KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today presided over a ceremony at Istana Negara to present the 2025 federal awards, medals and honours that were conferred in conjunction with his official birthday.
This marks the second investiture ceremony officiated by Sultan Ibrahim His Majesty since his installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 20 last year.
Upon arrival at Dataran Istana Negara, His Majesty, accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, was received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Their Majesties were escorted to the royal dais to receive the royal salute from the guard of honour, mounted by members of the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) led by Major Khairul Fakhzan Zainol Abidin. The contingent comprised three officers and 103 personnel.
The ceremony featured the playing of the national anthem, Negaraku, by the RAMD Central Band, the hoisting of His Majesty’s personal flag, and a 21-gun salute by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment.
His Majesty then inspected the guard of honour before returning to the dais for a final salute.
The royal couple were subsequently accompanied by Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah to the Balairung Seri for the award presentation. A total of 116 recipients were conferred federal honours this year.
Anwar in extending his birthday greetings to Sultan Ibrahim, said that His Majesty’s decree has always been a noble guide for the government in forming and drafting policies and upholding the people’s aspirations
Other cabinet members also extended their greetings. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, prayed for His Majesty’s continued good health and a reign blessed with glory and prosperity.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir also conveyed his well wishes, adding: “It is fitting that all pray that His Majesty be granted good health, a long life and a reign blessed with abundant blessings, glory and long-lasting prosperity. Dirgahayu Tuanku.”
Separately, Sultan Ibrahim yesterday congratulated the Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) team, which his son is part of, on their win at the second race of the GT World Challenge Asia at Buriram International Circuit, Thailand – calling it a special birthday gift.
In a post via his official Facebook page, His Majesty described the team’s victory and second-place finish in the earlier race as a meaningful present ahead of his official birthday today.
“My congratulations to my son, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj, and his teammate Ben Green, for this outstanding achievement.
“To my other son, Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj – do not be sad or lose heart. Continue striving in the races to come,” His Majesty said.