The coronation of Johor’s Sultan Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, initially scheduled to take place this month, has been pushed back.
The Star Online reports that Sultan Ibrahim has been notified of the delays as the restoration, renovation and refurbishment of the Istana Besar and Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru are still underway.
The infrastructure work at the two palaces was to have been completed by the end of April, and the coronation ceremony was to have followed on May 5.
No new date has been set for the Sultan’s coronation, but it is believed it could be held either at the end of the year, or early next year.
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.
The Istana Besar has traditionally been the venue for the Sultan of Johor’s coronation, while Istana Bukit Serene has always been the Ruler’s residence.
Johor State Public Works executive councillor Datuk Hasni Mohammad downplayed the delays, but did confirm that the ceremony had been postponed.
He explained that the two palaces would be fully restored and could be utilised during Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday celebrations on November 22.
Photo: Caitriana Nicholson / Flickr
