The Coronation Ceremony of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong highlights the privileges of the Constitutional Monarch in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Ibrahim’s enthronement ceremony as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong today highlights the special and unique system of Constitutional Monarchy practiced in this country.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Senior Lecturer and Chair Expert Panel Dr Ismail Ma’arof said the coronation ceremony, which is held every five years, also reflects the model of unity and simplicity in Malaysia.

He said that at the same time, the traditional ceremony also symbolizes the sovereignty and legitimacy of the existence of Malay Kings in the government system in this country.

“It is also a lesson for other countries to preserve their heritage. We are still preserving this legacy,” he said when he was a guest on the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Coronation Special Granstan program on Bernama TV today.

Sultan Ibrahim’s enthronement ceremony took place at Balairung Seri, Istana Negara, and was attended by hundreds of guests, including Malay rulers, state presidents, the Cabinet of Ministers, the foreign diplomatic community in the country, and key national leaders.

Also leaving were the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, with his wife, the King’s wife, Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, and the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Another UiTM Malay Rulers Institution Chair Writer Panel, Noraiman Suhaidi Norizam, said the function of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is very important in balancing the country’s governance in line with Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution.

He explained that under the provisions, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet of Ministers or Ministers acting under the general authority of the Cabinet of Ministers, except in the case of the Federal Constitution, which requires His Majesty to act according to discretion.

“Article 40 of the Federal Constitution mentions that His Majesty can act at his discretion and get advice from other experts, such as the Council of Rulers. Therefore, we will clearly see that the function of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is very important in balancing governance in the in the country,” he said.

In addition, he said that through the provisions involved, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can use His Majesty’s wisdom to resolve issues, including political turmoil.

“If we look at 2021, when there is a breakdown of democracy, we clearly see Yang di-Pertuan Agong going forward and solving the problems that the political players themselves did. So let’s see if the institution of the king is not in the country. What will happen to us all, common people?” he said.