Johor Sultan's coronation put off

 

Work in progress: Renovation work is still ongoing at the Istana Besar in Johor Bahru

(The Star, Friday May 2, 2014)

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s coronation, which was initially slated for this month, has been postponed.

It is learnt that Sultan Ibrahim has been notified about the delays as the restoration, renovation and refurbishment work at the Istana Besar and Istana Bukit Serene are still underway.

All the infrastructure work was to have been completed by end of last month and the coronation was initially scheduled for May 5.

No new date has been set but it is believed that it could be held either at the end of the year or early next year.

Sources said Istana Besar played an important role as the coronation would be held there while the Istana Bukit Serene has traditionally been the Ruler’s residence.

A check showed that construction work at several of the palaces including the Istana Besar, Istana Bukit Serene and Polo Club are still ongoing.

State Public Works executive councillor Datuk Hasni Mohammad downplayed the delays but confirmed that the event had been postponed.

Hasni explained that all the restored venues could be utilised during Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday celebrations on Nov 22.

It is learnt that all the necessary items needed for the coronation including robes, uniforms, and crown jewel for the event are ready.

As part of the preparations for the coronation, a giant replica of the Johor Ruler’s crown was placed at the entrance of Istana Bukit Serene recently.

The crown, weighing several tonnes and placed on an arch resembling elephant tusks, had attracted a lot of admiring glances, especially from motorists along Jalan Skudai, near Danga Bay.