MORE PICS - RAJA MUDA Perak + Bride-to-be ZARA SALIM DAVIDSON; Wearing of Ring(May 17); Proclamation as Raja Puan Besar (18th); “Berstanding” (19th)
Last UPDATE on this pre-wedding POST:
if you have read this post,
Royal Wedding - Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah married Zara Salim Davidson - 17th May 2007 at Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan; Kual Kangsar. `Mas kahwin' (dowry) of 250 grammes of gold coins and a diamond ring.
Raja Nazrin, 50, who cut a dashing figure in a white baju Melayu. . Zara looked lovely and resplendent in a contemporary long kebaya of French lace liberally sprinkled with sparkling crystals and beads, teamed with matching chiffon sarong in ivory hue, and a three-metre veil of French netting adorned with crystals.
Go H E R E for the New POST
Really clueless MB Perak, advising. People Can Send Congratulatory Messages Directly To Istana Iskandariah.
and Really clueless Media Centre dishing out the news BLINDLY! The KK post office can deliver your snail messages to Istana Iskandariah. But how would you do it by fax and email if the number and address are not announced?
And where is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of TM (telecom malaysia)? Can't they provide a "voice box" where people can record their phone messages for eternity to liosten?
Those interested can leave your Congratulatory message at the Dreambook:
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Preparations For Raja Muda's Wedding Proceeding Smoothly
KUALA KANGSAR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Preparations for the wedding of Perak Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah with Zara Salim Davidson are going smoothly and a full rehearsal on it was held at the Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan here today. Although it is to be a simple ceremony and on a moderate scale, full attention to detail is being made according to Perak royal traditions.
Watch the following 36 sec Video Clip on
A Preview of the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar just before the Royal Wedding
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ABOVE: the latest combined photo
The palace has been beautifully decorated including the landscaping apart from flowers of all colours being placed all over for the grand occasion. The "akad nikah" (marriage solemnisation) will be held at the palace tomorrow morning and will be attended by some 300 members of the Perak royalty and family members of Zara. The Perak mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria will conduct the solemnisation.
Zara's father Salim Davidson signed the documents for Harussani to do the solemnisation at a special ceremony at the Bilik Merah, Istana Iskandariah this afternoon witnessed by the bride's mother, Sharifah Azaliah Syed Omar Shahabudin and her elder brother, Jeffri. This is the first time in the history of Perak a wedding of the Raja Muda is being held. Prior to this all the Raja Muda had been married before ascending to the position. Also, the last time a Royal wedding was held in the state was 20 years ago when Raja Nazrin's sister Raja Yong Sofia married Tunku Kamil Tunku Rijaldin of Kedah at the same palace.
Despite Raja Nazrin wanting his wedding to be on a small scale, the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPPK) has cleaned up and beautified the town with flowers and decorative lights, which make Kuala Kangsar look like a fairyland in the night. It used the allocations for the 50th independence anniversary celebrations and Visit Malaysia Year 2007 to make the wedding a big tourist draw.
The wedding has also caused the local people to be in an even more cheery mood and are participating in various popular folk games to celebrate the occasion. Meanwhile, the Perak Chinese community is sponsoring a fireworks display when a public feast is held in conjunction with the wedding on Saturday as its way of celebrating the event. As the Raja Muda indicated that the money for congratulatory advertisements for his wedding be channeled to worthwhile causes instead, Friday has been chosen for the purpose by corporate bodies and well wishers. They will hold lunches in various schools, orphanages and welfare homes in Perak as a mark of respect for his wishes. Special prayers will also be held for the royal couple at all mosques in the state after Friday prayers.
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People Can Send Congratulatory Messages Directly To Istana Iskandariah
SERI ISKANDAR, May 16 (Bernama) -- The people of Perak and others can send congratulatory messages to the Raja Muda of Perak, who is tying the knot tomorrow, by sending letters, facsimiles and e-mails directly to Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said that at the same time, the Perak State Secretary Office would provide a platform to enable the people to do so. The wedding of Raja Nazrin and Zara Salim Davidson begins tomorrow, culminating in the "bersanding" (sitting-in-state) ceremony at the palace on Saturday.
Tajol Rosli said he was happy with the initiative of the Chinese community in organising a grand fireworks display in Kuala Kangsar this weekend to celebrate the royal wedding. "It'll go up as high as 300 metres compared to the ones normally held during the Chinese New Year and Merdeka celebrations," he added. Tajol Rosli said Raja Nazrin gave his nod of approval for the fireworks display after being told that it would not involve state funds or the people's money. "Initially, the Raja Muda wanted the show to be conducted on a small scale but the Chinese leaders feel that this may be perceived as being disrespectful to a ruler. "Consequently, he said they could proceed as long as no government money is involved," he said.
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The royal wedding begins tomorrow with the solemnisation of marriage vows, followed by the proclamation of Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak on Friday and the "bersanding" ceremony in the palace on Saturday.= = == == == = ==
CCTV Recording Of Raja Nazrin's Wedding Cannot Be Reproduced - SS
KUALA KANGSAR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The media has been reminded not to reproduce any recordings of the royal wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim which will be beamed via closed-circuit television camera to the media centre at the Sungai Perak Resort. State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim said the CCTV coverage of the whole wedding ceremony from the solemnisation of the marriage on Thursday at the Iskandar Iskandariah palace, followed by the proclamation of Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak on Friday, and the "bersanding" on Saturday night would be beamed to the media centre solely for the journalists to report and write features of the wedding. "The Information Department, Broadcasting Department or other parties are not allowed to use the CCTV recordings for any reproduction and are strictly not permitted to make copies.
"Copies of the CCTV recordings must be handed to the state government," he said in a statement Tuesday. The Bernama-run media centre will open tomorrow to facilitate journalists in the coverage of the wedding. The centre provides computer and Internet facilities for free to journalists and also snacks and refreshments throughout the wedding ceremonies. Bernama, in a recent statement, had said the Malaysian National News Agency has been appointed by Istana Iskandariah as the official media for the royal wedding. It will produce reports, photos and visuals of the wedding.
Media organisations interested on the visuals of the wedding can make bookings at the media centre while the Perak Information Department will disseminate information and materials on the marriage to the media through the media centre from time to time. Journalists intending to use the media centre facilities are required to get coverage passes from the department. Only journalists registered with the department will be allowed to operate at the media centre.
Donations pour in to charities in conjunction with royal wedding
SELAMA (May 15, 2007): The Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) will contribute RM30,000 to host receptions at selected old folks homes and orphanages on Friday (May 18) to usher in the royal wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim Davidson. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the contribution was in keeping with the wish of Raja Nazrin, who wanted funds to place congratulatory advertisements in newspapers by individuals and companies be channelled for charity purposes, particularly to be donated to places of worship, welfare bodies, old folks homes, orphanages and schools in Perak. "Usually, for events like these, the Perak BN will take up two or three pages of advertisements in the newspapers to express our congratulations and happiness but this time, the Perak BN will give RM30,000 for the receptions to be held at old folks homes and orphanages," he told reporters at Kampung Kelian Gunung in Kubu Gajah here today.
Tajol Rosli also said he was proud of Raja Nazrin for graciously declining state funds for his wedding, reports Bernama He also described Zara, who would be proclaimed as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak in a ceremony in Istana Iskandariah on Friday, as the right choice for Raja Nazrin. InIpoh, Tajol Rosli said Friday has been chosen as a day of giving donations to the poor and students as it is a holy day for Muslims and the day Zara would be proclaimed the Raja Puan Besar. Baiduri Perak will sponsor a reception in Sekolah Raja Perempuan Ta'ayah here, Institut Teknologi Perak at Sekolah Izzudin Shah, and Metropolitan Utilities at Sekolah Agama Idrisiah Kuala Kangsar. Individuals will also sponsor lunch.
Chairman of Bernama and Metropolitan Utilities Sdn Bhd Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini will sponsor lunch at the Badan Amal Kebajikan Islam Perak (Bakip) orphanage in Greentown here, Datuk Seri Lee Oi Hian and Datin Seri Sandra Lee at the Lucky Village Old Folks Home, and Datuk Dr Kelvin Tan of Eko Wood International at SM Tuanku Bainun. Pakeez Restaurant will host lunch at Rumah Hawa in
Fireworks display not from state coffers
IPOH (May 15, 2007): The Perak government reiterated that the funding of the fireworks display on Saturday (May 19), held in conjuction with the royal wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim Davidson, does not come from the state coffers. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said all expenses for the 30-minute display were borne by the state Chinese Assembly Hall and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He said the Chinese community, who regard fireworks display as auspicious and of great significance, wished to make the wedding a memorable occasion by sponsoring the pyrotechnic display near the bridge leading to Istana Iskandariah during the wedding reception.
"Actually, it was during a discussion with Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, as the state MCA chief, on what we could do for the wedding. We decided on something good but on a moderate scale," he said in a media briefing. The royal wedding begins tomorrow with the solemnisation of marriage vows, followed by the proclamation of Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak on Friday and the "bersanding" ceremony in the palace on Saturday. A big LCD screen will be installed on the
A notice sent out by the Comptroller of the Perak Royal household said the palace grants the press permission to publish congratulatory messages and advertisements on the occasion of the wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah. However, the wording of congratulatory messages must be approved by the Sultan of Perak's office, with approval obtained from the Comptroller, Raja Datuk Seri Mansur Raja Razman. It said no advertisements or messages are to be published before the bersanding ceremony on Saturday. Only photographs endorsed by the sultan's office can be published in the advertisements and messages. Updated:
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Perak BN Chips In RM30,000 For Receptions At Old Folks' Homes
SELAMA, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Perak Barisan Nasion al (BN) will contribute RM30,000 to host receptions at selected old folks' homes and orphanages on Friday to usher in the royal wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim Davidson. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the contribution was in keeping with the wish of Raja Nazrin who wanted funds to place congratulatory advertisements in newspapers by individuals and companies be channelled for charity purposes, particularly to be donated to be donated to places of worship, welfare bodies, old folks homes, orphanages and schools in Perak.
"Usually, for events like these, the Perak BN will take up two or three pages of advertisements in the newspapers to express our congratulations and happiness but this time the Perak BN will give RM30,000 for the receptions to be held at old folks' homes and orphanages," he told reporters at Kampung Kelian Gunung in Kubu Gajah here, Tuesday. Tajol Rosli also said he was proud of Raja Nazrin for graciously declining state funds for his wedding. The Menteri Besar also described Zara, who would be proclaimed as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak in a ceremony at Istana Iskandariah on Friday, as the right choice for Raja Nazrin.
In
The Pakeeza Restaurant will host lunch at Rumah Hawa in
More vintage photos of Zara in her early & late twenties. ABOVE: In prayer & wishful mood to be married to a Prince and BELOW in her diving gears in Sabah waters
75-Minute Telecast On Royal Wedding At
IPOH, May 14 (Bernama) -- An LCD screen measuring 6 x 4.8 metres will be installed at the Ipoh City Council Square to enable the public to watch the royal wedding live from Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. Perak Public Works Department Director Datuk Wong Wai Ching said the one hour and 15 minute telecast would include recorded ceremonies of the solemnisation of marriage of the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and the proclamation of the bride, Zara Salim Davidson, as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak. "It's an open concept for people who come to the square. We will not put up tents at the area. Tents will only be put up at the
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He also said that the Raja Muda "is down-to-earth and can communicate well with the layman. I think that with his educational and social background, he can communicate very well with all levels of the population regardless of race and status." On Raja Nazrin's marriage, Lum said: "Finally, he has found someone. I'm glad for him. We hope he will have a happy life and wish him good luck." Another of Raja Nazrin's schoolmates, Dr Sharifuddin Wahab, 51, described him as "a very simple person, friendly and very caring and always showing concern for close friends." Sharifuddin, deputy managing director of property development company Naim Cendera Holdings Bhd based in Kuching, told Bernama that Raja Nazrin, who is known as "Naz" among his schoolmates, has been the same person in terms of values from the time he first came to know him when they were both in Standard Six at the
"Raja Nazrin was not all too quiet and at the same time he did not talk much but was well liked because of his concern for his friends. He was not picky about money and often gave his friends treats," he said. Impressed with Raja Nazrin, Sharifuddin had named his son, now 18, after the Raja Muda. He said that when his mother died two months ago, he conveyed the news to Raja Nazrin. Two hours later, the Raja Muda called at his mother's house in Kampung Baru,
"If you ask other people in (our) school, they will say that he is a very decent, polite and friendly person," he said, and added that his most memorable time with Raja Nazrin was when "we go travelling together". On Raja Nazrin's marriage, Robert said he wished him well and "really hope that his marriage will take them to a different level". Another close friend of Raja Nazrin's, Datuk Ahmad Johari Razak, 53, said the Raja Muda of Perak has "a multi-dimensional character" despite being a member of the royalty. "He is an aristocrat but very humble. He can joke and have a very decisive intellectual discussion at the same time. Like everbody else, he knows how to live life to the fullest. At the same time, he is very conscious of his duty as the Raja Muda and always concerned about the role of the monarchy," he said. Ahmad Johari, the second son of second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and a younger brother of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib, said he met Raja Nazrin when they were studying in the
They share the same interests -- reading and travelling, and had travelled together across
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Over 100 Journalists Covering Raja Nazrin's Wedding
A media centre for the wedding will be opened at the Sungai Perak Resort tomorrow," he said. Zainuddin can be contacted at 012 4651510 or 05 2540377. The media centre run by Bernama will provide computer, telephone, Internet and facsimile facilities for free and will be open from tomorrow until Sunday. Bernama has been appointed the official media for the wedding by Istana Iskandariah and will put out reports on the event, including photos and visuals. The royal wedding starts on Thursday with the solemnisation of the marriage vows and the wearing of the ring at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, followed by the proclamation of Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak on Friday and the the bersanding ceremony at the palace on Saturday. The ceremonies will be screened via closed-circuit television for the public and journalists at the Arena Square Hall located near the media centre. A dinner will be held for the common folk at
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UPDATE:
Raja Nazrin's Example Should Be Emulated By All, Says Zam
KANGAR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah's action in declining a state allocation for his wedding is something that should be emulated by the people, including artistes, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin. "I salute him. It should be made an example and lesson for everyone," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the National Council of the Komuniti Bestari programme here. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali yesterday told Bernama that the prince had politely declined a state allocation to finance his wedding with Zara Salim Davidson on Thursday. Raja Nazrin had also told him to use the money for the benefit of the people, he said.
Raja Nazrin had also asked for the bills for the wedding expenses to be reverted to him and wanted companies and individuals not to race each other in placing congratulatory advertisements. He said that he would be more happy if the money was used for charitable purposes. Zainuddin said there had been instances of artistes spending huge sums of money on their weddings just to display their financial status. Worse still those who could not afford it but held lavish weddings would end up in debt, he added. Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam said Raja Nazrin's action further exalted the prince's already impeccable image. He told Bernama that the move was unprecedented in Malaysian history.
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Zara's Marriage To Raja Nazrin A Perfect Gift To Former Teacher
IPOH, May 13 (Bernama) -- To Datin Azian Ahmad Shaharbi, the marriage of her former student Zara Salim Davidson to Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah this Thursday is a perfect gift to her in conjunction with Teachers Day on Wednesday. Azian, 47, now headmistress of Sekolah Kebangsaan Tarcisian Convent here, said she taught Zara in Form Two at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Convent
"As a former teacher of Zara, and as a resident of Perak, the royal marriage is a perfect gift to me in conjunction with Teachers Day which will be celebrated throughout the country this Wednesday," she told reporters here today. Azian who taught at SMK Convent Ipoh from 1982 to 1995, said when she first saw Zara in 1982, she felt the girl would be a successful person one day although she did not know Zara's background. Zara at that time was in Year Four at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Convent Ipoh situated in the same compound with SMK Convent. "I was always aware of her presence because she was a lovely girl and outstanding.
"When I taught her, she always scored high marks although she was active in sports," she recalled. Azian, who was enchanted with Zara's beauty often imagined her face when she conceived her first child in 1983, but "Allah had decided to bless me with four sons instead". She said Zara made an excellent pair with Raja Nazrin because both had charisma and many good qualities. "She displayed a high sense of responsibility in her childhood, joining the SMK Convent Interact Club and became its secretary," she added. Another former teacher of Zara, Sharifah Faizah Syed Jaafar, 47, said "we remember Zara as an oustanding student in all fields". Sharifah Faizah teaches English at the school since the early 1980's till today.
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Perak Raja Muda Sets Example Of Noble Attitude
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described it as a responsible move and said that it showed the Raja Muda did not want to waste the people's money. Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said Raja Nazrin's attitude should be highly admired because it was a nobility that should be emulated.
"I respectfully salute His Highness," he said. It should serve as a message to the people, especially the artistes, who spent lavishly to hold wedding receptions as proof of their financial status, he added. Some of them, despite having limited financial capacities, still wanted to be lush and as a result, they had to bear debts, he said.
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Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Raja Nazrin had once again won the people's hearts with his humility. "The royal wedding will still be a beautiful historic event though it is held in moderation. Raja Nazrin is always in the hearts of the people who are praying for his happiness," she said.
Deputy Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Raja Muda had showed that although he was member of the royal family, he did not invoke any privilleges in his personal affairs. "His Highness has given an indication to the people from all levels of society that wedding ceremonies are personal in nature and he does not use opulence and people's resources for himself," he said. DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang said Raja Nazrin had shown a good example as a respected leader.
"Raja Nazrin's stand not to use the state government's funds is a good message for other leaders," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had also shown such gesture when refusing grand ceremonies and adopting a modest approach, he added. "This modest character is hardly seen these days," he said. DAP vice-president M. Kulasegaran said: "I am very happy and proud for having a far-sighted Raja Muda because it is the people's money. This example is a very good gesture for all people." He said the Raja Muda was a man with excellent personality for thinking that the money should be given to those who were really in need and for the good and wellbeing of the people.
Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria said Raja Nazrin's action "means that the question of marriage is his personal right." "So, it is His Highness who pays for the expenses. If a king has given the best example to the people, why should we as ordinary citizens hold grand ceremonies with the purpose of showing off," he said. Perak MIC chairman Datuk G. Rajoo also welcomed Raja Nazrin's action and said the Raja Muda had very honourable intentions and served as a good example for the people. National Sikh Movement president Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill said: "Like his father Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Dr Nazrin has introduced something, namely the people should be the priority.
For him, the people come first. "His Highness is very loving, kind and unselfish. He wants to ensure the people get the infrastructure and good surrounding to live in," he said. "He is the best example to be followed," he added. Transparency International Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said Raja Nazrin had shown the best example of transparency and integrity in leadership. "The leaders should emulate His High Highness by refusing grants or presents often given in particular events," he said. This would make the people love him more and respect him as a leader, he added. Umno Youth economic bureau chairman Rizal Merican Naina Merican said Raja Nazrin had become a symbol of nobility. His wedding was the state government's function but his decision to decline state allocations was commendable for a prince who puts the people's interests above his own.
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Raja Nazrin's Long-time Friend First To Arrive For Royal Wedding
By Hafizah Kamaruddin
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Timor Shah Rafiq, a long-time friend of Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, is the first of the foreign invitees to arrive for the royal wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak on Thursday. Rafiq, 53, with his wife Sultana and their two children, Madeena Sultan, 15, and Amir Sultan, 10, arrived here on Thursday from
Raja Nazrin, then 22, was in his final year at
Rafiq is now the President of his company, "Rafiq and Associates Inc", which provides solutions for transportation plans and engineering projects in the
Though Rafiq was not aware that Raja Nazrin was a Malaysian prince, he could sense that the Raja Muda of Perak was from a high-class family based on his poise, mannerism and the way he interacted with friends and students. "I could sense that he could go far despite him being humble in so many ways," he said. Rafiq said that only during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles that Raja Nazrin, who was then pursuing his masters degree at the Harvard University, told him who he was because Sultan Azlan Shah, was then newly proclaimed on Feb 3, 1984 as the 34th Sultan of Perak and a week later on Feb 9 elected as the new Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, was coming to the Olympics with tight security. However, this did not affect their friendship. Rafiq said that despite Raja Nazrin being the Raja Muda of Perak, he still maintained the same values as a dedicated and committed person and a loyal friend. Rafiq, who first visited
"Raja Nazrin also attended my wedding with Sultana in
"He is dedicated in discharging his duties and responsibilities and also towards developing his intellectual capacity. He is an avid reader and this has benefited him in his endeavours. "However, in making a name for himself, Raja Nazrin while keeping his eye on the rear view mirror, he should also be focusing on the long road ahead," said Rafiq. As a prince, Rafiq said Raja Nazrin had a role to play in ensuring the customs and traditions of the Malay Rulers are preserved in the face of challenges in the fast-changing world.
On Raja Nazrin's wedding, he said: "The marriage is the next phase of his life. Being a highly educated and an accomplished person, this is one area he needs to focus. "I am glad that he has finally decided to get married. His bride-to-be Zara is a lovely, friendly and an intellect. She is the right match for him. "I hope he will enjoy his married life with his wife and the family that he will have," he added.
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Perak MCA chairman Datuk Ong Ka Chuan told Bernama that although the Raja Muda wanted a royal wedding conducted on a moderate scale, the Chinese community felt that the wedding of the royal couple, which was once-in-a-lifetime event, should be a memorable affair. He said the Perak MCA, state Chinese Assembly Hall and Chinese Chamber of Commerce would sponsor a 30-minute fireworks display near the bridge leading to Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar, during the wedding reception. The display could be seen not only from the palace, but also the surrounding areas and by the common folk who were invited to attend a people's feast at
"It is up to them to use their creativity to come up with beautiful designs with the appropriate congratulatory messages, but we will check the messages first to avoid any problems. "Besides watching the fireworks, the public will also be able to admire the display of hundreds of oil lamps around the royal town," he added. The solemnisation of marriage of the eldest child of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, will be held on Thursday morning and the 'bersanding' ceremony on Saturday night.
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The Raja Muda is setting unusual precedents in picking up almost all the Tabs for his coming Wedding and other preferences. It is most unusual for a Royalty not to accept the government assistance. It is a royal social responsibility unseen before. The Prince is mindful all the time of wastage and prefer funds be spent to benefit the rakyat and the print media would be at the losing ends. The preference for a sit-in dinner might pose great logistic problems to such a large gathering. But he would prefer guests to have a proper and memorable dinner to remember.
Raja Nazrin Politely
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, has politely declined state allocation for his wedding with Zara Salim Davidson on Thursday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said today. "As the chief executive of the state government, I really appreciate the concern of the Raja Muda of Perak not to permit the state government to spend money for his marriage," he said. Tajol Rosli said Raja Nazrin conveyed his wishes when he had an audience with him recently.
"During the audience, Raja Nazrin politely thanked the state government for allocating funds for the royal wedding. "Instead, he advised the state government to spend the money for development projects to meet the needs of the people," he said in a statement issued to Bernama, Saturday. Tajol Rosli also said Raja Nazrin had told him that he would pay for all expenses incurred for his wedding. "Hence, if there are expenditures involving the state coffers, they are to repair and upgrade infrastructures that benefit the people in the long term," he said. Raja Nazrin also said expenses for the feast for the common folk would also be borne by him.
Some 5,000 ordinary folk, including orphans, would be feted in conjunction with the May 19 wedding reception. They include local Village and Security Development Committee (JKKK) members, village heads and grassroots politicians. The orphans are from Rumah Anak Yatim Kati, Rumah Anak Yatim Sultan Abdul Aziz and Rumah Anak Yatim Sungai Siput and students from schools in and around the royal town of
The "bersanding" ceremony will be held at the Balairong Seri of Istana Iskandariah on Saturday night, with the hosting of a feast for the common folk at the
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Abdullah Praises Raja Nazrin As "People-centred" Prince
PANTAI REMIS, May 13 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today praised the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, as a "people-centred prince" who has the people's interests at heart, gives priority to development and the people's well-being. "The Raja Muda of Perak is indeed a people-centred prince despite being born in the palace," the prime minister said.Abdullah said he had on several occasions spoke to Raja Nazrin on various issues and the Raja Muda of Perak had always given his attention to development and the people's welfare. "I've spoken to him on various issues...indeed he is a prince who gives attention to matters related to development and people's welfare, especially in Perak," he said when commenting on Raja Nazrin's decision to graciously decline the use of state government funds for his wedding on Thursday.
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ABOVE & BELOW; New additional images of Zara Salim Davidson. At what age?
The Raja Muda is setting unusual precedents in picking up almost all the Tabs for his coming Wedding and asking for other preferences. It is most unusual for a Royalty not to accept the government assistance. It is a royal social responsibility unseen before. The Prince is mindful all the time of wastage and prefer funds be spent to benefit the rakyat and the print media would be at the losing ends. The preference for a sit-in dinner might pose great logistic problems to such a large gathering. But he would prefer guests to have a proper and memorable dinner to remember.
Raja Nazrin Politely
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, has politely declined state allocation for his wedding with Zara Salim Davidson on Thursday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali (pictured above) said today. "As the chief executive of the state government, I really appreciate the concern of the Raja Muda of Perak not to permit the state government to spend money for his marriage," he said. Tajol Rosli said Raja Nazrin conveyed his wishes when he had an audience with him recently.
"During the audience, Raja Nazrin politely thanked the state government for allocating funds for the royal wedding. "Instead, he advised the state government to spend the money for development projects to meet the needs of the people," he said in a statement issued to Bernama, Saturday. Tajol Rosli also said Raja Nazrin had told him that he would pay for all expenses incurred for his wedding.
"Hence, if there are expenditures involving the state coffers, they are to repair and upgrade infrastructures that benefit the people in the long term," he said. Raja Nazrin also said expenses for the feast for the common folk would also be borne by him. Some 5,000 ordinary folk, including orphans, would be feted in conjunction with the May 19 wedding reception. They include local Village and Security Development Committee (JKKK) members, village heads and grassroots politicians. The orphans are from Rumah Anak Yatim Kati, Rumah Anak Yatim Sultan Abdul Aziz and Rumah Anak Yatim Sungai Siput and students from schools in and around the royal town of
Tajol Rosli said Raja Nazrin also advised companies and individuals against competing to buy advertisement space in newspapers on the occasion of his wedding. "Instead, he advised them that he will be happier if the funds for the advertisements are channelled for charity, especially donating to places of worship, welfare bodies, old folks homes, orphanages and schools in Perak. "His profound concern clearly showed Raja Nazrin is a prince who has the people's interests at heart. "On behalf of the state government and the people of Perak, I thank God and pledge my loyalty to him and pray for his and his bride's happiness," he said. The solemnisation of the marriage between Raja Nazrin and Zara will be held at Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, followed by the proclamation of Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak on Friday.
The "bersanding" ceremony will be held at the Balairong Seri of Istana Iskandariah on Saturday night, with the hosting of a feast for the common folk at the
Live Broadcast Of Raja Nazrin-Zara Wedding
Kuala Kangsar District Officer Datuk Mohamed Ghazali Jalal (ABOVE) says two giant screens and several television sets will be set up at
By Zuhafizah Ahmad Zaki
KUALA KANGSAR, May 9 (Bernama) -- The people of Perak will get to see the May 19 "bersanding" (sitting in state) ceremony of the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and Zara Salim Davidson on giant screens at the
The royal wedding kicks off on May 17 with the solemnisation of the vows and "menyarung cincin" (wearing of the ring) ceremony at Istana Iskandariah followed the next day by the proclamation ceremony to bestow Zara with the official title of Raja Puan Besar of Perak, and the bersanding ceremony on May 19. Mohamed Ghazali told Bernama: "We're also responsible for dinner at
Tents would be erected near
UPDATE: May 11 2007;
Major Hotels Fully Booked For Royal Wedding
Impiana Casurina Hotel booking supervisor Norlian Zaid said all 179 rooms at the hotel were already booked for the occasion. However most of the hotels in
- List of Banks in Kuala Kangsar.
- List of Hotels in Kuala Kangsar
- Kuala Kangsar (in English)
- Kuala Kangsar Portal
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Raja Nazrin-Zara Marriage Strengthens Perak-Kedah Links
Syed Omar, retired from the Kedah civil service at the age of 52 to begin his career in politics. He was appointed Kedah Umno Liaison chief, chairman of Kedah Alliance Party and Menteri Besar in 1959 after winning the Baling seat in the country's first federal election in the same year. Syed Omar successfully led the Alliance Party in winning all the seats in the State Legislative Council in the 1964 general election. As Menteri Besar from 1959 to 1967, he was considered a successful leader in developing the state by introducing various programmes including the Muda River Irrigation Scheme and the setting up of the Kedah State Development Corporation. Syed Omar, who was known to be active in football, cricket and athletics, had suggested and planned a stadium for Kedah, the present Darulaman Stadium. He died on
Raja Aman Shah, who was the district officer of Port Dickson during the Japanese Occupation in the 1940's, became the company commander of the Negeri Sembilan Battalion of the Federated Malay States Volunteer Force. He was sent to lead his company to the frontline in the battle to defend Changi in
A year earlier in 1986, Raja Kecil Sulong Perak Raja Datuk Seri Iskandar Dzulkarnain Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah II married the Sultan of Kedah's daughter Tunku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim. Raja Nazrin and Zara's wedding this Thursday will further strengthen the existing relationship between both royal households. Meanwhile in KUALA KANGSAR, Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Istana Iskandariah, Datuk Seri Raja Mansur Raja Razman, said the royal wedding would not be televised live to respect the wishes of the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah and Raja Nazrin
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Zara is great-grandchild of Kedah’s Sultan Abdul Hamid
ZARA Salim Davidson, the bride-to-be of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, is the great-grandchild of Kedah's Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, Utusan
“From the marriage to Che Manjalara, Sultan Abdul Hamid had seven children, including Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and Tunku Aminah,” he said. Zara also has a close relationship with the current Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Sultan Badlishah, who is the grandson of Sultan Abdul Hamid and a cousin to Tunku Abdul Rahman. Tunku Aminah married Syed Omar Abdullah Shahabuddin, who became Kedah's second Mentri Besar after independence, from July 1959 to Dec 1967= == = == = ==
All-Round Praise For Raja Nazrin's Upcoming Simple Wedding
He said that this corresponded with the true meaning of marriage which was to build a family rather than focusing on staging a sensational and grandiose event. "People tend to be boastful when they hold big events. A simple wedding, focusing on the needful such as fulfilling religious requirements, is truly a fine example for others to follow," Prof Mohammed Yusoff said. Echoing the same sentiments, educationist Mohamad Kazim Elias said: "It's a good example that should earn our utmost support as it shows that even a ruler finds it befitting to hold a simple ceremony."
Mohamad Kazim, who is the principle of Al Barakah Education Centre in Kampung Manjoi here, said Raja Nazrin's simple wedding plans should set an example as nowadays people were in some kind of a race to present ever expensive wedding gifts. Concurring, State Unity and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk G. Rajoo said: "The people should take a leaf from Raja Nazrin as building a family is akin to a long journey. Money has to be spent on priority areas such as childrens' education."
Trader Abdullah Mohd Hata, 47, said: "We share the happiness of the Raja Muda in finding his life partner... his decision to hold a simple and modest ceremony should be lauded and emulated by the public." Comptroller of the Perak royal household Raja Datuk Seri Mansur Raja Razman yesterday said that the royal wedding would be a simple affair as requested by Sultan Azlan Shah and Raja Nazrin himself. Zara, the youngest of the four children of lawyer William Davidson and Sharifah Azaliah Syed Omar Shahabudin, is the grand niece of
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Position Of Raja Puan Besar Of Perak Vacant For Two Decades
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The position of Raja Puan Besar of Perak has been left vacant for two decades following the death of the then Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Ahmad Siffuddin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar Shah, on April 12, 1987. The title was held by his wife, Raja Nor Izan Raja Abdul Rashid, for three years from the day Raja Ahmad Siffuddin was appointed the Raja Muda on
After the death of Raja Ahmad Siffuddin from a heart attack in Kuala Terengganu, Raja Nor Azian held the title, Yang Teramat Mulia, until her own death on
Raja Nazrin's bride-to-be, Zara Salim Davidson, will be proclaimed the new Raja Puan Besar of Perak in a special ceremony steeped in tradition on May 18, a day after the solemnisation of their marriage vows at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
The sultan and his son in asking for a moderate ceremony would put the Corporate Sector to shame. The Perak Royalty has a conscience and we can call it their ROYAL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (RSR) in wanting a Simple Moderate Royal Wedding – the primary purpose is to save the Rakyat’s Money if an elaborate one is conducted; This is rare compare to the CSR (you seldom find) in the Corporate Sector; where they Spend Lavishing for all the kickbacks.
A glaring bad example you find is the printing of the annual reports in fine quality paper and in color . For some small time investors, the dividend they received might be less than the cost of printing that wasteful report which would probably remained UNopend when received.
Moderate Wedding Ceremony For Raja Muda Of Perak
ABOVE: SPRUCE UP… The Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan is given a fresh coat of paint in time for a royal wedding for the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.
By Roshidi Abu Samah;
KUALA KANGSAR, May 9 (Bernama) -- It will be a simple royal wedding conducted on a moderate scale for the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, next week at the Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan here. Comptroller of the Perak Royal Household Raja Datuk Seri Mansur Raja Razman said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, and his eldest son, Raja Nazrin, had asked for such a wedding ceremony. "Tuanku wants a simple and moderate ceremony. Nevertheless, we will ensure that the royal customs and traditions are adhered to," he told Bernama at his office here today.
The wedding ceremony of the Perak royal household would normally involve five stages, namely the engagement, solemnisation of the marriage vows, a bath with lime-scented water, the "bersanding" or sitting-in-state ceremony, and the "Bersiram Sampat" (ceremonial bath).
The bath with lime-scented water is again divided into two stages, namely the main lime bath, which is also known as the "Bersiram Khutbah", and the lime bath for application of the henna. The "Bersiram Sampat" is fulfilled three days after the sitting-in-state ceremony. However, Raja Mansur said, the lime bath and "Bersiram Sampat" ceremonies would not be performed. He said the absolving of the ablution ceremony would be carried out after the solemnisation of the marriage vows without the "menghalau pelak jembalang" or "warding off evil spirit" ceremony.
Raja Nazrin, 50, will marry Zara Salim Davidson, 34, the youngest of the four children of lawyer William Davidson and Sharifah Azaliah Syed Omar Shahabudin on May 17. Zara, who is managing director of Forthwave Consulting Sdn Bhd, a software development and hydrocarbon technical engineering company in
On May 18, Sultan Azlan Shah will proclaim Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak Darul Ridzuan and bestow on her the Darjah Kerabat award, at the Istana Iskandariah. The royal "bersanding" (sitting-in-state) ceremony will be held at the Balairong Seri (Throne Room) of the Istana Iskandariah on the evening of May 19. The ceremony will be followed by the royal banquet.
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All GOOGLE Search for “Zara Salim Davidson” points to this site (on Top of the NST & STAR, as at May 08 07), with MORE Pictures & Photos the Papers cannot afford the Space. Watch this space, bookmark it for MORE Pics next week for the Royal Wedding. Thanks for visiting. Click some ads you fancy!
Ex-Nottingham U Top Student Zara Davidson To Wed Raja Muda Of Perak
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Zara Salim Davidson, the bride-to-be of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, was one of the top students at the University of Nottingham and a former Perak state swimmer. She graduated with first class honours in chemical engineering in July 1995. Incidentally, her father-in-law-to-be, the Sultan of Perak, read law at the same university and was conferred the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1953 before being admitted to the English Bar in 1954.
Born in
Zara, who has a strong interest in foreign languages, had studied at SMJK Convent Ipoh and represented her school in squash and tennis from 1988 to 1990. She also represented Perak in swimming between 1981 and 1987. After completing her A-Levels at
ABOVE: A more mature recent casual photo
Zara joined the Business Evaluation Department in the Corporate Planning Unit of Petronas in December 1995 and was part of the team responsible for the successful establishment of the Kertih and Kuantan integrated petrochemical complexes, whose foreign partners included BP, BASF, Dow Chemicals and Mitsubishi. She then became a Project Analyst in the Petronas Petrochemical Business Unit and was part of the core team developing the Petronas brand essence, which now forms part of the Petronas global branding strategy. Between February 1999 and October 2000, she was Product Manager at Petlin (
She was also part of the Petronas project team to operationalise the largest single-train Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plant in the world at Kertih. Zara left Petronas in November 2001 to become Account Manager at Formis Network Services Sdn Bhd and then assumed the post of Vice-President of Partnerships & Alliances at Formis (
People Of Perak Elated Over Raja Nazrin's Wedding
KUALA KANGSAR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The people of Perak have expressed happiness and welcomed news of Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah's wedding on May 17 at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, here. They also were thankful to God for yesterday's announcement about the ceremony by the Comptroller of the Perak royal household, Datuk Seri Raja Mansur Raja Razman. Mohd Roslee Mat Som, 45, who has served at Istana Iskandriah for 15 years, described the wedding as timely. "I'm not surprised by the news because the people have been waiting for so long for someone to be named Raja Puan Besar of Perak," he told Bernama here Tuesday. His colleague, Abdul Risham Idris, 26, agreed and said the time had come for Raja Nazrin Shah to have a life partner.
Rohana Syaaban, 42, who has also served at the palace since 14 years ago, said: "Before this, I only took care of the beautiful scenery at the palace but from today until next week, I'm proud because I will maintain the palace's beauty for the wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak."
A handicraft trader in Kuala Kangsar town, Zalihaha Mat Kasa, 60, said Raja Nazrin Shah's wedding "completed his journey" because a prince needed a partner by his side. "It's good for him because he has been single for so long. The people are certain that the Raja Muda's choice is someone special and suits him well," she said. A trader at the Sungai Perak foodcourt here who wanted to be known only as Yahya, said he could not wait to celebrate the royal wedding. "Yes, how long the Raja Muda wants to remain a bachelor?
The time has come for him to get a partner," he said. Wong, a trader in
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Media Centre At Sg Perak Resort For Raja Nazrin's Wedding
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- A media centre will be opened on May 16 at the Sungai Perak Resort in Kuala Kangsar to facilitate journalists covering the wedding of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim Davidson. The ceremonies for the royal wedding will start on May 17, with the solemnisation and "menyarung cincin" (wearing of the ring) at Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. The ceremony to appoint and proclaim Zara as the Raja Puan Besar of Perak will be held the following day while the "Bersanding" will take place on May 19.
The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) will operate the media centre, providing computer and internet facilities for free to journalists. The media centre, located close to Sungai Perak and at the foot of Bukit Chandan, will provide snacks and drinks to journalists throughout the ceremonies, Bernama said in a statement. It said journalists would be allowed to cover the wedding from the media centre. The ceremonies will be relayed live on a screen via closed circuit television at the Arena Square Hall located near the media centre for journalists and the public to watch the wedding.
Bernama has been appointed by Istana Iskandariah as the official media to provide coverage of the wedding, including photos and visuals. It said media organisations interested in the visuals of the wedding can make bookings for a fee at the media centre.The Perak Information Department would issue all information and itineraries of the ceremonies to the media at the centre from time to time, it said. Journalists intending to use the facilities at the media centre are required to liaise with Perak Information Department for coverage passes, it added.
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Perak Sultan disappointed with Utusan Group
IPOH: Perak’s Sultan Azlan Shah yesterday expressed disappointment and regret that two newspapers — Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo — published a photo of Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah’s bride-to-be before her name was formally announced. The sultan’s displeasure was conveyed in a letter from the palace to the two newspapers. Copies of the letter, written by Comptroller of the Perak royal household Raja Datuk Seri Mansur Raja Razman, were distributed to the media. Raja Mansur explained in the letter that the royal wedding involved protocols that had to be adhered to because they involved the appointment and proclamation of the Raja Puan Besar of Perak."Therefore, the information, including the photo, will be issued in stages after fulfilling several ceremonies, from the solemnisation of the marriage to the bersanding ceremony."
ABOVE: The current photo used by Utusan on May 09 2007
ABOVE: the photo used by Utusan on May 08 07, Zara at 18 years old?? The black or brown mole was there long ago!Utusan
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Raja Nazrin, 50, is the eldest child of Sultan Azlan Shah and Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Bainun. Born in
His research interests are in the areas of economic and political development in South-East and 
ABOVE: Official portrait of the Raja Muda Perak= = = = =
Go H E R E ON the
Failure of the CSR (Corporate Social Responbility ) for a Developer like Talam Corporation in abandoning a Housing project through its subsidiary
= = = == = OR GO H E R E to the Royal Wedding Video & More Pictures ON
Royal Wedding - Raja Muda Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah married Zara Salim Davidson - 17th May 2007 at Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan; Kual Kangsar. `Mas kahwin' (dowry) of 250 grammes of gold coins and a diamond ring
= = == = & GO H E R E on the Final Part on the Berstanding Ceremony on 19th May 2007
MORE PICS & Video – Royal Wedding ends in Glittering “Berstanding” Ceremony - Steeped in royal customs; 800 guests - Royalties, Ministers & Datuks Graced Ceremony
posted by multidimid at 11:40 PM
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