JOHOR BAHRU: MACES, batons and staffs are closely related in history as weapons which later evolved as symbols of sovereignty and authority.
The mace was largely abandoned as a weapon following the development of helmets and armour.
In modern days, the mace is a sign of authority to its bearer or an institution.
The Johor royal insignia include the 1.4m Mace of the Grand Marshal made of silver filigree work with pepper and gambier motif.
The large head of the mace is surmounted with a relief of the state coat-of-arms in gold. The mace is borne on the shoulder of the Grand Marshal (Dato' Penghulu Biracana) at all royal ceremonies.
The Grand Master of Ceremonies (Dato' Penghulu Istiadat) carries a silver baton. Two smaller versions of the baton are borne by his assistants. The batons made in silver are intricately designed with the familiar motif of pepper and gambier and surmounted with the replica of the crown.
In addition, there are eight staffs which are 1.4 metres in length made from cane with silver and gold mountings surmounted with replicas of the crown.
Sultan Sir Ibrahim gave prominence to the insignia and ensured their role was in accordance with Malay and Western traditions and accorded proper respect.
In 1920, he codified the Statutes of the Court, Palace and Religious Establishment and instituted posts of responsibility and authority necessary and expedient in regard to palace functions and traditions.
The Grand Court Officials consist the Grand Chamberlain (Dato' Perdana Dalam), the Grand Marshall (Dato' Penghulu Biracana), the Grand Master of Ceremonies (Dato' Penghulu Istiadat), The Senior Grand Director of Audiences (Dato' Bentara Kanan), the Junior Grand Director of Audiences (Dato' Bentara Kiri) and the Grand Steward (Dato' Penghulu Istana).
An officer of the Johor civil service holding the post of State Secretary is appointed as the Grand Marshal and heads the royal ceremonies.
The Grand Master of Ceremonies conducts the various court ceremonies and functions with particular emphasis on royal protocol and court traditions and rituals, including insignia bearers and to maintain proper and updated records of proceedings.
The Senior Grand Director of Audiences and the Junior Grand Director of Audiences are to welcome and entertain guests of the sovereign and to see their proper order of precedence.
The Grand Steward is responsible for the logistic, manpower and refreshments and culinary arrangements for a ceremony.
With the passage of time the post of Grand Chamberlain became a State establishment. The appointment of the Grand Court Officials is bestowed upon by the Sovereign from among the Counsellors of the Royal Court.
At a royal ceremony, they are attired in the uniform of the Royal Court, and a broad yellow silk sash (kain selempang) embroidered with the emblem of the crown worn from the right shoulder to the left waist.
Some of the officers are appointed as officers of the chancery of the Johor Orders of Chivalry and are required to wear the insignia of office during an investiture.
Sultan Ibrahim created the Honourable Corp of Insignia Bearers (Pasukan Penjawat Istana) consisting of 40 able- bodied Malay men chosen from those who served him with loyalty.
These heralds were known as orang dalam to mean officers and court officials whose service was a source of prestige to the Ruler and of honour to them.
Their male descendants often replace them in succession. This tradition is being maintained.
The heralds perform their duties voluntarily as a sign of their loyalty to the Ruler. They are issued with a set of uniform consisting of a black tunic with five golden buttons bearing the crest of the Royal Court, a black kain sampin adorned with gold motif of pepper and gambier to be worn in the style of berdagang dalam (worn underneath the tunic), a black songkok with a golden emblem of the Royal Court on the left, and a pair of black leather boots.
A 20-cm broad yellow silk sash (kain selempang) embroidered with the emblem of the crown is worn from the right shoulder to the left waist at royal ceremonies.
The heralds are also provided with a set of black Baju Melayu Telok Belanga to be used at the Hol ceremony marking the anniversary of the demise of the Ruler, and at semi-formal functions.
A narrow and short yellow silk kain tetampan embroidered with the crest of the Royal Court and silk fringes at both ends is worn on the left shoulder during the Hol ceremony and on the right shoulder on joyous occasions.
The black kain sampin is worn in the style of berdagang dalam during the Hol ceremony. The Grand Marshall bearing the Grand Mace leads the royal procession, followed immediately by the Grand Master of Ceremonies carrying his baton of office.
The sceptre of religion on the right and the sceptre of the universe on the left borne by the respective heralds precede the 16 spears with eight on each side of the procession.
The Ruler flanked by the royal standard on his right and the state flag on his left is accompanied by the Kris of the Family Order on the right and the Kris of the Order of the Crown on the left followed immediately by the four umbrellas which are not open.
The staffs, four on each side, take up the rear of the procession.
The positioning of the insignia in the throne room is mirrored with the sceptres on the left and right, respectively, the kris, flags and umbrellas behind the throne. The spears and staffs stand guard on the left and right.
The full set of insignia is exhibited during the coronation, birthday ceremonies, royal funerals and on other occasions as decreed by the Ruler.
Dato' Abdul Rahim Ramli is secretary of the Council of the Royal Court.
