The Yang di-Pertuan Agong cutting the birthday cake

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah cut the birthday cake in conjunction with his 84th birthday celebration at the Istana Negara. Also present in the Dinner Night of Kedah Darul Aman were Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah and His Royal Highness the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, Tunku Salehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.

picture from Bernama

The Sultan visited former Health Director

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah visited the former Director of Health, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Majid Ismail in his residence yesterday. The Sultan also asking the condition of Dr Abdul Majid. Also present were His Highness the Tengku Panglima Diraja of Selangor, Tengku Sulaiman Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah and the first son of Dr Abdul Majid, Dr Aljafri Abdul Majid.

picture from Bernama

The Raja Muda visited OCIS

His Royal Highness the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail visited the Oxford Centre For Islamic Studies (OCIS) in London yesterday. The Crown Prince is currently lead the delegates of State of Perlis Fatwa Council as the President of Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis (MAIPs), State of Perlis Religious Council. The delegates consist of 7 members visited the OCIS to establish a relationship regarding to the development of Islam.

During the visit, the Crown Prince hear a briefing from the Director of OCIS, Dr. Farhan Nizami regarding the Islamic development in the prestigious university also saying that the OCIS are interested to collaborate with MAIPs.

picture from Utusan

The Global Donors Forum 2012

His Royal Highness the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah graced the Global Donors Forum at the 5th annual convening of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (WCMP). The forum was successfully held in Kuala Lumpur from April 26 to 28 with Bank Muamalat as the Malaysian host. Over 175 participants attended sessions by various leaders and experts, both Muslims and non-Muslims on how to be more impactful in philanthropic efforts and how to measure and account for them.

Co-chair of the forum, Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, who is a member of the Board of Patrons of WCMP, said that bringing the WCMP annual meeting to Malaysia and the region and away from West Asia for the first time had been a mutually beneficial experience, exposing activities and capabilities which were educational.

In the ceremony, the Raja Muda presented the Muslim Donor Personality to Vice-Chief Executive of Al-Bukhary Foundation, Datuk Seri Ismail Yusof. Also present at the ceremony were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak.

picture from Bernama

Islamic Fashion Festival

Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) which currently held for second consecutive year. The IFF event was held at Natural History Museum at South Kensington themed "Diversity in Modesty". It was held in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People and The Wessex Youth Trust. The Countess of Wessex, Sophie Rhys-Jones, attended the gala with the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah, who led the list of Malaysian royals in gracing the high-profile event.

Others were Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang, Sultanah Nur Zahirah of Terengganu, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah. Accompanying Tuanku Hajah Haminah was IFF patron Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award and The Wessex Youth Trust are United Kingdom charities focused on children and young people.

The IFF, now a global event, made its debut in London in July 2011.

picture from Bernama

Pahang Investiture Day

In conjunction with the 81st Birthday Celebration of the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, an Investiture Day was held at the Throne Chamber of Istana Abu Bakar, Pekan, Pahang. In the investiture ceremony, 372 recipients received the State Award from His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah. From the number, 152 received the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP), 18 received the Darjah Setia Ahmad Shah Pahang (SAP), 20 received the Darjah Setia Mahkota Pahang (SMP), 18 received the Ahli Ahmad Shah Pahang (AAP), 38 received the Darjah Ahli Mahkota Pahang (AMP) and other 22 received the Pingat Khidmat Cemerlang (PKC). Another 34 received the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT) and another 18 received the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK).

Accompanied the Crown Prince were Her Royal Highness the Tengku Puan (Crown Princess) of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Also present in the ceremony was the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Pahang, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

Among those who received the DIMP which carries the title 'Datuk' were Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mohamed Suffian Awang; Famous singer by stage name Hattan or his real name is Mohd. Shukri Shahabuddin; TV3 Newscaster, Karam Singh Walia and Deputy Director of Broadcasting Department, Abu Bakar Ab Rahim.

picture from Bernama & Utusan

Tahlil and Doa Selamat at RAMD Cemetery

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah attended the "Tahlil" and "Doa Selamat" at the cemetery of the Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD), Royal Malay Regiment yesterday. It is in conjunction with the 79th anniversary of the RAMD. His Majesty who is also the Colonel-in-Chief of the RAMD was welcomed by the Chairman of RAMD, Lt Gen Datuk Zulkiple Kassim; Commander of Division 3, Maj Gen Datuk Razali Ahmad and other RAMD senior officers.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong then presented souvenirs to 16 recipients of the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB), two recipients of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) and an RAMD veteran, Ujang Mormin, 91, and attended a luncheon at Wisma Perwira.

picture from Bernama

RM35.2 million for the State Government

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah received a replica check worth of RM35.2 million from the Federal Government in a ceremony held at Istana Bukit Kayangan, Shah Alam yesterday. It is an allocation from the Federal Government through Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) to pay the allowances and welfare of 7,111 officers in the State of Selangor. The Federal Government was represented by Minister of Agriculture, Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

From the allocation, RM28 million is to pay the allowance of KAFA's 240 Headmasters and 6,060 teachers. The monthly allowance of KAFA's Headmaster is RM1,400, where RM800 were paid by the Federal Government. KAFA's teachers allowance per month is RM1,300 where RM600 were paid by the Federal Government. Another RM6 million is to pay the monthly allowances of 699 Imams. Masjid Imam received an allowance of RM750 per month. The balance of RM1.3 million is to pay the monthly allowance of 142 Takmir teachers.

picture from Bernama

Opening ceremony of Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Seating

His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir opened the 5th Session of Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Seating in Seremban yesterday. The Yang Dipertuan Besar inspected the guard-of-honour before opened the session. Also present in the ceremony were Her Royal Highness the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tengku Aishah Rohani and the 4 noble Undangs. In his opening speech, Tuanku Muhriz expressed his disappointment over the misuse of information technology to organize cyber gambling activities. The activities, which have also become rampant in rural areas and Felda settlements, had clearly attracted people from all walks of life, including students.

picture from Bernama

Sultan opened Terengganu State Assembly Seating

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin opened the 5th Session of Terengganu State Assembly Seating at the Wisma Darul Iman yesterday. The Sultan were accompanied by his consort, Her Royal Highness the Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Before opening the State Assembly Seating, His Royal Highness inspected the Guard-of-Honour. In his opening speech, the Sultan's addressed that the implementation of Economic Transformation Programme by the Federal Government succeeded in boosting the economy of Terengganu.

The conducive environment enabled Terengganu to generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.5 per cent last year with local investments totalling RM531.98 million, providing employment opportunities to 1,664 people. Foreign investments also mounted to RM1.087 billion and provided employment opportunities to 2,701 people. Four big projects were approved last year, namely, the CJ-Arkema biotechnology project, steel project by Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd, iron pellet project by Perwaja Steel Sdn Bhd and silica project by TRG Industrial Minerals Sdn Bhd. His Royal Highness also added that, the State's economy is expected to grow 4.5 to 5% this year.

picture from Bernama

Who is Tunku Mansor bin Tunku Kassim?

As a royal blogger, I have an almost complete set of royalty list from each respective State ruled by a monarch. It is coming handy especially when I need revisions for my royalty article. Today, I read in the newspaper about the titled royalty from Kedah, the Tunku Laksamana lodges a police report regarding the amendment made by the State Legislative Assembly of an enactment to give absolute power to the state mufti and fatwa committee. Following the amendment, all decisions by the mufti and the fatwa committee need not be gazetted and cannot be challenged in any court, whether syariah or civil.

According to the Tunku Laksamana, he lodges a police report out of fear that the enactment will usurp the powers of the Sultan of Kedah, who is the head of Islam in the state. The story all goes well, but here is the question. All newspapers stated the name of Tunku Laksamana is Tunku Mansor bin Tunku Kassim. In all my years as a royal blogger, the Tunku Laksamana of Kedah has always be the Sultan's half-brother, Tunku Abdul Hamid Thani ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.


Then, who is Tunku Mansor bin Tunku Kassim who lodge the police report? Is this some kind of typing error? Because if it is, it is a seriously silly mistake.

Royal Concert 'Raja Rakyat Berpisah Tiada'

Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the royal concert of 'Raja Rakyat Berpisah Tiada' at the Dataran Merdeka, last night. Their Majesties were greeted on arrival by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur; Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abd Rahman, cabinet ministers and foreign envoys.

The concert included dance and martial arts performances by 632 participants from various cultural organizations was held in conjunction with the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The show was divided into four major segments beginning with the royal procession from the Dataran Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur to Dataran Merdeka, led by an elephant to the sound of the traditional horns.

Feast Ceremony with the Raja Permaisuri Agong

Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the feast ceremony in conjunction with the installation of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. About 500 pupils were invited in the ceremony held at Istana Negara. The ceremony started with a dance 'Menghadap Balai dan Asyik' performed by a troupe from Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Ghafar, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. This was followed by a 'Ghazal' performance of 'Seri Mersing' and 'Penawar Rindu' by performers from Sekolah Rendah Seri Bahagia Benut, Pontian, Johor.

Sekolah Rendah St James from Likas, Sabah then performed a song and dance 'My 1Malaysia' while Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Taman Melawati, Selangor performed an Indian Dance. Special children from Sekolah Pendidikan Khas, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur also performed the songs 'Sway' and 'Ombak Rindu'.

Also attended the ceremony were wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Puan Sri Norainee Abd Rahman and wife of Information, Communication and Culture Minister, Datin Seri Maznah Rais.

Casa Del Rio inauguration ceremony

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah officiated the inauguration ceremony of Casa Del Rio Hotel in Malacca, last Friday. The construction of the hotel cost about RM100 million and consist of 66 rooms. Also attended the ceremony were His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

USM 45th Convocation

His Royal Highness the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail graced the 45th Convocation of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) yesterday. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin is also the Chancellor of USM. In this year, 941 graduates received their scrolls in the ceremony which started yesterday. In this year session, 2 person received the honourary degree and Professor Emeritus title, 710 received their doctorates and master's degrees and 229 received the Bachelor's Degrees.

USM crystallography expert, Prof Fun Hoong Kun and the distinguished pioneer of distance education, Tan Sri Professor Emeritus Gajaraj Dhanarajan would be conferred with the Honourary Doctorate of Education and the title of Professor Emeritus.

RAMD 79th Anniversary Dinner

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler), Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah graced the 79th Anniversary Dinner of Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD), Malay Royal Regiment yesterday. The Dinner is in conjunction with the RAMD and Malaysian Army 79th Anniversary. His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim were accompanied by his consort, Her Majesty Tuanku Hajah Haminah and His Royal Highness the Tengku Temenggong of Kedah, Tunku Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.

The RAMD celebrated its 79th Anniversary on March 1, 2012. The RAMD is the first regiment in the Malaysian Army to be established, founded in 1933. The first battalion of RAMD is also the official and ceremonial battalion for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Crown Prince - Regarding Hockey and Football teams

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah launched a new fitness equipment from UFL Sdn Bhd called "Power Plate My7" in a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. In the same ceremony, the Crown Prince commented when been asked by reporter regarding Hockey's Olympic Qualifier and Malaysia's Football rank. The Crown Prince currently hold the position as the President of Malaysian Hockey Confederation and Deputy President of Football Association Malaysia.

The Crown Prince stated regarding to the failure of Malaysia's Men Hockey Team in the Olympic Qualifier must be filled by the national women's hockey squad. The women's team will be competing in Japan from April 25 to May 5 must try to qualify if they intend to go to London. The national women's hockey team currently ranked 23rd in the world ranking.

The Crown Prince also commented about the performance of Malaysia's Football Team which currently ranked 156 in FIFA World Ranking. It sliding 8 places from January when Malaysia were ranked 148, February (150) and March (152). The 156th place is seen as Malaysia's worst in the history. Thus, the Crown Prince suggested that the team must play with higher ranked countries in order to improve its ranking in the FIFA list. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate due to higher ranked teams are not keen to play against lower ranked teams, including Malaysia.

The last day of DSA Exhibition

His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir attended the last day of Defense Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) yesterday. His Royal Highness were accompanied by his son, His Royal Highness the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti, Tunku Ali Redhauddin. Their arrival at 11.00 am were received by Chief of Royal Signal Regiment (RSD) Major General Datuk Zulkiflee Mazlan, senior ATM officials and foreign delegates. His Royal Highness graced several booths belong to foreign companies including Turkey, Brazil, United Kingdom, Russia and European countries.

Also attended the DSA Exhibition were His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Pulau Pinang, Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.

Bidong Underwater & Land Challenge 2012

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin opened the Bidong Underwater & Land Challenge 2012 at Pulau Bidong, yesterday. The four day programme, organised by Coral Malaysia, the Terengganu state government and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, was also joined by 70 scuba divers who took pictures for a competition organised by Coral Malaysia. His Royal Highness also scuba dived for an hour with Coral Malaysia Ambassador singer Fauziah Latiff and Coral Malaysia president Jamhariah Jaafar to view the beauty of the corals at Pulau Bidong.

Fauziah, when met by reporters, said the programme was held for the first time at Pulau Bidong in conjunction with Earth Day 2012. Previously, Coral Malaysia held diving activities in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tenggol.

Sultan of Perak Birthday

19th April 2012 - Today is the birthday of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuf. Nevertheless, the Sultan's birthday celebration were adjourned to another date that will be determined in the future. This is due to the death of the Sultan's second son, Raja Ashman Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Shah.

Congratulations to the Sultan of Perak in conjunction of His Royal Highness 84th birthday. Wishing His Royal Highness may reign in peace and harmony, with fair and justice.

Daulat Tuanku

Long Live the King

President of Kazakhstan two-day visit

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong graced the welcoming ceremony in conjunction with the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev two-day visit to Malaysia. The President who arrived in Malaysia was accorded a State Welcome at Parliament Square yesterday. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were on hand to receive Nazarbayev who arrived at 9am. Also present in the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and cabinet ministers.

The national anthems of both countries were then played by the Royal Malay Regiment band followed by the firing of a 14-gun salute. Nazarbayev and delegation were then introduced to the cabinet ministers and members of foreign diplomatic service attending the event. This is Nazarbayev third visit to Malaysia in 16 years, reflecting the strong ties between Malaysia and Kazakhstan. He visited the country in 1996 and 2006.

At night, the Yang di- Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev at Istana Negara in Jalan Duta here. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

picture from Bernama

Borneo Tour and Bakisa Program

His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sabah, Tun Juhar bin Mahiruddin received the courtesy call by Datuk Fredie Sua at the Sabah State Palace yesterday. Datuk Fredie Sua is the Organizing Chairman of Borneo Tour 2012, a cycling race program covers Semporna, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Ranau with a total distance of 758.4 km. The cycling race were approved and supported by the State Government last year. The race will take place for five days from April 27, 2012 and 20 teams had confirmed their participation for the race. Sua also added that, the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Aman would flag off the race.

In the ceremony, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin also witnessed the deliverance of contribution worth of RM100,000 from the Managing Director of Sutranah Development Sdn Bhd, Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong to Datuk Fredie Sua. Sua also expressed his hope that the race could be made an annual event, covering the whole of Borneo -- Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, the wife of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni (left) received the courtesy call from the President of Badan Amal Kebajikan Isteri Wakil-Wakil Rakyat (Bakisa), Datin Seri Faridah Tussin. The courtesy call is to brief about the future program of Bakisa, including its participation in Bakisa Sports from May 1 until May 6, 2012 in Pahang. Bakisa stands for Assemblyman's Wives Charities.

picture from Bernama

Brunei's Royals returned home

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah accompanied by his consort and family returned home yesterday at the Royal Air Force based in Subang. His Majesty spent two days in Malaysia to attend the 13th Defense Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Also accompanied the departure of Their Majesties were Chief of the Armed Forces, Tan Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin.

picture from Bernama

Sportsman and Sportswoman Award 2011

Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) graced the Sportsman and Sportswoman Award 2011 ceremony held at Palace of Golden Horses in Seri Kembangan, Kuala Lumpur. The arrival of the royal couple were received by Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Director of Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Datuk Zolkples Embong.

In the ceremony, Shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei and diver Pandelela Rinong were crowned National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year 2011. Pandelela, 18, eclipsed pre-award favourite and popular candidate Nicol who had won the title seven times consecutively and other nominees on the list, Nur Suryani Muhamed (shooting) and Fatehah Mustapa (cycling).

Pandelela who recently compete in the third round of World Diving Series (WDS) in Moscow, Russia supposedly headed directly to Tijuana, Mexico to compete in the final round. But, she chooses to take the 11,300 km trip back to Kuala Lumpur and personally received the award.

picture from Bernama, Utusan

Sarawak's Yang Dipertua Negeri visited DSA Exhibition

After witnessed the attendance of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the exhibition of Defense Services Asia received the attendance of His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng. His Excellency was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Norkiah. In the picture, His Excellency were briefed by Vitrociset International Sales Manager, Alessio Bucaioni.

picture from Bernama

13th Defense Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition

Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abd Halim Muadzam Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen), Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the Defense Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition held at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC). The arrival of the royal couple at 10.30 am were received by Defense Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Chief of the Armed Forces, Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and other seniors Defense Officers. This is His Majesty's first visit to a world-class exhibition since his Installation as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

His Majesty also visited the pavilions of various countries including Russia, Turkey and the United Kingdom as well as those run by local companies. 850 local and overseas defence industry firms are showcasing their products and services. Their Majesties were also taken on a tour of the venue where the replicas of several defence equipment were on display including the Airbus Military A400M aircraft, the Eurocopter and several other aircraft. Among other programs during the two-hour visit was a rescue demonstration conducted by the armed forces as well as briefing by company officials.

His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also attended the exhibition. The Exhibition will takes place from 16th to 19th April 2012.

picture from Bernama

Tea Party for Brunei's Royals

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consented to an audience from His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his consort, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha at the National Palace yesterday. Later, Their Majesties had hi-tea at the Seri Maharaja Chamber. The visit from the Sultan of Brunei is in conjunction with the Installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.


picture from Bernama

"Our King" Exhibition

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to officiate the opening of Pameran Raja Kita "Our King" Exhibition held at Istana Negara Lama in conjunction with the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday. Their Majesties Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and the Queen, Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrival at Istana Negara Lama at 10.50 am was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur. Also present in the ceremony were Minister of Information, Communication and Culture, Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim and wife, Datin Seri Maznah Rais, several Cabinet Ministers and foreign dignitaries.

After the opening ceremony, Their Majesties were brought on a tour around the exhibition by the Prime Minister before adjourning to the luncheon. At the function, His Majesty also presented booklets titled "Our King" to four students of different races to symbolise 1Malaysia. The exhibition is open to the public from tomorrow. It ends on June 15 and visiting time is from 9am to 5pm.

picture from Bernama

Rotary Research Award 2012

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah consent to attend the Rotary Club Dinner held at Istana Hotel yesterday. The Sultan in the ceremony also consent to present the Rotary Club Research Award to 11 recipients. The Honorary Gold Medal of Rotary Club went to the Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Tun Ahmad Sarji Abd Hamid for his leadership and contribution to the country. Tun Ahmad Sarji previously served as Chief Secretary to the Government from 1990 to 1996. Also received the Honorary Gold Award was Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah (picture).

Also receiving the award in the dinner were Prof. Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad, Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Mohmod,Datuk Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, Dr. C. Devendra,Prof Dr Fun Hoong Kun, Datuk Dr. Khoo Kah Lin, Prof Mohd Sapuan Salit, Dr Ng Soon, Datuk Dr CP Ramachandran, Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, dan Dr Tee E Siong. All of them received the Gold Medal Award 2012.

Mersing Festival and Mersing Laguna

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar consent to officiate the ground-breaking ceremony of Mersing Laguna and Mersing Festival at the Dataran Pulau, Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail, Mersing. The project of Mersing Laguna with an estimated cost of 22 billion is hoped to change Mersing into a world famous tourist destination, as so as the Sultan's hope it will be. The Mersing District was founded since 1892, having precious natural resources and beautiful islands is still had yet to experience rapid development as compared to other towns in Johor.

Also present in the ceremony were Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Johor, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Deputy Defense Minister, Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad who is also the MP of Mersing.

Royal Golf Tournament

In conjunction of the installation ceremony as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to take part in a Royal Golf Tournament at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club. Also participate is Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. The arrival of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah at about 7.30 am was greeted by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also had breakfast with participants of the tournament. Also participated in the tournament was His Majesty the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail and His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The Cabinet ministers that also participated in the tournament were the Youth and Sport Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek; Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom. Also present in the tournament were Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture, Datuk Joseph Salang; Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan; Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar and Chief of the Armed Forces, Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

The Friday Prayer at the National Mosque

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to perform the Friday Prayer at the National Mosque yesterday. Also present at the Mosque was the Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom. In conjunction of the enthronement of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Minister Jamil has delivered a Friday Sermon titled "Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong tonggak perpaduan ummah". Literally means, His Majesty the King, the Ummah pillar of Unity.

Technology Exhibition Fair

His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir consent to spend time visiting the Technology Exhibition Fair held at the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry in Putrajaya. The Yang Dipertuan Besar was accompanied by his consort, Her Royal Highness the Tunku Ampuan Besar (Queen) of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani. During the royal visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) giving the briefing to the royal couple. Also can be seen was the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

picture from Bernama

Tahlil and Yassin at the National Mosque

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah attended the Tahlil and Yassin reading at the National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur in conjunction of the King's Installation as the nation 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Also accompanied the King were Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah.

Their Majesties arrival at 7.20pm were greeted by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur. The tahlil and reading of Yassin were led by Grand Imam of the National Mosque, Tan Sri Shaikh Ismail Muhammad after the Maghrib prayer.

picture from Bernama