it means the broken will grow again, and the lost one will be replace. The vacancy left by Terengganu will be filled by Kedah. And, it is the most historical event in Malaysia up to date. The first ever Sultan to be elected twice as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. When he ascended the throne in 1970, he was just 43, the second youngest King. Now, he is already 84, becoming the oldest King ever to ascended the throne, and coming to the throne with a new Queen by his side.

Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and Tuanku Haminah

Congratulation to His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on his proclamation as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

May Your Royal Majesty shall reign in peace and harmony with fair and justice.

DAULAT TUANKU

LONG LIVE THE KING

Tuanku Abdul Halim inauguration ceremony

His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah today took the oath of office as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at a ceremony steeped in royal traditions at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. This is the second time that Tuanku Abdul Halim has been chosen as King, the first time from Jan 21, 1970 to Sept 20, 1975, having been appointed to the post at age 43, making him among the youngest Malay rulers to hold the post.

Tuanku Abdul Halim, 84, who was before this the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong since Dec 13, 2006, replaces the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who ended his term as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday. Tuanku Halim was chosen by the Malay rulers the second time for the post at the 226th (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers held at Istana Negara on Oct 14, 2011 for a five-year period, effective on December 13. The rotation system for the post of Yang di-Pertuan Agong among the nine Malay hereditary rulers began since the country's independence on Aug 31, 1957.

The ceremony was the first held at the new, magestic and sprawling Istana Negara which bears Islamic and Malay architectural elements and located on a 96.52ha site in Jalan Duta, here. The ceremony began at 11.15am, with the 227th (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers convened in conjunction with the taking of oath and signing of the instrument of office at the Balairong Seri (Throne Room). The meeting was chaired by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail. The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, presented the instrument of office to Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was in a Kedah royal attire called Sikap consisting of a short jacket with a high collar, tenggolok (headdress), long pants, sampin, bengkung (cummerband) and complete with a keris (Malay dagger).

Tuanku Abdul Halim then made the pledge and signed the instrument of office before the other rulers. The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, and Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, were the witnesses to the signing of the document. The ceremony proceeded with the taking of oath and signing of the instrument of office as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong by the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, 42, followed by the reciting of the "doa" by the chief imam of the National Mosque, Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad. The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal then asked for the meeting of the Conference of Rulers be adjourned to another date to be determined later.

The ceremony continued with the signing of the proclamation of appointment letter by Tuanku Abdul Halim as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak then reading out the proclamation. This was followed by the signing of the proclamation of appointment letter by Sultan Muhammad V as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the proclamation also read out by Najib. The ceremony was attended by all the Malay rulers of the respective states except Terengganu, which was represented by Tengku Sri Temenggong Raja, Tengku Baharuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah.

Also present were the four Yang Dipertua Negeri, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, cabinet ministers and heads of department. The ceremony which was broadcast live over RTM1, ended with the reciting of the "doa" by Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh. Tuanku Abdul Halim then met with the cabinet ministers and heads of department led by Najib in the Seri Mahkota Room of the palace.


picture from bernama

Crown Prince visits the flood victims

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang consent to visit the flood victims in the District of Rompin. Also accompanied the Crown Prince is his consort, Her Royal Highness the Tengku Puan (Crown Princess) of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Member of Parliament of Rompin Constituency, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis.

The number of flood victims in the state of Pahang has risen to 1,652 up to date. All of them coming from almost 18 villages which affected by flood in the District of Kuantan and 4 villages from the District of Rompin. The villages affected in the District of Kuantan are Kampung Seri Kuantan, Baru 3, Batu 4, Teluk Mahang, Sungai Belat, Kampung Belukar, Kampung Kurnia, Kampung Razali, Kampung Tiram, Kampung Segantang Lada, Kampung Tanah Putih, Cenderawasih, Kampung Seri Damai, Gudang Rasau, Jaya Gading and Gudang Rasau. While the 4 villages affected in the Rompin District is the settlement of aborigines tribes of Kampung Janglau, Kampung Perepat, Kampung Kurnia, Kampung Kerpai and Kampung Paya Laka.

One evacuation center in the District of Pekan has been closed as the flood in the district has already subsided.

picture from Utusan

Kedah Regency Council

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to appoint the members of Kedah Regency Council in a ceremony held at Istana Anak Bukit, Kedah. The council was set to administer the state on the absence of the Sultan of Kedah who will be departed to the Federal Capital to serve as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong starting on December 13, 2011.

The appointment of the Regency Council consist of three younger brothers of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and his only daughter. They are :-

1. His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah. The Chairman of the Regency Council.
   
2. His Royal Highness the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, Tunku Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.
3. His Royal Highness the Tunku Laksamana of Kedah, Tunku Abdul Hamid Thani ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.
4. Her Royal Highness the Tunku Panglima Besar of Kedah, Tunku Puteri Intan Shafinaz binti Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah.
   

The appointment of the Regency Council were made according to the Article 18(2)(a) stated that a Regent or a Regency Council to be appointed by the reigning Sultan to rule the state in the absence of a ruling Sultan.

The appointment ceremony were made around 10 am after the arrival of Their Royal Highness-es the Sultan and Sultanah of Kedah to the throne chamber. The instrument of proclamation were read by the Secretary of State, Datuk Rasli Basir. All four members of the Regency Council take their oath before the Sultan and Sultanah of Kedah, witnessed by High Court Judge, Datuk Mohd Azman Husin and Syariah Chief Judge, Datuk Syeikh Yahya Jusoh.

The ceremony ended after a nine-gun salute was fired and a recitation of Doa of the Mufti of Kedah, Datuk Syeikh Muhamad Baderudin Ahmad.

HRH Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah

HRH Tunku Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah

HRH Tunku Abdul Hamid Thani ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah

HRH Tunku Puteri Intan Shafinaz binti Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah

In the same ceremony, HRH Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah also consent to confer the State Medal and Award to several members of the royal family. The recipients is as follow :-

1. HRH Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah. He received the Darjah Utama Seri Mahawangsa Yang Amat Dihormati (D.M.K) which carries the title "Datuk Seri Utama".
2. The Honourable Dato' Seri Azizan Abd Razak. He received the Darjah Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.H.M.S) which carries the title "Datuk Seri Diraja".
3. HRH Tunku Puteri Intan Shafinaz binti Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. She received the Darjah Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.H.M.S) which carries the title "Datuk Seri Diraja".
4. HH Nor Suzana Abdullah, the Toh Puan Bendahara of Kedah. She received the Darjah Seri Setia Diraja Kedah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.S.D.K) which carries the title "Dato' Seri".
5. HH Tengku Maliha binti Tengku Ariff, the Toh Puan Temenggong of Kedah. She received the Darjah Seri Setia Diraja Kedah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.S.D.K) which carries the title "Dato' Seri".
6. HH Tunku Hosna binti Almarhum Sultan Badlishah. She received the Darjah Seri Setia Diraja Kedah Yang Amat Dihormati (S.S.D.K) which carries the title "Dato' Seri".
7. HH Dato' Tunku Jaafar Laksamana bin Tunku Nong Jiwa. He received the Darjah Paduka Seri Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (D.H.M.S) which carries the title "Dato' Paduka"
8. Dato' Syed Kamil bin Syed Noh Shahbuddin. He received the Darjah Paduka Seri Setia Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (D.H.M.S) which carries the title "Dato' Paduka"

picture from Bernama.