KUALA LUMPUR – Several top government leaders and personalities donned their finest attire to attend a royal high-tea ceremony at Istana Negara today, commemorating the conclusion of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s tenure.
As seen in the pictures of the lively event shared on social media, the gathering was a vibrant one as guests mingled around and dined on delicacies while posing for photos.
On X, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman shared several images of the colourful event, which was also graced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Young Syefura, who was accompanied by her husband Muhammad Edrin Nordin, posted photos of her with several cabinet members, such as Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee and Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran also took the opportunity to take a picture with award-winning singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin.
Siti Nurhaliza and her husband, Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, were also spotted taking a selfie with the Raja Permaisuri Agong, who was decked in a cobalt-coloured baju kurung.
Padang Terap MP Nurul Amin Hamid, on the other hand, took a picture with the Agong.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Bandar Tun Razak MP, was pictured engaged in conversation with the queen, who also spoke with former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Besides that, the royal couple were seen taking a photo with three of the former prime ministers Dr Mahathir, his successor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a social media post, Istana Negara shared that Pahang royalty, including Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin, had also graced the event.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the gathering was similarly attended by foreign ambassadors and high-level government officials.
With exactly two weeks remaining, Al-Sultan Abdullah will conclude his tenure as the 16th Agong on January 30.
His majesty will be succeeded by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective January 31, 2024. – January 20, 2024