Planning for the coronation ceremony of the Sultan of Johor has been one of the most challenging tasks that Brigadier-General (Retired) Datuk Ali Musa has ever done.
Ali, who is the Comptroller of the Johor Royal Household, said the last time that such a ceremony was held was 50 years ago. This means that there was no one around who could actually be certain how it should be done.
“We have nobody to refer to in order to find out how the ceremony should be conducted. We have to refer to records, films, documents and pictures of the last ceremony to learn more,” said Ali.
He said Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had also helped by giving his input on the ceremony that he himself had learned from old records and books.
“It is indeed a challenge to find out how to conduct the ceremony in an authentic manner. In the end, we managed to formalise the ceremony and we are confident that 90 per cent of what he have planned is authentic,” said Ali.
Ali, who have been serving the royal family since 2002, said Sultan Ibrahim is really looking forward to the coronation ceremony, which was last held for Sultan Ismail Sultan Ibrahim on Feb 10, 1960.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for the ruler. He is very concerned with the authenticity and validity of the ceremony.
“Sultan Ibrahim is particular about these ceremonies because he wants them to be conducted exactly like they were done in the old days,” said Ali.
He added that the planning for the coronation ceremony began in 2010 when Sultan Ibrahim expressed his wish to be crowned.
“Preparation for the ceremony began a few years ago, starting with the renovation of Istana Besar, the venue for the ceremony. The Royal regalia that will be used in the ceremony has also been restored and refurbished.
“The coronation will add another historical milestone for Johor. As with any event of this magnitude, it involves a lot of meticulous planning, challenges and hard work because we want everything to run perfectly,” said Ali.
Ali, who served in the army for 35 years before retiring, said planning the ceremony has been all consuming for him in the last year or so.
“It is the last thing on my mind when I go to sleep and the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning. I always think of what needs to be done.
“I don’t think I can stop worrying until after the ceremony is over and done with,” said Ali.