Royal News Round-Up June 2013 III ; The Royal Wedding

Thanks be to Allah as the long awaited news finally arrived for the State of Kelantan following the marriage of Her Royal Highness Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri binti Sultan Ismail Petra II to the Brunei's Royalty, His Highness Pangeran Muda Abdul Qawi. The couple were united in holy matrimony in the ceremony held at the Istana Mahkota, Kubang Kerian. The nikah  ceremony were held on 28th June 2013.

His Highness Pangeran Muda Abdul Qawi, were born on 27th January 1974. Meanwhile Tengku Amalin Aishah Puteri were born on 26th June 1984.

After the nikah ceremony, the sanding and reception ceremony were held on the next day, 29th June 2013. The sanding ceremony were held at the State Palace of Kubang Kerian.

Royal News Round-up June 2013 I ; A Royal Engagement

The royal news round-up segment coming again for this month. For this segment of the month, lets us travel to the Land of Beauty, The State of Kelantan Darul Naim following a royal engagement and also a royal wedding at the end of June. The youngest and only sister of His Royal Highness the Al-Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, Her Royal Highness Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri binti Sultan Ismail Petra II were officially engaged with His Highness Pangeran Muda Abdul Qawi ibni Pangeran Muda Mohammed Bolkiah of Brunei. The engagement however were kept secret in the royal circle and only royalties and invited dignitaries known of such engagement. 

Her Royal Highness Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri ibni Sultan Ismail Petra II
of Kelantan

It is only I read this news in Maharum Bugis Syah that I knew of such happy news. Congratulations to Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri for the engagement. The royal couples will be married on 28th June 2013.

pictures from Maharum Bugis Syah

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.

His Royal Highness's Government I; Kelantan

As the General Election is drawing near, it is a good time to see and reflect the Government that we have previously elect in the election. Malaysia adapted closely the Westminster system of Parliamentary Democracy where the elected representative who make up the majority in the Parliament will formed a government. In the case of Constitutional Monarchy, a reserved power were given to the monarch to appoint from the side who win at least a simple majority as the Head of Government who shall lead the Government in the name of the reigning monarch. In this series, we will see the relation between the Government and the monarch and how well both of this institution cooperate with one another in each respective State's political landscape. The first the State that we will see in the series is the State of Kelantan Darul Naim.

Kelantan since 2008

 Since the General Election 2008, the State Assembly witnessed a major changes in the seats between the serving government and the opposition. Since 1990, the State Government has always been formed by the Islamic based party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS). Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz bin Nik Mat, the Menteri Besar of Kelantan once again received the mandate from the Kelantanese for another term.

And compare to that of 2004, the 2008 General Election witnessed that PAS formed the Government with a landslide victory. This make the State Government can focused more on another important matter such as the 5% Oil Royalty Payment. The state claimed that they have the right and should received royalty from the oil produced on the state offshore. And, it is this stable government that help the troubling monarchy in its time of need.

When the Government swore their Oath of Allegiance in 2008, the reigning Sultan was His Royal Highness Sultan Ismail Petra II. He has ruled the State of Kelantan for almost 30 years. It is not the first and probably not the last that the Sultanate of Kelantan will witnessed problems during the succession of the crown. The health of Sultan Ismail Petra was deteriorated in 2009, led to a regency by his first son, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra.

During the early stage of the regency, there are not much of a problem. Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra is well received by the Kelantanese. As a down to earth Crown Prince, the Kelantanese have a very deep expectation for the Regent, that he can do well as a Regent and as well as the Al-Sultan of Kelantan when the time comes. Nevertheless, the trouble soon occur when the royal family of Kelantan suffer a fate of controversial issue when the Crown Prince's sister-in-law, Manohara Odelia Pinot fled to Indonesia with her mother when they are in Singapore with her husband, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra to visit the Sultan Ismail Petra II where he was hospitalized there. And the worst is yet to come.

After the controversial issue of the wife of a Prince, another issue splat out to the royal family, and this time with the shocking news of the second wife of the Sultan, Che Puan Elia Suhana who the marriage is kept secret within the royal circles. The marriage is proved to be valid. In addition, a tug-of-war fight also arise between the Regent and his brother, Tengku Temenggung of Kelantan. The State Government has done a good job not to intervened with the Palace's affairs. But after almost a year with a problematic monarchy, it has come to a boiling point where the State Government has billed out an amendment to the State Constitution regarding the regency where any Sultan which proved incapacitate more than a year need to abdicate the throne. During the State Assembly session, both the government and opposition alike unanimously in favour of the amendment.

Thus, without much hardship, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra were proclaimed as the Al-Sultan of Kelantan with a reigning name of Sultan Muhammad V. Even though during the early stage of His Royal Highness ascended the throne, there are several attempt to challenge the validity of the succession, the position of Sultan is secured especially when the Conference of Ruler acknowledge the position of Sultan Muhammad V as the new Sultan of Kelantan.

Nevertheless the role played by the Government of Kelantan during the royal family feud is something to be praised. It is very hard to see a Government that willing to help the monarchy and upholding the royal institution. Until next time with another episode of His Royal Highness's Government.

Aidil Adha Celebration all over the nation

Muslims nationwide celebrated Aidiladha today on a moderate scale and in appreciation of sacrifice as required by Islamic teachings. Aidiladha is of great significance for Muslims worldwide and is celebrated in memory of the sacrifice made by the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail in obeying Allah. Fine weather in the morning enabled Muslims to perform their prayers comfortably, followed by the sacrificial offerings carried out at mosques, villages and housing estates. The Meteorological Department has, however, forecast isolated rain and thunderstorms in several states later in the day. This year, Aidiladha fell on the holy day of Friday and Muslims congregated again at mosques for the Friday prayers.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah joined millions of Muslims from around the world in performing the Haj this year.

In KELANTAN, Sultan Muhammad V performed prayers with about 5,000 people at the Muhammadi Mosque in Kota Baharu, led by the Grand Imam, Mohamad Hanafizi Abdullah, of the Kelantan Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.

In TERENGGANU, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin performed prayers with more than a 1,000 people at the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Mosque in Ladang, Kuala Terengganu. He was accompanied by other members of the royal family and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.

In PERAK, the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir joined about 1,000 people for the prayers at the Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque at the General Operations Force Camp in Ulu Kinta. Raja Dr Nazrin Shah is also scheduled to officially open the Hidayatul Ummah Mosque in Kota Lama Kiri, Kuala Kangsar, and join the congregation there for the Friday prayers.

The state government organised annual sacrificial offering programme 'Korban Perdana' managed to collect RM1.17 million from various state agencies and statutory bodies. The funds were used to buy livestock for sacrifice at state and district level.

In PAHANG, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the Tengku Puan of Pahang, Tengku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Sultan Iskandar, joined about 2,000 people who congregated at the Sultan Haji Ahmad 1 State Mosque. Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, state executive councillors and government officers. The prayers were led by Pahang Mufti Datuk Abdul Rahman Osman.

In SELANGOR, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah performed prayers with about 20,000 people at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque. Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. The mosque's Grand Imam, Ustaz Ahmad Mustafa Mohd Sidin Al-Muqri, led the prayers. The congregation also included foreign Muslim students from the Al-Madinah International University and foreign workers.



In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, joined about 500 people for prayers at the Tuanku Munawir Royal Mosque in Seri Menanti. He was accompanied by the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Binti Tengku Besar Mahmud and several other members of the royal family. Their Majesties then attended a 'tahlil' ceremony at the Seri Menanti Royal Mausoleum. Tuanku Muhriz also attended the sacrificial offering ceremony at the mosque.

In MELAKA, Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob joined a congregation of about 7,000 for prayers at the Al-Azim Mosque in Melaka city. Also present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. The state-sponsored sacrificial offering of 19 cows would be held at the mosque tomorrow.

In PULAU PINANG, the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas performed the Aidiladha prayers at the Masjid Haji Abdullah Fahim in Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang. Also present was the Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In SABAH, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin joined about 5,000 people for prayers at the State Mosque in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu. Also present were community leaders and heads of state and federal government departments.

In SARAWAK, Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and wife, Toh Puah Rokiah Abdullah performed the Aidiladha prayers at the Masjid Jamek Kuching. Also present were Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife, Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, and other Sarawak cabinet ministers.

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

The Women and Children, We Care Program

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra consent to attend and officiate the program of Women and Children, We Care Program (Program Cakna Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak) in conjunction of the 100th anniversary celebration of Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK) held at Kompleks Islam Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Accompanied the Crown Prince were his sister, Her Highness Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri binti Sultan Ismail Petra; State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Nasaruddin Daud; Deputy President of MAIK, Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Zain and Secretary of State, Datuk Zainuddin Ibrahim.

In the program, the Crown Prince consent to deliver contributions 150 students including to the poor in all around the State. The program will be held for 5 days until April 11, 2012. The program focusing women and children activities in its tentative.

Sultan placed the foundation stone of MMP Masjid

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V consent to attend and officiate the Foundation Stone placing ceremony of the new Masjid of Maahad Muhammadi Perempuan. The construction cost is estimated about RM3 million. His Royal Highness arrived wearing a white robe and kopiah at 1.45pm and performed the Zuhur Prayer alongside the congregation at the Maahad. Also accompanied the Sultan of Kelantan were His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra. After the prayer, the Sultan Muhammad V placed the foundation stone of the masjid and placed his signature at Dataran Jam Matahari in the school vicinity. The new Masjid can accommodate a congregation of 2,000 people in one time.

Also attended the ceremony were Deputy Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), Datuk Ahmad Yakob; Secretary of State, Datuk Dr. Zainuddin Ibrahim; Speaker of State Assembly, Datuk Nasuruddin Daud and Chairman of State Islamic, Education and Da'awah Development Committee, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

picture from Utusan

Ground Breaking ceremony of Tok Bali Port

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V consent to attend and officiate the ground breaking ceremony of Tok Bali International Port. The Sultan also consent to officiate the Tok Bali Water Festival 2012 in the morning. Also present in the ceremony were the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Kelantan, Tuan Guru Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz bin Nik Mat and the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapha bin Mohamed. Minister Mustapha in the ceremony stated that the development of Tok Bali International Port is included in the East Cost Economic Region (ECER) development plan as are estimated cost of the Tok Bali Port project is about RM3.2 billion. From this value, the Government funded around RM230 million while another RM3.o billion were funded by the private sectors.

The international port can accommodate to the trade vassals from South China Sea to export their product to the ASEAN Countries, Japan and Korea in the future including as the catalyst to increase the export of local products.

Blood Donating Campaign

Al-Muhammadi Kelantanese Royalty Association, Pertubuhan Kerabat Diraja Kelantan Al-Muhammadi had organized a Blood Donating Campaign taking place at the Istana Balai Besar at Kota Bharu. The event, which was a collaboration between the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital and the Sultan of Kelantan's Office is the first of its kind to be organized. The President of the Association, His Royal Highness the Tengku Laksamana of Kelantan, Tengku Abdul Halim Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim stated that, the campaign had succeeded in get the interest of 100 participants from various backgrounds. Among them were the members of Malaysian Army, RELA and Civil Defense Department.

The Kelantanese Royalty and college students also among those participate in the campaign. The campaign mission is to collect blood to be donated to the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital. Tengku Abdul Halim also stated that, the association has proposed to make the event as an annual event for the association.

picture from Utusan

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

The New Potrait of Sultan Muhammad V

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V consent to approve the new official portrait of the Sultan. The new portrait will be distributed to all State agencies after it is in circulation. The Sultan Muhammad V was born as Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra on 6th October 1969, the first son of Sultan Ismail Petra II. He was the first son of Sultan Ismail Petra and was invested with the title of Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan in October 1985. He was proclaimed as Regent of Kelantan after his father suffered a stroke in 2009.

After a year of ailing, the State Government amended the State Constitution where the incapacitated Sultan must be replaced if cannot assumed his duties as Sultan after one year period. Thus, on 13th September 2010, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra was proclaimed as His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan using the reigning name of Sultan Muhammad V. Currently, His Royal Highness does not consent for any State Royal Coronation to take place for his reign.

MAIK's Founders remembrance day

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra consent to attend the remembrance day of Kelantan State Islamic Council (MAIK)'s founders in the ceremony held at Datuk Perdana Menteri Paduka Raja Cemetery, Kota Bharu. The Crown Prince is also the President of MAIK. Also present in the ceremony were 100 officials of MAIK and State Noblemen.

The remembrance day was made in conjunction of 100 years celebration of MAIK this year. Among the founder of MAIK including the Datuk Perdana Menteri Paduka Raja, Nik Mahmud bin Nik Ismail; the Datuk Laksamana, Muhammad Khatib bin Muhammad Said and Awang Mohd. Yusof bin Ahmad who also widely known as 'Tok Kenali'. Many programs has been organized and planned from this month until the end of December in conjunction of the celebration like forum, discussion and carnival.

picture from Utusan

Contribution from MAIK

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra consent to deliver contributions worth of RM18,000 to the nine fire victims at Wakaf Che Yeh. The contribution were delivered by the Deputy President of Kelantan State Religious Council (MAIK), Datuk Kamaruddin bin Mohd Zin. Also present were the Secretary of MAIK, Che Hamat Che Muda and the Private Secretary of the Crown Prince, Mohamed Sarafuddin Ismail.

On past March 1, nine units of two storey shophouses at Jalan Wakaf Che Yeh were destroyed in fire around 6 pm. The fire destroyed the grocery stores, repair shops and tire shops owned by the five dealers. A victim, Ibrahim Mat Taib, when met at the ceremony expressed his gratitude to the Prince for his concerns.

picture from Utusan

Sultan opens 5th session of State Assembly Seating

His Royal Highness the Sultan Muhammad V consent to open the 5th Session of 12th State Assembly Seating at the State Assembly Building, the Kota Darul Naim. Also accompanied the Sultan is His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra.

In his opening speech, the Sultan reminded the people not to play with religious sentiments as doing so would be detrimental to the country. He said religious polemics should be managed with care and wisdom, saying that issues relating to religion would invariably touch the sensitivities of all parties. In the ceremony, also touched on the water issue and called on the Kelantan government to continue focusing on developing long-term strategies to manage the state's water resources and to ensure adequate water for all.

He said the implementation of projects by Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd currently involved an upgrade of 11 water treatment plants and the installation of main pipes totalling 500km in length, expected to be completed at the end of this year. He also hoped that the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport could be upgraded to become an international airport in the near future in view of the increase in the number of passengers handled by the airport, totalling 1.13 million last year. The State Assembly will sit for two days from Sunday.

picture from Bernama

Five pillars of excellence

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V consent to attend and officiates the Wacana Keputeraan Forum took place at Balai Islam Lundang, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Also accompanied the Sultan to the program was His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra ibni Sultan Ismail Petra. The two-day forum taking Model Masyarakat Bertakwa as its theme were organized by Kelantan State Islamic Department, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Kelantan (JHEAIK) and joined by participants from Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei.

In his speech, the Sultan Muhammad V has stated that he as the Head of Islam in the State is committed to uplift the status of Muslims and Islamic teachings are wholly practiced, especially the people of Kelantan. He also stated that all government agencies must takes the five pillars of excellence as their main reference in their daily duties. The pillars are Faqihin, aminan, rahiman, ilman and salaman.

Also present in the ceremony were Deputy Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Yakob; Islamic Development Committee Chairman, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Director of JHEAIK, Datuk Che Mohd Rahim Jusoh.

picture from Utusan

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