Istana Negara/ National Palaces

 

The Istana Negara or National Palaces is the official residence of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Seri Paduka Baginda of the majesty. Istana Negara was built in 1928 as a resident for a Chinese millionaire, Mr. Chan Wing. During the Japanese occupation from 1942-1945, its was used as the mess of Japanese officers. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government and after being renovated, became the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957.

The federal government then purchased the palace in 1957 to become the Istana Negara. Since then had experienced several renovations and extensions. However, the largest increase was made in an 80, which was the first time that the installation ceremony of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this installation ceremony were held in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

This majestic building nestled in serene and composed beautiful 11.34 acres with a variety of plants and flowers, swimming pool and the indoor badminton hall. Situated right in the path of Syed Putra in the heart of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The building has several halls for specific purposes such as the two main corridors, the Throne Hall (Balairong Seri) and the hearing Hall (Dewan Mengadap) in the plant.

The entire area is fence up and the majesty of his royal insignia is placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. In front of Istana Negara, is the main entrance that resembles a beautiful arch. On each side of the arch, are two guard posts to shelter two members of the cavalry in their smart full dress uniform similar to those in Buckingham Palace, London.

Besides Istana Negara located at Kuala Lumpur, another Istana located Putrajaya known as Istana Melawati served as a retreat for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Because the surrounding area of the palace is not open to the public or tourists, the main entrance of the palace becomes a favorite spot for the tourist to take photos of Istana Negara guards.

King's office is not hereditary. Malaysia practices a system of government based on constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy on two levels, federal and state levels. At the federal level, the head of state is the king and the government is the first chief minister. At the state level of the head (ruler) of the state is the Sultan, Raja or Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and the Yang di-Pertuan Negeri is the head of state where there are no rules: key ministers (Menteri Besar / Ketua Menteri) are government heads.

 

 

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