The Agong's Birthday, also known as the Official Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is a significant public holiday in Malaysia that celebrates the birthday of the country's King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong). It is a day to honor the Malaysian monarch and the constitutional monarchy system.

Table of Contents

1. When is Agong's Birthday?
2. The History of Agong's Birthday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. List of Yang di-Pertuan Agong

When is Agong's Birthday?

The Agong's Birthday in Malaysia is typically celebrated on the first Monday of June, regardless of the reigning monarch's actual birthday.

The following is the list of Agong's Birthday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Agong's Birthday

The Agong's Birthday is a significant public holiday in Malaysia that highlights Malaysia's unique system of monarchy, national unity, and respect for the country's traditions.

Malaysia has a rotational monarchy, where the King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) is elected every five years from among the rulers of nine Malaysian states with hereditary monarchies. This system was established at Malaysia's independence in 1957, making it the only country with a rotating monarchy.

The first Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, served from 1957 to 1960. Since then, Malaysia has continued the practice of electing the Agong from the nine royal states in a fixed rotation.

Initially, the Agong's Birthday was observed on the actual birthdate of the reigning monarch. However, with changes in rulers, this made the holiday inconsistent.

To simplify national celebrations, the Agong's Birthday was standardized in 1977 to the first Saturday of June each year.

In 2017, it was moved to the first Monday of June to create a long weekend and accommodate modern work schedules.

The Agong's Birthday is not just a celebration of the King's role but also an expression of Malaysia's unique identity, cultural diversity and respect for its constitutional monarchy.

What Do People Do on This Day?

The Agong's Birthday is celebrated in Malaysia with official ceremonies, cultural activities and community events.

A grand ceremony at Istana Negara (National Palace) marks the occasion. Highlights include military parades, 21-gun salute and the Agong' speech emphasizing unity and harmony.

Many Malaysians watch the official celebrations on television or online.

The national flag (Jalur Gemilang) is prominently displayed on homes, offices, and public buildings. Streets and landmarks are adorned with flags, banners, and lights to mark the occasion.

As a public holiday, Malaysians often use the day to relax, spend time with loved ones or enjoy leisure activities.

Food festivals featuring Malaysian cuisine often accompany the celebrations, highlighting the country's rich culinary heritage.

Schools and organizations often conduct talks or exhibitions about the history and significance of Malaysia's monarchy.

Some communities organize charitable events, emphasizing the King's role as a unifying and benevolent figure.

Fun runs, cycling events and sports competitions are sometimes organized to promote health and camaraderie.

List of Yang di-Pertuan Agong

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or King of Malaysia, is elected every five years from among the rulers of Malaysia's nine royal states. Here is the complete list of Yang di-Pertuan Agongs since the position was established in 1957.

1. Tuanku Abdul Rahman
State: Negeri Sembilan
Reign: Aug 31, 1957 – Apr 1, 1960

2. Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah
State: Selangor
Reign: Apr 14, 1960 – Sep 1, 1960*
Note: Passed away in September 1960, five months into his reign.

3. Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail
State: Perlis
Reign: Sep 21, 1960 – Sep 20, 1965

4. Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah
State: Terengganu
Reign: Sep 21, 1965 – Sep 20, 1970

5. Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah
State: Kedah
Reign: Sep 21, 1970 – Sep 20, 1975

6. Sultan Yahya Petra
State: Kelantan
Reign: Sep 21, 1975 – Mar 29, 1979*
Note: Passed away in 1979, before completing his term.

7. Sultan Ahmad Shah
State: Pahang
Reign: Apr 26, 1979 – Apr 25, 1984

8. Sultan Iskandar
State: Johor
Reign: Apr 26, 1984 – Apr 25, 1989

9. Sultan Azlan Shah
State: Perak
Reign: Apr 26, 1989 – Apr 25, 1994

10. Tuanku Ja'afar
State: Negeri Sembilan
Reign: Apr 26, 1994 – Apr 25, 1999

11. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
State: Selangor
Reign: Apr 26, 1999 – Nov 21, 2001*
Note: Passed away in 2001, before completing his term.

12. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin
State: Perlis
Reign: Dec 13, 2001 – Dec 12, 2006

13. Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin
State: Terengganu
Reign: Dec 13, 2006 – Dec 12, 2011

14. Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (2nd term)
State: Kedah
Reign: Dec 13, 2011 – Dec 12, 2016

15. Sultan Muhammad V
State: Kelantan
Reign: Dec 13, 2016 – Jan 6, 2019*
Note: Abdicated the throne on January 6, 2019

16. Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah
State: Pahang
Reign: Jan 31, 2019 – Present