Grand Palace of Johor Bahru ; the renovation

Officially, i'm at the capital of Johor, the city of Johor Bahru which is also my hometown. We, the Johorean is very proud with our heritage and culture which is in the past wast a part of the Empire of Johor-Riau. Among the famous landscape of Johor is the Istana Besar Johor Bahru, the official palace of the Sultan of Johor. Some part of the palace is open for public as a living museum. Nevertheless the museum is closed in 2012 for renovation. It is expected to finish on 2013. Before I'm returning to Johor, I have made a phonecall to the museum to ask whether or not the museum has been open. And the answer is "no". So, I was beginning to wonder how big is the renovation is. And the picture below answer it all.

It was a total renovation where the blue tiled roof is changed to red. During my research, the red roof is its original colour. And probably they are trying to revert it back to its former glory. And, possibly the renovation will be finished in early 2014. I am really excited by the process. Is this a sign of the State's are preparing for the Sultan 's coronation ceremony? Lets us wait and see. 

P.S :: The coronation ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the Sultan of Johor will be held on 5th May 2014.

Happy New Year 2013

Its been a while since the last time I updated the blog. Due to the time constraint of my work, I need to sacrifice my time with the blog and focused more with my work. The royal blog has always be my passion and I have put my time so much on it and I just can't put it aside. The time went by so fast and we already in the year of 2013. Happy New Year to all. Let us praised the Almighty God as we are still alive.

A lot of things has happened in the past 12 months and usually I will make a revision of what has happened, including an important events attended by our beloved Royalty. Nevertheless, i will just skip this part for 2012. And for 2013, this year probably the most important year to us Malaysian. The 13th General Election is drawing near, for whatever the dates it might be. Monarchy plays an important role after the election, the appointment of the Head of Government. I'm looking forward to that.

Well, I think for the time being, lets us relaxed and see what will be unfold. As for me, watching the Kemena fireworks marked my first ever New Year celebration. Happy New Year 2013 to all my visitors, followers and blogwalkers. Thank you again for all the supports and advices.

Nasha Alyssa's wedding reception

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) attended the wedding reception of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's first daughter, Nasha Alyssa and her husband Muhd Anas Zawawi Khalid. Muhd Anas Zawawi is the son of Khalid Mohamad Jiwa with his first wife, Tengku Zawiyah binti Tengku Izham.

Also attended the wedding reception were Their Royal Highnesses the Sultan and Sultanah of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Syah and Sultanah Kalsom accompanied by the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang and his consort, the Tengku Puan (Crown Princess) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Syah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Also present in the ceremony were Their Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Melaka, Tun Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob and wife, Toh Puan Zurina.

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.

Selangor State Level Maal Hijrah Celebration

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah attended the Selangor State Level of Maal Hijrah Celebration 1434 held at the State Mosque of Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam yesterday. The Sultan alongside the congregation present at the mosque prayed the End of Year prayers yesterday. 

picture from Bernama. 

Perak State Level Deepavali Celebration

Her Royal Highness the Raja Puan Besar (Crown Princess) of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim Davidson graced the Perak State Level Deepavali Celebration held at the Official Residence of the Menteri Besar yesterday. The Crown Princess were accompanied by the wife of the Perak's Menteri Besar, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli. In the event, the Crown Princess consented to deliver the contribution in form of 'duit raya' to the orphans of Precious Gift Home. 

In the picture, the Crown Princess mingled with one of the orphan of Precious Gift Home, K. Darshana.

Picture from Bernama.

The Queen's new apperance

Our Constitutional Monarchy probably is heading towards the right direction from time to time, and also according to what the people wanted from their respective King and Queen. The new appearance of our beloved Queen, Her Royal Highness the Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah is one good example, changing from a free-hair Queen to wearing a Hijab upon her arrival from the Makkah on 31st October 2012. The King and Queen of Malaysia departed to Makkah on last 19th September 2012 to performed the Hajj.

The Queen changed of appearance also can be seen during the State Banquet in conjunction of the 230th Conference of Rulers meeting at the Istana Negara on 8th November 2012.

Another of Her Majesty appearance is during the reception ceremony of Malaysian World No. 1 Badminton player, Datuk Lee Chong Wei on 9th November 2012.

From Radin's Blog, we congratulate the Queen on her changes of appearance to the better. As far as the people are concern, Malaysian are really happy to see Her Majesty as the third Queen to wear the Hijab on daily life.

Daulat Tuanku

Long Live the King

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.

Sabah State Investiture Ceremony

The State of Sabah yesterday celebrated the 59th Birthday Celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin. In conjunction with the birthday celebration, an investiture ceremony was held at Istana Negeri where 905 recipients were enlist to receive the state honorary medal and title. The first in the list was the wife of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni who received the order of 'Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK)' that carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima'. She is one of two recipients received the order, where the other one was Chief Secretary to the Government, Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa. 

A total of 55 people are awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title 'Datuk'. They are Kundasang state assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Lumadan state assemblyman Kamarlin Ombi, Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Aziz Kasim, Sabah branch Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) director Dr Abdul Kadir Rosline, Sabah Housebuyers Claim Tribunal president Ahmad Sedik, Sabah Umno Youth chief Awang Kadin Tang, Parti Bersatu Sabah assist secretary-general Daniel Kinsik, Korperasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) director-general Datu Basrun Datu Mansur, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib, permanent secretary of Industrial Development Ministry Hashim Paijan, singer John Gaisah (posthumous), Sabah Wildlife Department director Laurentius Nayan Ambu, the father of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Mahiruddin Hussin, Sabah Immigration director Mohamad Mentek, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah, veteran politician Onn Ariffin, Tenom Wanita Umno chief Datin Rahmah Jan Sulaiman Khan and treasurer of Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce, Roselan Johar Mohamed.

Other PGDK recipients are New Straits Times Press group managing editor Abdul Jalil Abdul Hamid, Dr Amin Senin, Anthony Koshy, Basra Abdul Rahman, Major (K) Chin Kee Yong @ Peter, Chu Fui Khin @ William Chu, Ganesh Nandy A/L BB Nandy, Glen Reynolds, Hsieh Yang Vui, Jangson Boijol @ Jackson Alexius, Jerry WA Dusing @ Jerry W. Patel, John Lo Thau Fah, Juhari Haron, Juil Nuatim, Reverend Bishop Bersara Julius Dusin Gitom, Liew Siew Kian, Lim Tiong Chai, Ling Nga Ming @ Mary Ling, Mary E Dupanggol @ Aminah Ambrose, Mary Theresa Kinajil, Mohamad Farid Linggi, Dr Mohd Yusof Ibrahim, Rosmadi Ismail, Salleh Janan, Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah, Sim Men Kin @ Andrew Sim, Dr Soo Thian Lian, Sulaiman Omar, Thien Sin Min @ Peter, Ting Huat Kiing, Wee Kok Hui, Wong Kian Kheong, Wong Tuck Wai, Yong Foo San, Yong Soo Pin @ Yong Su Ping, Yusoff HM Haniff and Zulkifli Jaafar.

Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abdidin Madingkir lead the Justice of Peace (JP) list of nine people. The others are Sabah Puteri Umno chief Musliati Moslimin, Sabah Umno Youth deputy chief Md Joh Wid, Chin Tai Kong, Dirih @ Sebatian Anjim, Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim, Jane Manjaji @ Marilyn, Lee Pong Choi and Lim Thein Phin @ Kevin. Among the 69 recipients of Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK) are Sabah Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) bureau chief Newmond Tibin, Sabah Information Department director Almain Ajirul, Sabah Special Affairs Department director Abdul Manap Lakariba, popular singer Abu Bakar Ellah and former national football striker Hasan Sani.

Among the recipients of the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) are Sabah bodybuilder Aricco Jumith and former Sabah bodybuilding champion Justine Sompong. Media practitioners who will receive the Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK) are Carolyn Maurice (Chief Minister's Department), Bernama stringer Ismail Lamo, New Sabah Times journalist Marryan Razan, Utusan Borneo journalist Siti Aisyah Narudin and Zaidi Jamin (Sabah Information Department).

Tuanku Abdul Halim arrived in Kuala Lumpur

Their Majesties Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrived home Friday after a five-day state visit to Japan. Their majesties arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's (KLIA) Bunga Raya Complex, here, at 6.45pm. Also present to receive them was Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung.

The King and Queen's programme while in Japan included visiting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, attending the state banquet, receiving Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and wife Hitomi Noda and meeting the Malaysian community at a dinner function. The visit was at the invitation of Emperor Akihito to give the opportunity for both heads of state to strengthen their personal ties and friendship formed since Emperor Akihito's visit to Malaysia in 1970 as the Crown Prince of Japan. At that time, Tuanku Abdul Halim was the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Also in the royal entourage were Tunku Temenggong of Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Toh Puan Temenggong of Kedah Puan Sri Tengku Maliha Tengku Ariff and Tunku Panglima Besar of Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as the accompanying minister.