Photojournalism | Coronation of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar | Sultan of Johor

© 2015 Wazari Wazir |  Johor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tahrir Shamsuddin placing the crown on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during the Coronation of Sultan of Johor, accompanied by a 21 gun salute at Istana Besar Johor Bahru on March 23, 2015.

July 29, 1886, saw Johor creating history with the first-ever coronation of a Malay ruler witnessed in Malaya, that of Sultan Abu Bakar.  Since then, there have been two more coronation ceremonies for the Johor Sultanate. Sultan Sir Ibrahim was crowned on Nov 2, 1895. Johor and the nation then waited 65 years for the coronation of Sultan Ismail on Feb 10, 1960. After 55 years The coronation of Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar took place on Monday, March 23, people have lined the streets, eager to witness history and catch a glimpse of the man they say is an exemplary leader. The 55-year gap is because the late Sultan Iskandar, who ascended the throne on May 10, 1981, and passed away on Jan 22, 2010, did not wish to be crowned.

Department of Information Malaysia photographers were given the task to cover this historical event inside the palace. My position was on the right hand side of the Sultan and my colleague was on the other side, the left hand side of the queen. Actually there were few remote control camera position at a strategic place attached to the wall but due to unforeseen circumstances, the motor that was responsible for the movement of the camera did not work out, so the camera are stuck in a static position, we can’t pan it or tilt it.