Tunku Bendahara of Kedah died at 74

His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah died at 12.20 am on last May 21, 2014 at Hospital Pantai Ipoh due to heart problem. He was 74 years old. The Tunku Bendahara sudden death shocked the Northern State of Kedah. He was the Councillor-General of Kedah Regency Council appointed by the Sultan of Kedah. The patriarch of the Kedah Royal Family, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah who was on a State visit to Singapore shortened his visit and returned back to Malaysia to see the remainder of the late Tunku Bendahara.

Tunku Annuar is the third surviving son of Almarhum Sultan Badlishah by his second wife, Sultanah Asma. He is the half-brother of the reigning Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. His death left the line of succession an open question as he is the second in line to the throne of Kedah and is expected to be the next Sultan as the incumbent Raja Muda of Kedah, Tunku Abdul Malik ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah is ailing.

Tunku Annuar was survived by his wife, the Toh Puan Bendahara of Kedah, Datuk Sri Nur Suzannah Abdullah. He married twice in his lifetime. He was first married to Sharifah Saleha binti Syed Omar Shahabudin and the second to Datuk Sri Nur Suzanna. The marriage to Sharifah Saleha produced three sons and a daughter. He was buried at the Royal Cemetary at Langgar, Kedah.

AL-FATIHAH

Discussion : Sultan of Selangor is the Head of Religion

Pasca General Election 2013 mark a new story for the richest state in Malaysia, the State of Selangor Darul Ehsan fondly known as the Land of Goodness. The recent event of the word Allah when the Sultan of Selangor announce the word Allah is exclusive to Muslim only has started some uproar. And since that, it has become an open debate in the social media and internet stating the Sultan is only the Head of Islam. Nevertheless, the Sultan action is actually a manifestation of the Sultan power and authority, where His Royal Highness is not just a mere Head of Islam, but the State Constitution under Article 48 clearly stated him as 'the Head of Religion'.

Having read the constitution myself, it is clear that the State Constitutional Monarchy is not just a figurehead, but an institution to be reckon with, and having absolute power over religion. The article above reserve a power for His Royal Highness that, under his jurisdiction he has the power and authority over all religions that may affect Islam. If His Royal highness's stated that the word Allah used by other religion may affect Islam, then he has a say in that matter.

And until now, the Sultan of Selangor is not alone. 2 other monarchs, His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under his capacity as the Sultan of Kedah has taken the same side as the Sultan of Selangor. Do not question the exclusiveness of the word Allah by Muslim.

The new Menteri Besar of Kedah and Kelantan

After the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Mohd Najib sworn in as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the State of Kedah and Kelantan is the first to receive their respective Head of Government. In the last election, Barisan Nasional has won in Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Sabah. Meanwhile, PR retained the State of Kelantan, Pulau Pinang and Selangor. Among the BN's State, the first to have their Menteri Besar is the State of Kedah.

Kelantan is the first PR's State to have its Menteri Besar, and a new one. After 23 years served as the Menteri Besar of Kelantan, Tuan Guru Dato Nik Aziz bin Nik Mat step down from the position to make way for his Deputy to become the new Menteri Besar. Dato Ahmad Yaakop has sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Kelantan before the Al-Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V. Also present in the ceremony was His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra, the State Mufti, Dato Shukri Mohamad and Kelantan's Chief of Police, Dato Jalaluddin Abd Rahman.

Among the BN's State, Kedah is the first to have its Menteri Besar. On 7th April 2013, Dato Seri Mukhriz bin Tun Mahathir has sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Kedah before the Councillor-General of Kedah Regency Council, His Royal Highness Tunku Anuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah. The appointment were made following the victory of BN in the State Election where BN has won 21 out of 36 seats contested in the State Assembly, and thus recapture the State from PR.

Federal Contribution and Zakat Payment

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah received the Federal Contribution for the State of Kedah Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam, State of Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department worth of RM49,93,868.00. The Federal Government were represented by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom handed down the replica check to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceremony held at Istana Anak Bukit, Kedah. It was witnessed by the Councillor-General of Regency, His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.


In the same ceremony, His Majesty also delivered the zakat payment from Tabung Haji worth of RM3,279,105.03 to the Secretary of State, Datuk Wira Rasli Basir.

pictures from Bernama

Three-Day visit to Brunei Darussalam

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 is on a three-day State visit to Brunei Darussalam from May 9 until May 12, 2012. The royal couple took off at about 3.10 pm from the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLIA. Also accompanied Their Majesties were the Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as the minister in attendance.

The arrival of the royal couple at Brunei International Airport were greeted by Their Highnesses Pingiran Muda Abdul Azim Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah. Also can be seen accompanied the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is His Royal Highness the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, Tunku Salehuddin ibni Sultan Badlishah.

This is the first overseas trip by Tuanku Abdul Halim since he was installed as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on April 11. At night, the Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and Tuanku Hajah Haminah attended the dinner with almost 300 Malaysian in Brunei.


picture from Bernama

Tunku Mokhtar Passes Away

Datuk Tunku Mokhtar Tunku Muhammad Jiwa, the cousin of Yang di-Pertuan Agung Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, passed away at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) this morning. Tunku Mokhtar's sister Datuk Tunku Mukminah said her 75-year-old brother who died at 10.15am Thursday was buried at the Shah Alam Royal Mausoleum at 4.30pm today. The former Lieutenant Colonel of Regimen Askar Melayu DiRaja who retired in 1988, leaves behind his wife Datin Tengku Zahara Tengku Khalid Shah and three children.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zahara, 71 said her husband had complained of pain in his stomach yesterday afternoon after having a drink with their youngest son Tunku Norzal Jalali, 28 and his wife Noorkamarina Dr Zainal Abidin, 29 at their residence and was rushed to PPUM for treatment. She said her husband was busy preparing for the wedding reception of their son Tunku Norzal Jalali, scheduled on May 26.

picture from Bernama

P-BANK Charity Dinner

Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah Thursday night attended a charity dinner and concert of Kedah Natural Disaster Association (P-BANK) here. The annual P-BANK event is held to collect contribution for the association to face natural disasters and to help victims in Kedah. Also present were the Tengku Bendahara of Kedah, Datuk Seri Tengku Anuar Sultan Badlishah who is also the president of P-BANK.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dan wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali were among 500 guests at the dinner to mark the 84th birthday cleebration of the Sultan of Kedah.

picture from Bernama

The Wizard of Oz theater

Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) and Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the musical theater performance of The Wizard of Oz, Tuesday night. The Also in attendance at the two-and-a-half-hour show were Tunku Puteri Intan Shafinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

The performances were organized by the Sultanah Bahiyah Foundation, aims to raise funds for the needy.

picture from Bernama

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

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.

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.

A Royal Banquet

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to attend the Royal Banquet held at the National Palace in conjunction of the Installation Ceremony. Accompanied the King were his consort, Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. Their Majesties arrived at the banquet hall of the National Palace at 9.00 pm and were followed by the rest of the Malay Rulers. The banquet was also attended by Datuk Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, who represented his father, the Sultan of Brunei.

Other guests included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and senior government officials. Their Majesties and guests were also entertained by cultural dances and songs by popular local artistes.

picture from Bernama

The Installation of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you

Welcome to my blog

It is the day of the Installation, and I enjoy one day of public holiday today. Here is some latest update from the ceremony.

9.28 am

The Installation proceeds since 8.00 am this morning. All the State Rulers and Head of States personally attends the Installation and none of them sending a representatives, with exceptions of the previous Supreme Ruler, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. All titled royals from each respective State can be seen taking their place in the Throne Chamber. It is still raining in Kuala Lumpur, and probably the Installation will be started a little late from original scheduled. The Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers also can be seen in the ceremony. Still waiting for the arrival of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and Tuanku Hajah Haminah for the inspection of the Guard-of-Honour ceremony.

9.59 am

The arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the National Palace in Jalan Duta. The arrival of Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah were greeted by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib bin Tun Abd Razak.

10.02 am

The National Anthem Negaraku were played. And, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong enter the Seri Maharaja Chamber and greets all the State Rulers and Head of States.

10.11 am

The Deputy Prime Minister and wife followed by the Prime Minister and wife entered the Throne Chamber of the National Palace.

10.12 am

The State Rulers and Head of States enters the Throne Chamber of National Palace. Headed by the representatives of the Sultan of Terengganu. Followed by the Head of State of Sabah and wife.

10.18 am

The Head of State of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil and wife, Toh Puan Zurina entered the Throne Chamber. Followed by the Head of State of Pulau Pinang and wife.

10.21 am

The Head of State of Sarawak and wife entered the Throne Chamber. Followed by the Councillor-General of Regency of Kedah, Tunku Annuar and his consort, Datuk Hajah Nor Suzanna.

10.23 am

The Pangeran Muda (Crown Prince) of Brunei Darussalam and Pangeran Isteri entered the Throne Chamber, represented the State of Brunei Darussalam. Followed by the Al-Sultan of Kelantan.

10.27 am

The Sultan of Johor and his consort, the Raja Zarith Sofia entered the Throne Chamber. Followed by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani

10.29 am

The Sultan of Selangor entered the Throne Chamber. Followed by the Raja of Perlis and consort, Tuanku Fauziah

10.31 am

The Sultan of Perak and consort, the Raja Permaisuri of Perak entered the Throne Chamber. Followed by the Sultan and Sultanah of Pahang.

10.44 am

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Raja Permaisuri Agong entered the Throne Chamer of the National Palace, accompanied by the Grand Chamberlain and Royal Regalia. The Nobat were played during the procession.

10.48 am

The Grand Chamberlain asking the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to proceed with the Installation Ceremony.

10.50 am

The Installation Ceremony takes place. The Grand Chamberlain bringing the royal regalia for the Installation consist of Al-Quran, Keris, Instrument of Proclamation and Oath of the Supreme Ruler

10.55 am

The Grand Chamberlain giving the Al-Quran to the Supreme Ruler. Tuanku Abdul Halim kissed the Al-Quran and put it onto the rehal.

10.59 am

The Grand Chamberlain invited the Prime Minister to read the Instrument of Proclamation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The Prime Minister read the Proclamation and announced the proclamation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

11.02 am

The Grand Chamberlain presented the Keris Kerajaan, Keris of the Kingdom to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah unsheathe the Keris and kissed it, as the very symbol of power and authority of the Supreme Ruler. The Keris was put beside the Al-Quran.

11.07 am

Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah read the Oath of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The nobat were played after the reading. The Daulat Tuanku were shouted three times and Salute guns were fired along with the playing of the National Anthem, Negaraku.

11.15 am

The Grand Chamberlain invited the Prime Minister to congratulate the Supreme Ruler to the Installation. The Prime Minister then read the Oath of Loyalty represented the Government and the People of Malaysia

11.30 am

The Grand Chamberlain presented the speech text of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

12.05 pm

The Grand Chamberlain announced that the Installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong have safely been conducted. The march-out procession of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong from the Throne Chamber. Followed by the State Rulers and Head of States, including the Pangeran Muda Mahkota of Brunei Darussalam and Pangeran Muda Anak Isteri of Brunei.

Alhamdulillah, Praised be to Allah for the safe procession of the Installation ceremony of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. May Your Majesties may reign in peace and harmony with fair and justice.

DIRGAHAYU TUANKU

Kedah's Exco appointment

His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah who is also the Councillor-General of Regency of Kedah consent to deliver the instrument of appointment to the Exco of Kedah's State Government, Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi and Dr. Ismail Salleh for another term. The ceremony witness the re-appointment of the two Excos with reduced role in term of portfolio both of them held in the government. The ceremony was held at Istana Anak Bukit, Kedah. Also present in the ceremony were Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Kedah, Datuk Seri Azizan Abd Razak.

The Sultan of Kelantan received D.K Kedah

His Royal Highness the Al-Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V were invested the Kedah State Medal of Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Mulia Kedah (D.K) from the Councillor General of Regency, His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah in a ceremony held at Istana Negeri (State Palace) Kubang Kerian. The Tunku Annuar were represented the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah who are currently served as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia.

picture from Utusan

8 Kedah's Executive Councillors sworn in

His Royal Highness the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah, Tunku Annuar ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah who is also the Councillor General of Regency Council consent to deliver the instrument of appointment to 8 Executive Councillors of Kedah State Government in a ceremony held at Istana Anak Bukit. Present in the ceremony was Menteri Besar of Kedah, Datuk Seri Diraja Azizan bin Abdul Razak.

The line of Executive Councillors also sworn in before the Councilor General of Regency for a new term starting effectively on March 8, 2012. They consist of Datuk Mohamed Taulan Mat Rasul, Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah, Datuk Dr Hamdan Mohamed Khalib, Datuk Siti Ashah Ghazali, Datuk S Manikumar, Lim Soo Nee, Abd Ghani Ahmad and Tan Chow Kang who agreed on the offer of re-appointment by the Menteri Besar.

Two Executive Councillors who does not accept the re-appointment are Phahrolrazi dan Dr Ismail, nevertheless still served as Exco until their tenure end on March 7, 2012. They will either taking the oath in another separate ceremony if re-appointed or will be replaced.

picture from Bernama

The King attends second day meeting

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah consent to attend the second day meeting of Conference of Ruler held at the National Palace. The two-day meeting was chaired by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. His Majesty was accompanied by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

All the rulers were present except for the Kedah Sultan who was represented by Council of Regency chairman Datuk Seri Utama Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah and Pahang by Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. The rulers were accompanied by their respective Menteris Besar while the Governors of Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and Melaka by their Chief Ministers.

picture from Bernama

228th Conference of Ruler's Meeting

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah chaired the 228th Conference of Ruler's Meeting at the Istana Negara (National Palace). The first day of the meeting was attended by all State Rulers and Governors accept for Kedah, who represented by the Chairman of Kedah Regency Council, His Royal Highness Tunku Annuar ibni Sultan Badlishah and Pahang, who represented by His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah.

All State Rulers and Governors were accompanied by their respective Menteri Besars and Chief Ministers accept for Sarawak who represented by the Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu. In this meeting, the Conference were discussing the matter of religion, defense, security, appointment, economy and also the industrial growth.

At night, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah hosted a State Banquet and greeted all Rulers and Governors who attended the meeting.

picture from Bernama