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Synopsis :

This is a commentary on the installation of Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan as His Majesty the Yang di- Pertuan Agong or the first paramount ruler of Malaya. It takes place at the Balai Rong Seri in Kuala Lumpur and is the climax of the Merdeka or independence celebrations. 800 invited guests are in the hall to witness the ceremony. The commentators describe the scene in the throne room and the attire of the royals and ministers gathered there. The throne area where the ritual unfolds has dark red carpets and rows of yellow armed chairs. Nobat musicians of Malaya and trumpeters are present. The ceremony is a blend of the ancient Malay world with the modern era. A fanfare announces the arrival of the Prime Minister and his wife Puan Sharifah Rodziah. Sultans and Governors from other states arrive and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester take their seats nearest the throne as representatives of the Queen of England. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong then ascend the throne. This is followed by several rituals including the reading of the proclamation and the reading of the declaration of oath. Members of the audience then acclaim that his Majesty has been officially installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Nobat music is played and there is a 21- gun salute for their Majesties. Prayers are offered before the royals and guests leave the Balai Rong Seri at the end of the ceremony.