I think as Malaysians, we often forget we have a monarchy. We're so focused on our ministers... we forget that our kings also play a vital role in running this country.

Some may say it's a waste of money to have a monarchy system in Malaysia but after getting to know the system first hand over the past few days, it has been quite interesting to know that they do bring about some good in this country.


Recently, I was at Istana Negara to see the Conference of Ruler while it was going on. It was my first time in Istana Negara. I just used to drive by it and I occasionally see tourist taking photos outside the main gate with the mounted guards.

This time I when through a side gate so I didn't even know where I was inside the huge Istana complex. I was a little under dressed. The protocol said suit and songkok. Someone loaned me a songkok but I forgot about the tie. The palace officials were extremely nice enough to loan me a tie.


We were told to wait in the theatre room. It's actually a small screening room. While waiting, I took a peek into the next room and it was part of the main Istana.





It was really grand with the chandeliers and yellow interiors. Everything has been spruced up for the Conference of Rulers.

I was very cautious of not going where I wasn't supposed too. I didn't want to get trown out of the palace. Dealing with the monarchy entails a lot of protocol.

I was waiting with my cameraman for the arrival of the rulers. They were greeted by the palace officials. Some of the states send their regents instead. They drove up in the most interesting cars. After that, I was shown to the Balairong where all the other reporters were waiting with the palace officials. The kings has a short briefing and were waiting for them to walk down the hall their their conference room.



The kings and chief ministers were supposed to come through this door so all the cameramans were standing by waiting for them. I took the time to admire the interior of the palace and also shoot some photos.





my cameraman waiting with the rest of the press.



Chairs fit for royalties? Everything is so yellow and regal.



Finally, the double doors opened and the red carpet was rolled out. The press got ready and into position to get their shots.









The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan and Sultan Azlan Shah was the first to come out of the doors. Sultan Azlan was the chairman of the conference that day. His Royal Highness is still quite a good looking man for someone his age. As for Sultan Mizan, he's an avid sportsman and well liked by everyone.

Everyone soon moved to the small conference room. All the menteri besars and even the chief of police were there. The keeper of the royal seal sets the agenda for the conference so they discuss matters that have cropped up since the last conference. The kings give their views and advice to the prime minister.





As Sultan Mizan was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he now represented the Federal Government so his regent instead represented him at the conference.

The press was only given five minutes to shoot in the room. It was quite pack so everyone rushed to get their shots.

After that, the press were served some refreshments. Their had really nice nasi lemak. We were at the administration part of the Istana and I was amazed at how many people were actually in the administration. There were a lot of protocol personnels. I met with one of the Agong's assistance. He was a colonel in the army. His job was ensure the comfort of the Agong. There is also a representative from the navy, the air force and from the police force. Very interesting, how they have a representative from each of the security forces to see to the Agong's needs.




I saw this photo waiting to be displayed in the palace. It had all the royalties from around the world during the King of Thailand's 60th anniversary for his ascension to the trone. It was dated June 12, 2006. The palace official told me that many people believe that it was good Feng Shui to have this picture hanging behind your desk as you have all the rulers overlooking you. It was a picture that was in high demand. Well, go ahead and print this picture if you want.


As I exited the palace, I saw all the police escorts waiting outside. I heard there was quite a traffic jam outside the palace when all the rulers arrived.



It was the most interesting morning visiting the palace. I think I better buy my own songkok and get a tie since I will be seeing more royalties later. Better add a batik shirt to the list too!