ROYAL HOMAGE: TRADITION AT THE HEART OF PAHANG'S ROYAL COURT

KUANTAN, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Time may have moved swiftly outside palace walls, but inside Pahang’s royal court, tradition still breathes with quiet authority.

More than five centuries after the monarchy took root in 1470, the royal institution of Pahang continues to uphold customs and courtly etiquette passed down through generations. 

These rituals, refined by history and preserved by practice, remain the thread binding ruler and people in a relationship built on loyalty, respect and continuity.

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At the heart of this heritage is the Istiadat Menjunjung Duli, a ceremony of royal homage that once drew Orang Besar (nobles) from every corner of the state, even the distant districts of Lipis and Jerantut, to present offerings and pledge allegiance to their Sultan.

The ceremony, rich with symbolism, stands as one of the highest expressions of respect in Pahang’s royal tradition.

Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah reflected on this legacy during the conferment of royal titles and the royal homage ceremony at Balai Mahkota, Istana Abdulaziz, here today.

“This ceremony represents the highest honour and loyalty to the reigning Sultan,” His Royal Highness said, expressing gratitude that the event was carried out smoothly and with dignity.

While noting that today’s ceremony had been intentionally simplified, the ruler reminded those present that such traditions remain deeply meaningful within Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy.

As the 34th Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah emphasised that those entrusted with titles and positions bear more than ceremonial roles.

“They are custodians of heritage, guardians of adat dan adab (customs and manners), as well as the well-being of the common people.

“The appointed Orang Besar are also subject to the dos and don'ts. I, as the ruling monarch, believe that every person given a position in terms of politics or the palace must be together and support the orders of the ruling monarch and my future successor,” said the Sultan.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said royal appointments are made in line with the demands of the times and administrative needs, fixed in terms, renewable or revocable, subject always to royal consent.

The ceremony today also marked a moment of lineage and continuity.

Three sons of the Sultan - Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Brigadier General Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, and Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah - were conferred royal titles as Kerabat Bergelar.

Beyond the royal family, service to the state and people was recognised through new appointments as Pahang Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Ahmad Khirrizal Ab Rahman and Pahang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Wan Ahmad Fadillah Wan Abdul Rahman were named Orang Besar Enam Belas, while officer-in-charge of Pekan Fire and Rescue station Wan Samsul Effendi Wan Mahmud was appointed Orang Besar Istana.

-- BERNAMA