NatGeo documenting the installation of Malaysia's new King 2012

Palace gets ready: A worker on a skylift putting the finishing touches to the main arch at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for the installation of the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. - AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star

After recording the installation of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, in 2007, National Geographic will once again be recording the installation of Malaysia's new King, the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on Wednesday, 11 April 2012. This is a unique installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah as the King for the second time. This is the first time that a Sultan or Ruler has been re-elected as the Head of State since Malaysia gained independence in 1957.

Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was proclaimed the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1970 when he was 42, has been elected to be the 14th King at the age of 84. He is the first ruler to hold the position twice, as well as the oldest elected to the office. His reign began on 13 December 2011 after his election by the Conference of Rulers.

During His Majesty's reign as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the prime minister at that time was Tun Abdul Razak and this time, Abdul Razak's son, Datuk Seri Najib, is the head of government.

Filming, in collaboration with Finas, began in December during the taking of the oath and signing of the instrument of office by Tuanku Abdul Halim in Balairong Seri, Istana Negara, Jalan Duta. The documentary will also showcase the new palace, Istana Negara.

In conjunction with the installation of the new King, it has been announced that 11 April 2012 will be a national public holiday for all states and territories of Malaysia.

Update (11 Apr) - Malaysian tv station TV1 carried a live telecast of the installation of the new King.

Source: The Star..NatGeo making documentary on installation of 14th King

Malaysia has a new King today

Related article: NatGeo documenting the installation of Malaysia's new King 2012 on 11 Apr 2012


Yes, Malaysia has a new King today, December 13.

The picture below shows the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, arriving in Kuala Lumpur this morning for a swearing-in ceremony as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tuanku Abdul Halim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Haminah Hamidun arrived at the Bunga Raya Complex of KL International Airport at 9.07am from Alor Setar. They were greeted by Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and wife Datin Seri Maznah Rais.

For the first installation in Kuala Lumpur in 1970, the King boarded a three-coach royal train, which had been specially scheduled by Keretapi Tanah Melayu.

The royal couple then proceeded to Parliament Square in Kuala Lumpur for a royal welcoming ceremony.

The 84-year-old Sultan of Kedah, has been elected the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year period effective Tuesday, at the Meeting of the Conference of Rulers on Oct 14. At 84, Malaysia's new king is the oldest constitutional monarch in the nation's history. He succeeds Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, 49, one of Malaysia's youngest kings. Sultan Mizan is Sultan of Terengganu.

Incoming (left) King and outgoing King. Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the term we use for the King.

This is the second time Tuanku Abdul Halim was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the first time being on Sept 21, 1970.

Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, is the elected Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sources & Related articles:
- Powers of the king

- Tuanku Abdul Halim sworn in as 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, presented the instrument of office to Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was in a Kedah royal attire called Sikap consisting of a short jacket with a high collar, tenggolok (headdress), long pants, sampin, bengkung (cummerband) and complete with a keris (Malay dagger).

- Steeped in pomp and ceremony

- Role model for the nation

- Much beloved by the people

- Royal trivia

- The Constitution says...

- Monarchy made in Malaysia

A meeting of the Conference of Rulers held at Istana Negara on Nov 1. - Bernamapic
- The royal family

- Revered and held in high esteem

A young Tuanku Abdul Halim and the late Tuanku Bahiyah Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman at the installation ceremony as the 27th Sultan of Kedah and Sultanah of Kedah in a ceremony held at Istana Balai Besar in Alor Setar on 20th February 1959. – Pic courtesy of Istana Anak Bukit

- End of reign for 13th King

All images are from The Star