KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, graciously presided over the Presentation of Colours Ceremony at the Army Chief's Parade Ground, Sungai Besi Camp.
Steeped in military tradition, the ceremony marked the first of such event since His Majesty's ascension to the throne as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
It also underscored the Armed Forces' unwavering commitment to the second pillar of the Rukun Negara - Loyalty to King and Country, Bernama reported.
The ceremony began with His Majesty receiving the Royal Salute, followed by an inspection of the parade, which featured four detachments from the Armed Forces, the Royal Malay Regiment, the Royal Armoured Corps and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, comprising 34 officers and 430 personnel.
The proceedings continued with the slow marching out of the old Colours, followed by the consecration and presentation of the new Colours by His Majesty, and culminated in the oath of allegiance recited by members of the parade.
Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief of Defence Forces Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Air Force Chief Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris and Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain.
In a statement, the Armed Forces Headquarters said the ceremony was held to replace the old, worn regimental colours and to symbolise the highest honour of loyalty and fighting spirit among personnel serving the King and the nation.
"The regimental colours represent the honour, identity and fighting spirit inherited by every member of the Malaysian Armed Forces. They are highly revered and managed with the utmost ceremonial respect," the statement read.
"The ceremony also reflects appreciation for the service and sacrifices of personnel in defending the nation's sovereignty.
"It reaffirms that loyalty to the King and nation forms the foundation of the Armed Forces' strength, in line with the spirit embodied in the slogan 'Duty, Honour, Sacrifice'," it said.