PERAK
The largest state in the northern region of Peninsular
Malaysia, Perak is steeped in history with exquisite fascinating culture and
arts, timeless architectural grander, alluring sundrenched island resorts,
verdant recreation parks and various museums. Perak meaning silver in Malay is
renowned for its rich tin deposit. The state capital, Ipoh, is located in
Lembah Kinta ( Kinta Valley), the biggest tin mining area in Malaysia that once
had the distinction of containing the world’s richest tin deposits.
PERAK ROYALTY RITUALS
The present Perak sultanate was established in 1528 and
draws its origins to Sultan Mudzaffar Shah the eldest son of the last Sultan of
Malacca. His courtiers along with the Royal Regalia escorted the Sultan’s
journey to Perak. When his ship approached the Perak River mouth, a ferocious
storm suddenly arose. The ship was tossed around, powerless to journey on.
Sultan Mudzaffar commanded that all unnecessary cargos be thrown overboard, as
he thought it was due to the ship’ load. As the storm worsened, the ill-fated
ship rammed a sandbank that surfaced suddenly in the middle of the river mouth.
At that point, an enormous genie appeared from the sea, so
massive that his head touched the sky. Terror surrounded everyone including the
Sultan. The great genie commanded the Sultan. The great genie commanded the
Sultan. “Should you desire to be proclaimed the Sultan of Perak, cast your
crown into this very sea…..” Fearing for the lives of his loyal subjects, the
Sultan promptly charged his captain to fetch his crown and throw it into the
river. Miraculously, the genie vanished, the water turned calm and the huge
sandbank receded. Everyone was utterly overwhelmed and amazed.
Sultan Mudzaffar , then , commanded the ship to dock. Once
the anchor was dropped, he came ashore to the place currently known as Beting
Beras Basah. He decreed that he would be proclaimed as the Sultan of Perak at
the exact spot before journeying on. The event marks the historic site for all
his descendants ever since. Newly elected Sultan Of Perak is obligated to pay
homage to the very place after being crowned . From then on , the State of
Perak only bears the title of Raja Muda ( Heir Apparent) instead of Tengku
Mahkota ( Crown Prince ) because the royal
crown is in the possession of the great genie, Sri Mahkota Si Raja Jinn.
To experience the grandeur of Perak’s royal history and
observe the state’s impressive Royal Regalia, pay a visit to Muzium Draja Kuala
Kangsar Royal Museum), previously known as Istana Kenangan (Palace of Memories)
. The museum opens daily and rests majestically on the hilly landscape of Bukit
Chandan.
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