Sultan Abdullah given official welcome at Parliament Square

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has arrived at Parliament square for an official welcoming ceremony, as he prepares to be officially sworn in as the nation's 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sultan Abdullah and his consort, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, arrived at Parliament around 10.05am. 

He was welcomed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad All, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as other ministers and their deputies.

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah, looking resplendent in songket attire of light blue (turquoise), were ushered to the stage at the square. 

The Ruler received a 21-gun salute with the national anthem playing in the background.

He was also given the royal salute by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band led by Captain Nor Azizan Yahaya.

Sultan Abdullah then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by four officers and 103 members from the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment, Sungai Besi Camp, led by Major Mohd Izham Ahmad Rashidi and assisted by Captain Muhammad Firdaus Mat Hayin.

The Ruler then returned to the royal stage to receive the royal salute for the second time, which was followed once by the national anthem.

The Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri then recited a prayer. 

Shortly after that, Sultan Abdullah then left to Istana Negara at 10.23am for the official installation ceremony, with the Ruler taking his oath of installation.- Star