The Coronation of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to Mark the Coronation of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah

Date of Issue: 1985-12-09
Denominations: 15c, 20c, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6mm x 38.48mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Waddingtons Security Print Ltd., England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Kathy Design

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His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah was born on April 19, 1928, in Batu Gajah, Perak, and is married to Her Royal Highness Tuanku Bainun binti Mohd. Ali, the Raja Permaisuri Perak. Their Royal Highnesses are blessed with two princes, three princesses and three grandchildren.

The Sultan Sultan received his early education at the Government English School (Sultan Yussuf School) in his home town, Batu Gajah, and subsequently at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar.
His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah who was later to become an eminent jurist in Malaysia, proceeded to England for his higher education in 1949. He graduated with a Degree in Law (L.L.B.) at the University of Nottingham and was called to the English Bar by the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London.

On his return to Malaya in 1954, His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah served in the Civil Service as an Assistant State Secretary of his home state, Perak. Two years later he joined the Judicial and Legal Service, in the course of which he had held the following positions: First Class Magistrate, 1955 – 56; President, Sessions Court, 1957 – 59; Federal Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor, Perak, 1959; State Legal Adviser, Pahang, 1959-61; State Legal Adviser, Johor, 1961-62; Registrar, High Court, Kuala Lumpur, 1962-63; Chief Registrar Federal Court, Malaysia, 1963-65; Judge of the High Court Malaysia, 1965-67; Judge, Federal Court, Malaysia 1973-78; Chief Justice of High Court, Malaya 1979-1982; Lord President of Malaysia 1982-1984.
In the 29 years of service in the public sector His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah has also served the country in many other capacities. He was a member of the Police Service Commission from July 1966 to December 1980 and was appointed on June 23, 1971 as Pro-Chancellor of University Sains Malaysia, Penang, and Chairman, Higher Education Advisory Council since 1974.

In recognition of his services to the nation he has been bestowed with many honors and decorations. He was bestowed the Panglima Mangku Negara in 1979 and the Seri Setia Mahkota in 1983 by his Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of Malaya in 1979 and an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1980.

He has been bestowed the Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Kelantan Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K.) on March 30, 1984, the Bintang Darjah Kebesaran Kerabat Terengganu Yang Amat Mulia Darjah Yang Pertama (D.K.) on July 6, 1984, the Darjah Kerabat Negeri Perlis (D.K.) on October 27, 1984, the Darjah Kerabat Johor (D.K.) on July 4, 1985 and the Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati Selangor (D.K.) on September 5, 1985.

His Royal Highness is also the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief of the Engineers-Corps of the Malaysian Armed forces.

His Royal Highness has an avid interest in sports, especially hockey. He is active engaged in the promotion of the game, both locally and internationally. He is the Vice President of the International Hockey Federation, President of the Asian Hockey Federation and President of the Malaysian Hockey Federation.

With his wisdom and distinguished past, Sultan Azlan Shah brings to the throne new vigor and direction which promises a brighter future for the State and a better quality of life for all his subjects.

Petroleum Production in Malaysia

Petroleum Production in Malaysia

Date of Issue: 1985-11-04
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 27.94 mm x 44.45 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps
Designer: Andamaz Enterprise, Kuala Lumpur

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Oil history in Malaysia had its beginning in the 19th century. The people of Sabah and Sarawak had long known of the existence of oil seepages or “earth oil” as it was called then, in various parts of the States, especially around Miri village. This oil was collected by the local Malays and was used first for medicinal purposes and later for lighting lamps and as a resin mixture for caulking boats.

However, commercial exploitation of Miri oil did not begin until the turn of the century when the Anglo Saxon Petroleum Company was granted the sole right to explore for petroleum resources throughout Sarawak. Drilling began in August 1910 and oil was struck in December that same year. Although initial daily production was merely 83 barrels, this nonetheless is generally taken as the starting point of the Malaysian petroleum industry.

The Miri success encouraged further attempts to discover other onshore fields in Sabah and Sarawak. Although traces of oil-bearing formations were encountered, no accumulations were found that were large enough to justify drilling activities. To date, the Miri field is Malaysia’s only onshore field and during its life-span of about 62 years, it has yielded over 80 million barrels of oil.

By the 1950s, the search for oil had been diverted to the offshore areas. The move offshore began to show results in the early 1960s when significant quantities of oil were discovered in two areas offshore Sarawak. Other discoveries of oil and gas fields followed in rapid succession in the waters off Sarawak which came onstream in June 1968.

In the years following the incorporation of PETRONAS or Petroliam Nasional Berhad on 17th August 1974 as the national petroleum corporation, Malaysia’s reserves of crude oil and natural gas have increased steadily. As at 1st January 1985, the nation’s proven oil reserves were estimated at 3.1 billion barrels, while natural gas reserves were estimated at 53 trillion cubic feet.

Crude oil production in 1984 averaged 440,000 barrels per day. Natural gas now also features prominently in the economy of the nation. In 1984, Malaysia produced 1,090 million cubic feet of gas per day, most of which was processed into liquefied natural gas or LNG, for export. Malaysia is now a net exporter of petroleum, a status she achieved in 1976.

The Penang Bridge

The Penang Bridge

Date of Issue: 1985-09-15
Denominations: 20c, 40c, $1.00
Stamp Sizes: 20 cents & 40 cents (28 mm x 38 mm), $1.00 (27.94 mm x 44.45 mm)
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Kathy Design, Kuala Lumpur

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The Penang Bridge Project was the original idea of the second Malaysian Prime Minister, the late Y.A.B. Tun Hj. Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussain and the planning commenced in 1960. The success for the project was ensured by detailed plans and careful research. The decision to commence construction was made by Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, the fourth Malaysian Prime Minister.

The project comprises the construction of a high level bridge of a Cable-Stayed Concrete Girder type costing about 850 million ringgit which links Penang Island with the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia. The overall length of the bridge is approximately 13.5 km and comprises 8.4 km of bridge structure over water, 1.5 km of viaduct and roadway approach on the Penang Island side and 3.6 km of approach roadway on the Perai side. This bridge is designed to house six lanes but initially will have only four lanes except at the main span and the sloping section which will accommodate six lanes. The bridge is built over the South Channel.

On the Penang Island side, a grade separated directional interchange with the proposed North and South Coastal Roads has been constructed offshore at Batu Uban. This interchange is connected to the existing Glugor Road with a trumpet interchange located in front of the Universiti Sains Malaysia.

On the Perai side the project commences at the 4.5 milestone Butterworth – Ipoh Road of the Federal Route 1 with a partial clover leaf interchange. A bridge will also be built across the railway line. The project will then pass through the Prai Industrial Complex with a directional interchange at Jalan Perusahaan. A Toll Plaza has been built on this side and toll will be collected for all traffic destined for Penang.

This bridge, which links Penang Island with the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the longest in the world. It also contributes to the economic, cultural and social development of the country culminating in national solidarity.

Silver Jubilee of the Coronation of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to Mark the Silver Jubilee of the Coronation of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor

Date of Issue: 1985-09-05
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 28 mm x 38 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

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Proton Saga, Malaysian National Car

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps - Proton Saga, Malaysian National Car

Date of Issue: 1985-07-09
Denominations: 20 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6 mm x 38.48 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Waddingtons Security Print Ltd., England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps

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First Day Cover:



MALAYSIAN NATIONAL CAR
PROTON SAGA, the first Malaysian National Car, inaugurates the beginning of the Malaysian venture in automobile manufacturing. The first production comes in two models of 1.3 and 1.5 liters engine capacity. Being specially designed by Malaysians, PROTON SAGA incorporates the latest trends in styling and matches world standards in terms of quality, performance, economy, spaciousness and comfort.

The name SAGA was chosen as a result of a car naming competition participated by Malaysians from all walks of life. The SAGA was selected for its symbolic and metaphorical meaning signifying our national aspirations.

The PROTON Plant is the largest and most modern in South East Asia covering an area of 550,000 sq m with covered floor including the factory and ancillary buildings of over 85,620 sq m. The L-shaped plant is equipped with modern automatic and semi-automatic machinery for the production of quality cars. It is designed with three unique features incorporating elements of manufacturing efficiency, pleasant working environment and considerations of future expansion. The utmost consideration has been given towards pollution control with the installation of effluent treatment facilities.

The production plant consists of four main sections, namely stamping section, body assembly section, painting section and trim and final assembly section.

The ancillary facilities are strategically located around the main plant in an effort to optimize its effectiveness. The entire complex represents a concept in comprehensive factory environment.
The initial installed capacity of PROTON’s plant is 80,000 units per year. However, by 1988 the installed capacity will be increased to 120,000 units per year.

The automobile industry started in Malaysia in 1967 with the establishment of the first local assembler. There now exist twelve assemblers producing some 50 different models for distribution and sales domestically.

The establishment of PROTON opens new vistas for the automobile industry in Malaysia. For the first time, Malaysia will be producing a totally Made-In-Malaysia car and at the same time assisting in the development and growth of the components industries. The PROTON project is one of many industries developed by the Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia (HICOM), the parent holding company, which has been given the task of spearheading the development of heavy industries in Malaysia.

PROTON is destined to lead the Malaysian automotive industry. With the collaboration of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan in terms of Technical Assistance and Training of Personnel, PROTON has set her sights on producing high quality cars at competitive prices.

Malayan Railway 100 Years

Malayan Railway 100 Years

Date of Issue: 1985-06-01
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 80 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6mm x 38.4mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: AMW Communications Management Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur

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The Railway in Peninsular Malaysia was built essentially to cater for the country’s economy during the colonial days, to convey tin ore and plantation produce. The first railway line in Peninsular Malaysia was a 13-kilometer track laid from Taiping to Port Weld (now known as Kuala Sepetang) in the year 1884 and was opened to traffic in 1885. This was soon followed by lines linking Kuala Lumpur and Klang, Seremban and Port Dickson, Tapah Road and Teluk Anson (now known as Teluk Intan). From these beginnings were developed the various state railways which were amalgamated in 1901 to form the Federated Malay States Railways.

Today the role of the Railway is oriented not only towards fulfilling the economic needs of the country but also to its social obligations. The objective of the Malayan Railway is to provide safe, economical, reliable, comfortable, efficient and adequate services in accordance with the ever increasing traffic demand.

Presently the Malayan Railway runs 176 trains daily worked by a total of 101 locomotives. There are a total of 280 coaches that are used to run passenger trains and 5,193 freight cars. In the year 1984, Malayan Railways carried a total of 6.6 million passengers earning a revenue of $60 million. The haulage of freight in the same year was approximately 3.3 million tones generating a revenue of $56.2 million.

The Malayan Railways will continue to modernize its services during the Fifth Malaysia Plan (1986 – 1990). Some of its plans include the modernization of the signaling and communications equipment, the improvement to stations and yards for better operation of trains and the computerization of the ticketing and seat reservations and wagon and coach control.

Incorporated in the various projects are training programs for railway employees which will include technical training as well as supervisory and managerial training.

The Malayan Railway has undertaken a long term project to improve the main line between Butterworth and Johore Bahru as well as to construct a double electrified standard gauge track between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bahru via Mentakab, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. This project when completed will most certainly enable the Malayan Railway to have ample capacity to cater for the growing demand for transport in the future.

Protected Animals of Malaysia Series 1

Protected Animals of Malaysia Series 1

Date of Issue: 1985-04-25
Denominations: 10 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6 mm x 38.4 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Waddingtons Ltd., Leeds, England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

Stamps in the Series:

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Malaysia is a nation rich with a diversity of wild animals. The majority of these wild animals live in the forest. The area under forest in the country is gradually decreasing, thus threatening the lives of these wild animals. The government is aware of this situation and has thus set up relevant laws and legislation to protect this national heritage of ours.

Banded Linsang (Prionodon linsang)

The banded linsang is widespread throughout the primary forest in the country. They are seldom seen. They can climb trees and come out usually at night to hunt for food.

Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang)

The slow loris live on trees in the forest. They come out in the night to feed on fruits and insects. They are small in number and are easily caught by man because they move about very slowly.

Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista elegans)

The spotted giant flying squirrel is seldom seen by men. They live on trees in the forest on top of mountains. These squirrels can glide from tree to tree. They feed on fruits and insects.

25th Anniversary of Parliament

25th Anniversary of Parliament

Date of Issue: 1985-03-30
Denominations: 20 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 28mm x 32mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Mr. Peter Khang Howe Ket

Stamps in the Series:

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The Malaysian Parliament as provided by the Constitution, consists of His Majesty the King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong), the Senate (Dewan Negara) and the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat).

Today, the Senate has a total of 68 members, 26 elected by the various State Legislatures and 42 appointed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The tenure of office for a member of the Senate is 3 years but one can serve for a maximum of two terms, i.e. 6 years. The Constitution provides for the election of the President and the Deputy President from members of the Senate.

The House of Representatives has 154 members, excluding the Speaker, who if the House chooses may be elected from outside the membership of the House. The membership will be increased to 176 for the next parliamentary election. Members are elected every five years or earlier if His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament before the end of the five-year period.

The first session of the First Parliament of the Federation of Malaya comprising of 104 elected members of the House of Representatives met at 10.00 am on 11th of September 1959 at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman to elect the first speaker of the House. The Senate was formed the same year and had 38 members then.

The Constitution provides that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall from time to time summon Parliament and shall not allow six months to lapse between the last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its meeting in the next session. His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may prorogue or dissolve Parliament. Parliament unless dissolved sooner shall continue for five years from the date of its first meeting and shall then be dissolved. Whenever Parliament is dissolved a general election shall be held within sixty days in the states of Peninsular Malaysia and ninety days in Sabah and Sarawak from the date of the dissolution and Parliament shall be summoned to meet again on a date not later than 120 days from that date.
The first meeting of the session is opened ceremoniously with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong inspecting a guard of honor and then proceeding into the Chamber of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Royal Address is a policy statement drawn up by the Government outlining government activities and achievements in the previous session and its policy and the steps it intends to take in the current session.

Each Parliament consists of 4 or 5 sessions and a session covers roughly a period of about a year, usually beginning in March or April. At the end of each Parliament session by means of a Proclamation by His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate would hold any meeting until a new session is summoned. About three or four sittings are held in respect of each session. Each sitting usually lasts for two weeks in the case of the House of Representatives and one week in the case of the Senate. However the Budget meeting, which usually begins in October lasts for as long as six weeks or more in the case of the House of Representatives, and three weeks in the case of the Senate.

It is here in Parliament that laws are made. Once the law in draft form is approved by Cabinet, the Minister responsible will give notice to the Secretary of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The draft law is then printed and distributed to both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The draft law is introduced by the Minister responsible in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The draft law is read through three stages, namely the first reading, the second reading and the third reading before it is approved. After the second reading, the draft law will be discussed in the Committee Stage. The draft then goes to the Senate where it undergoes a similar process, except the first reading. After Senate approval the draft law is forwarded to His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for royal assent and then the law is gazetted. The specialty of Parliament is that the Constitution provides that any proceedings of both the House of Representatives and the Senate cannot be questioned by anybody, not even in the court of law.

The Constitution states that Parliament is supreme and provides for a democratic form of government with a constitutional monarch at the helm. The Malaysian Parliament is the heart of nation. It is visible proof to the world of the faith of the Malaysian people in the concept of Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.