Kedah Royal Photograph Exhibition

Truly Majestic Images

The air conditioned gallery offers me a welcomed respite from the sweltering Kedah noon sun. Although there are so many beautiful large sized prints to see, I decide to start with the black and white images first. This way I can learn more about Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah's early years and then slowly work my way through his illustrious career.

Just as I am taking a closer look at a 1948 photograph of Tuanku Abdul Halim with the Sultan Abdul Hamid College Geographical Society members, I become aware of other arriving visitors.

'Mak. Tengok Tuanku Sultan semasa muda dulu dengan kamera antik. Pasti Tuanku peminat fotografi,' the young man tells his mother while gesturing at the young Kedah Sultan's vintage camera which suggests an interest in photography. His mother moves closer to get a better look. It is at this juncture that I manage to chat with Rusnah bt Embee, 56 and her son Najib Yamin bin Osman, 19 who both hail from Kuala Kedah.

Najib tells me that he got to know about this exhibition last week. 'I work as a chef at Aman Central which is just across the road from the gallery. I noticed the promotional banners last week and decided to accompany my mother here today which is my rest day. I feel that this exhibition is a great opportunity for young people like me to learn more about our beloved Sultan and Sultanah,' adds Najib proudly.

Agreeing with her son's opinion, Rusnah plans to encourage her other children and relatives to view the royal photographs. 'I am glad that this exhibition will extend until the end of this year. It will give all Kedahans a chance to get to know the royal family better. The free entrance is also another plus point,' Rusnah continues while showing her approval with a thumbs up sign.

Kedahans have every reason to be proud of their sultan who has created history by becoming the only monarch in this country who has been elected Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice. The 100 specially selected images leads visitors through the life of Tuanku Abdul Halim right from his childhood and schooling days until his historic installation as both the 5th (1970 - 1975) and 14th (2011 - 2016) Supreme Ruler of Malaysia.

This exhibition entitled 'Portraits of Majesty' is held in conjunction with Tuanku Abdul Halim's 89th birthday celebrations. It is the brainchild of Tunku Temenggong Kedah, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah. The photograph collection  showing Tuanku Abdul Halim attending to his official and unofficial duties as both Kedah Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Agong is an opportune way for the rakyaat to get to know their beloved ruler batter and hold him close to their hearts.

The less formal photographs show Tuanku Abdul Halim indulging in a round of golf and spending time with his pet birds at the Istana Anak Bukit aviary. Among all the photographs, my clear favourite is the one of the Sultan and Sultanah enjoying a relaxing pose while holidaying in Cameron Highlands in 1994.

Kedah State Secretary, Datuk Bakar Din hopes that this exhibition can act as a precursor to attract more visitors to the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Gallery. The gallery also houses the specially selected personal effects belonging to Sultan Abdul Halim and the other members of his royal household.