I think I am not the only collectors waiting for Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia Central Bank) news about new commemorative coins for the installation of 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. If you read yesterday newspaper, Pos Malaysia Bhd will issue a special stamp and philatelic collection for the new YDP Agong on 12 April 2012. I envy how efficient Pos Malaysia Bhd issuing stamps for every occasion and important ceremony in Malaysia. They officially announce the new stamps at least few days early before the release date and they also have a 2012 year calendar for new stamps release. While we coins collector need to guess what and when a new coins will be released by Bank Negara.
Setem Pertabalan Agong ke-14
The commemorative stamps featuring portraits of Tuanku Abdul Halim and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. A complete 14th Agong Coronation 2012 set, comprising 60 sen, 80 sen and RM1 stamps, first-day cover, booklet, leaflet and product summary issued in conjunction with Tuanku Abdul Halim's installation costs RM66.90. The first-day cover costing 50 sen each will be sold on the first day at selected post offices. The best thing for me, stamp collectors can register as a standing order deposit account member to obtain stamps and other philatelic items issued by Pos Malaysia, without having to queue up at the counter. Can BNM at least follow Pos Malaysia system?
Picture by The Sun: Old Istana Negara.
Tomorrow, the 2012 coronation of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong will take place at the majestic new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta. Its a new history, new Istana Negara for the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah of Kedah, the oldest monarch in Malaysia History (84 years old) is making history as the first head of state to become King/YDPA twice. The old Istana Negara in Jalan Istana has been officially closed on 15 November 2011. Seven of the 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agong to date were installed at the old Istana Negara, which was a refurbished old mansion belonging to Chinese millionaire Chan Wing. The old palace located on 11.3 hectares of land on Bukit Petaling, built in 1928, build by Swan & McLaren.
Picture by The Sun: New Istana Negara.
The new Istana boasts 22 domes with the main one reaching 60 metres high compare with only 2 domes for old Istana, a reflection of the supremacy of the Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong within the nation and in society. Built on 104 hectares of land, the main structure of the Istana Negara faces the direction of Makkah and is divided into different levels and wings based on the royal institution’s functions. The main floor is divided into the Official Wing and the Royal Wing. The lower floor houses the administrative office, kitchen, store and other support areas. The new Palace with a cost of more then RM800 millions design by Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd (KSSB).
Picture by New Straits Times: Istana Negara main entrance.
There are three entrances to the New Istana Negara. The main entrance from Jalan Duta being reserved for Their Majesties, Malay rulers and their consorts, governors and the visiting heads of states and the heads of government. The second entrance at Jalan Changkat Semantan is used by royal guests, and the third entrance from Jalan Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, is the route for commoners seeking an audience with His Majesty or those who wish to meet Istana Negara’s administration or to attend events at Istana Negara. The main entrance is where the palace guards from the first Malay Regiment and the horse-mounted guards are stationed. The gates are covered in floral designs of the hibiscus (Malaysia national flower) and in Islamic motifs.
Picture by Sinar Harian: New Balairong Seri.
The coronation ceremony will be held at the Balairong Seri hall within the Istana Negara.The Balairong Seri along with the Banquet Hall and the Surau in the Official Wing could accommodate an audience of 1,000 people. Apart from these three areas, the Dewan Seri Maharaja in the main lobby and a huge concourse will be also used during the coronation ceremony. Also included in the event is the Throne Room (Bilik Singgahsana). The ceremony will take place starting at 8.00 am tomorrow and you can watch it live on TV. I am looking for "Jadual Pertabalan Agong", if you find any, please let me know.
video angkat sumpah Pertabalan Agong ke-14
Picture: Pekeliling cuti umum 11 April 2012-Hari Pertabalan Agong.
Latest Pictures:
You can view more pictures and videos here; New Agong Installation Ceremony 2012.
Picture by Kosmo: New Palace for New Agong
Picture by The Star: Tuanku Abdul Halim arrive at Istana Negara
Picture by The Star: Tuanku Abdul Halim giving a royal salute
Source: New Straits Times, The Star, Sun Daily, Sinar Harian.
