Malaysia's King Graces Opening of 15th Parliament's Third Session

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim graced the official opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, here Monday.

This is the first Parliament opening ceremony by Sultan Ibrahim since being sworn in as the 17th Malaysia’s King on Jan 31.

Also present was Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah.

Their Majesties arrived at Parliament Square at 10 am and were greeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia were then escorted to the royal court and received the royal salute, mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment from Sungai Besi Perdana Camp, Kuala Lumpur.

The national anthem was then played by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment, followed by a 21-gun salute by the 41st Ceremonial battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment, Sungai Buloh Camp, Selangor.

Sultan Ibrahim then inspected a guard of honour.

After the inspection was completed, Sultan Ibrahim was accorded the second royal salute, and the national anthem was played before His Majesty headed to the Malaysian Parliament (Dewan Rakyat) to deliver the Royal Address

The ceremony was broadcast live via television channels and online platforms.

Based on the calendar on the Parliament's official website, this Parliament sitting will last for 19 days, with the main focus to be the debate on the royal address by Members of Parliament, from Feb 27 to March 7, and then the winding-up by the relevant ministries for four days, starting March 11.

The Malaysian Senate (Dewan Negara)'s sitting will take place from March 18 until April 4.

-- BERNAMA