CHANGING OF GUARDS AT ISTANA NEGARA HELD IN FULL MILITARY TRADITION

KUALA LUMPUR,  Nov 22  (Bernama) -- The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Istana Negara,  series 2/25, was held today with full military tradition, involving nine officers and 164 members of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (1 RAMD).

The ceremony, which began at 9 am, also featured 22 horses from the 21st Cavalry Squadron (SIB), accompanied by the RAMD Central Band.

It commenced with the parade of the outgoing guards from the palace grounds, who took their positions in front of the main gate. They were later joined by the incoming guards, positioned opposite them.

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The highlight of the event was the handover of the Colours, symbolising the formal transition between the outgoing and incoming Palace Guards.

The ceremony was witnessed by RAMD Commanding Officer 1 Colonel Mohd Fuad Md Ghazali and SIB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Shahrul Azudin Maulod.

Commander of Army Field Command West, Lieutenant General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, when met by reporters, said the ceremony represented a deep symbol of loyalty to the King and the nation, while also demonstrating the commitment and discipline of the personnel involved.

"This is part of our tradition and heritage, which we continue to uphold. Previously, this ceremony was only conducted at the old Istana Negara, but now we are showcasing it for the public to appreciate and understand its significance," he said.

He explained that the Changing of the Guard takes place two to three times a year, with each rotation involving an assignment period of three to six months.

During that period, the personnel involved are not only responsible for safeguarding the Istana Negara but also undertake duties such as mounting the guard of honour for visiting heads of state and managing various official national ceremonies.

Meanwhile, a tourist from Toronto, Canada, Tasneem Siddiqui, 44, expressed her amazement at witnessing the ceremony, which she described as rich in tradition and uniqueness.

“It's very beautiful and unique. We don't have anything like this in North America, at least not to my knowledge. It just shows the beauty of the country," said Tasneem, who is visiting Malaysia for the first time.

Meanwhile, Nurin Imanina Shamsul Irwan, 22, said that as a young Malaysian, she felt emotional watching a ceremony that so deeply reflected the spirit of patriotism.

“This is the first time I’ve seen the ceremony in person. Watching them march to the music was truly moving. I felt tearful witnessing something so meaningful,” she said.

-- BERNAMA