ALOR STAR: A variety of programmes, including the “Kembara Diraja” (royal tour), will be held in conjunction with Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah’s installation as the 29th Sultan of Kedah at Istana Anak Bukit on Oct 22.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said Sultan Sallehuddin and Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff had taken great interest in the preparations for the installation and all the programmes which have been planned to be held in conjunction with the installation.
He said in order to ensure that the installation was a historic occasion, which would not be forgotten, the events being lined up will be broken up into three categories – pre-installation, the main event and subsidiary events.
“The last time (the installation) ceremony took place was 59 years ago, when the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Sultan Badlishah was installed (as the 28th Sultan), so the ceremony this time is a historic event for Kedahans as not many have seen this before.
“I also hope the Kembara Diraja will be a channel to promote the installation directly to the country in general and Kedahans in general,” said Mukhriz, who is chairman of the organising committee, at the launch of the logo for the Kembara Diraja in Wisma Darul Aman.
The last installation was held on Feb 20, 1959, when Sultan Abdul Halim was installed as the 28th Sultan following the passing of his father, Sultan Badlishah Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah.
Meanwhile, committee deputy chairman and State Secretary Datuk Bakar Din said 29 vehicles would take part in the tour, to signify the number of sultans Kedah has had.
The tour will travel to all 12 districts to promote the installation.
“Beginning August, the state government will hold a variety of programmes. These programmes will continue till early next year.
“To make it even more special, Sultan Sallehuddin himself will visit all 12 districts before and after the installation.”
