Investiture for Sultan Nazrin

> Enthronement ceremonies will accentuate tradition of Perak Malay Sultanate

IPOH: The enthronement of Sultan Nazrin Shah ( pix) as the 35th Sultan of Perak on May 6 will accentuate the regal uniqueness and richness of the fifth century Perak Malay Sultanate.

Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said the focus will be on six special enthronement events.

“The first is the Istiadat Meletak Kerja (enthronement proclamation ceremony) on May 3, which includes the Nobat (royal musical ensemble), followed by a 17-cannon salute by the armed forces to mark the beginning of the enthronement,” he said in an interview with Bernama.

Also in attendance will be State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Nayan and Senate Secretary Datuk Ayop Hashim.

Mohd Zahidi said the second event is the Tabal Adat (enthronement ceremony) on May 6, during which Sultan Nazrin will inspect the Guard of Honour at Istana Iskandariah Square in Kuala Kangsar, followed by the Nobat and a 21-cannon salute.

“During the ceremony, two important events will take place, namely the proclamation of the sultan’s enthronement, followed by the proclamation of the Raja Permaisuri (Queen) of Perak,” he added.

The third event will be held on the morning of May 7, which involves obtaining water from seven rivers called the Adat Bersiram Tabal (enthronement shower ceremony).

Mohd Zahidi said the fourth event is Tabal Pusaka (enthronement heredity), the handing over of 16 royal instruments, including the sword of Cura Si Manja Kini and Geliga Embun and Nobat to Sultan Nazrin, which will be held in the evening.

“The fifth event is a visit to the tombs of previous sultans.

“Due to development, several of the tombs can now be visited by using land transportation. Thus, the committee has retained part of this ceremony to use a vessel known as Balai Gambang, which enables the sultan to visit the tombs of five sultans along the Perak river from Pasir Salak to Teluk Intan,” he said.

The visit will commence on May 8, where Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara will also visit the tomb of Tok Temong at Kati in Kuala Kangsar.

“The last event is on May 14, where His Highness will visit Beting Beras Basah, followed by the Menutup Kerja (enthronement closure) on May 17,” he said.

The 16-member master enthronement committee to oversee the entire ceremony is chaired by Mohd Zahidi, Abdul Puhat (joint chairman), and Ayop (secretary). Ayop advised women who are pregnant or menstruating not to attend the Tabal Pusaka ceremony. He also discouraged women from attending the Beting Beras Basah ceremony.

“The event involves only men. This does not mean discrimination against women.”