Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was announced as the 17th Sultan of Terengganu on the 4th of March in 1999 whereby the state of Terengganu recognises this date as a public holiday for its citizens every year since then.
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Mar | Monday | Installation of Sultan Terengganu | Terengganu |
Terengganu is one of the nine royal states in Malaysia and the state practices a constitutional monarchy system. Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin’s ascension to the throne took place approximately a year earlier from his installation in 1998 and it was the same year when his father, Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah passed away.
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Monarch King) before his installation as the 17th Sultan of Terengganu. The Sultanate of Terengganu was first formed in 1725, and since then a total of 17 Sultans have held the throne in Malaysia.
To date, the state of Terengganu is the only territory that recognises the installation of Sultan Terengganu with a public holiday for its residents. Every year, 4th of March is marked as the anniversary of his Royal Highness’ installation and the day is celebrated by the citizens of Terengganu with various activities as well as Malay traditions.
The Installation of Sultan Terengganu’s ceremony is usually steeped in traditions and splendour. The event is filled with rituals allowing spectators to catch a glimpse of the glory of the Malay sultanate. The Installation of Sultan Terengganu does not involve any custom or routines that may relate to mystical values as the ceremony is mainly based on the teachings of Islam.
One unique feature of the Installation of Sultan Terengganu’s ceremony is that the sultan will wear a brand-new set of ‘tengkolok’ (a type of headdress) that is specially designed based on the culture of the Malay community in the country. To pay respect to the royal palace, the attendees at the ceremony must wear formal dark-coloured outfits or traditional Malay clothing.
Led by the head of the ceremony, the royal couple will be accompanied by officials who will carry the Sceptre of Religion, Sceptre of the World, Mace, Sword and Waist Buckle. The head of Installation of Sultan Terengganu’s event will then seek the sultan’s permission to begin the ceremony. On being presented to His Royal Highness who is seated on the throne, the audience must stand with both their feet together and straighten both hands to pay their respects by bowing.
Just like any other installation ceremonies of a sultan in the country, the royal event will start with a calming recitation of the ‘doa’ (supplication) session, wishing good health and fortune for the ruler. The sultan will then read out his pledge and the head of the ceremony will then announce the completion of the installation of Sultan Terengganu’s ceremony afterwards.
