Getting to Know the Royal Standards of Perak

Every sovereign ruler of a territory must possess symbols of their power and sovereignty. These are usually expressed through coats of arms and royal standards. The Perak Sultanate, inheriting the sovereignty of the Malacca Sultanate, naturally has its own distinct coat of arms and royal standards.

This time, orangperak.com invites readers to better understand the meaning behind the coats of arms and royal standards that symbolize the sovereignty of the State of Perak.

Coat of Arms and Personal Standard/Flag of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak

(Sultan's personal coat of arms)

This Royal Coat of Arms is for the use of His Royal Highness the Sultan. The Perak Royal Coat of Arms contains six symbols with the following meanings:-

1. Royal Aigrette as a sign of the Sovereign Ruler's authority.
2. Crescent Moon - signifies Islam as the official religion.
3. Nine-Pointed Star - indicates there are 9 districts in the State of Perak.
4. State Sword - named Cura Si Manja Kini (symbolizing power).
5. Motto "Allah Peliharakan Sultan Perak" (May Allah Protect the Sultan of Perak) - the people's prayer for the Ruling Sultan.
6. Rice Stalks symbolize the people's source of livelihood and the state's fertility.

(current sultan's personal flag)

(sultan's personal flag before 1985)

(sultan's personal flag around 1939)

The Royal Standard/Flag of the Sultan of Perak is white and features the personal coat of arms of the Sultan of Perak in the center. White is the royal color for the Sultan of Perak. There are 3 different sizes of royal standards. The 2.7m x 1.8m standard is flown at any palace where the Sultan is staying. Meanwhile, the 1.8m x 0.9m standard is flown at any official palace the Sultan visits. The 26.7 cm x 19.0 cm standard is mounted on the royal vehicle carrying the Sultan when he departs.

Coat of Arms and Personal Standard/Flag of Her Royal Highness the Raja Permaisuri (Queen) of Perak

This Royal Coat of Arms is specially designed for the use of Her Royal Highness the Raja Permaisuri of Perak. This coat of arms contains six symbols with the following meanings:

1. Royal Tiara - a sign of the Sovereign Ruler's authority.
2. State Sword (Cura Si Manja Kini).
3. Crescent - symbolizes Islam as the Official Religion.
4. Nine-Pointed Star - indicates the existence of nine districts in the State of Perak.
5. Motto "Allah Peliharakan Raja Permaisuri" (May Allah Protect the Raja Permaisuri) - the people's prayer for the Raja Permaisuri.
6. Rice Stalks - depict the people's source of livelihood and the state's fertility.

(raja permaisuri's personal flag)

The Standard/Flag of the Raja Permaisuri of Perak is for the personal use of the Raja Permaisuri of Perak and measures 26.6 cm × 19.0 cm. This standard is white and features the Raja Permaisuri's coat of arms in the center. This standard is only used on the royal vehicle carrying the Raja Permaisuri of Perak.

Standard/Coat of Arms of His Highness the Raja Muda

(raja muda's personal flag)

The Raja Muda of Perak's standard is white and black, surrounded by yellow. It is flown at his residence and also on his official vehicle.

Standard/Coat of Arms of His Highness the Raja Di-Hilir

(raja dihilir's personal flag)

The Raja Di Hilir's standard is white and yellow, surrounded by black. Originally, it was the flag for the Raja Bendahara, but in 1959, the title of Raja Bendahara was abolished. Therefore, this flag is now used by the Raja Di Hilir.

Emblems of Titled Royals and Perak Dignitaries.

Titled Royals or Dignitaries do not have flags and only have identity emblems based on colors, which are used only on ceremonial attire, umbrellas, and so on. As for heirs and relatives, they do not have flags. Only the color purple is provided for them; for example, at official functions, guests are not permitted to wear colors such as white, yellow, black, or purple. For the Chiefs, the Orang Besar Empat (Four Great Chiefs), there is no flag used, but they have the right to walk under a green umbrella (except for the Bendahara - black umbrella). Since 1959, the title of Raja Bendahara was changed to the common title of Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja, who is the most senior among the four chiefs. The Bendahara is the only Chief who can use a green or Black Umbrella.