Ministers and leaders expressed their joy in witnessing the historic moment when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was sworn in as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, at the Istana Negara, today.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke admitted that he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to sit in the ceremony steeped in tradition, by virtue of his position as a minister.
"This is a memorable day for me as this is the first time that I get to attend a unique and significant day in history for the country.
"The monarchy system will continue to be preserved and I feel we need to appreciate and cherish the uniqueness of the constitutional monarchy in Malaysia," he told Bernama when met after the ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, while describing Sultan Abdullah as very friendly, said, he prayed for the well-being of His Majesty.
"I feel so proud because today the people of Malaysia have been blessed with a new king who is young, friendly and kind-hearted," he said.
Sultan Abdullah who was sworn in today as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, took his oath and signed the instruments of office before the Malay Rulers at the 252nd (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers held at the Balairung Seri (Throne Room).
The special meeting also witnessed the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah taking his oath as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said together with the people of Selangor he was confident that Sultan Abdullah would lead the country to greatness.
"May this historic event further strengthen the management and administration of the country and bring success and prosperity to the nation," the menteri besar said.
Ceremony successful despite short preparation time
Not even the short preparation time of less than a month could stop the successful staging of the historic ceremony, with the much-anticipated event being carried out in a joyous and systematic manner.
Staff from the various government agencies worked together to ensure today’s ceremony went smoothly.
Penolong Datuk Paduka Maharaja Lela Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini said their biggest task during the short time was to ensure the oath taking ceremony and signing of the instrument of the oath proceeded smoothly.
“I am relieved and grateful that the much-awaited ceremony went according to plan and was well-managed.
“Although we had less than 24 days to prepare, everything went smoothly thanks to the commitment and responsibility of all staff from the agencies involved,” he told Bernama after the ceremony ended today.
Azuan Effendy described the commitment shown by those working behind the scene, comprising civil servants, as a true reflection of their integrity in carrying out their duties and responsibilities to provide the best services.
He credited the civil servants, who worked hard and at all hours during the preparation stage, for contributing to the success of the event at Istana Negara.
Speaking on behalf of the Istana Negara employees, Azuan Effendy said they would serve Sultan Abdullah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar with loyalty and devotion.
At the ceremony, Azwan Effendy was tasked with accompanying Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who read the contents of the instrument of the declaration to mark the official start of Sultan Abdullah as the new Head of State based on the laws and the Federal Constitution.
- Bernama
