Final Rehearsal Of 14th Malaysian King Installation Proceeds Smoothly

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- The full rehearsal for the installation of the 14th Malaysian King Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on Monday proceeded smoothly, with almost all preparations for the ceremony held for the first time at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Jalan Duta. Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the final rehearsal was aimed at identifying improvements and corrections for the installation ceremony which will take place on Wednesday. "Based on the rehearsal today, the installation ceremony is expected to take about one hour and would be attended by 780 guests of honour," he told reporters after inspecting the rehearsal at the National Palace here. Prior to this, two rehearsals were held on Thursday and Friday. Rais, who is installation ceremony committee chairman, said the event was steeped in tradition and would be held at the Balairong Seri of the palace. Balairong Seri is the throne room of the King. It is located in the East Wing and only used for official and customary functions. This includes ceremonial occassions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new elected King and the appointment of a new prime minister. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA