Ipoh: Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, today graced and officiated the launch of the 'Nobat Diraja Perak: Muzik, Fungsi dan Simbolisme' book at the Royal Perak Golf Club here. Also present were State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah, and People of Remarkable Talents (PORT) board of directors chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Arham emphasized in his speech that the publication serves as an important record of cultural heritage that can broaden knowledge and serve as a reference for the future. He highlighted the uniqueness of the Perak Sultanate, noting its rich customs and traditions that have been well preserved, including the nobat, which symbolizes the sovereignty of the royal institution. "The sound of the nobat carries profound meaning, reflecting the continuity of tradition and the grandeur of the royal institution," he stated.
Arham further mentioned that UMK, in collaboration with PORT, remains committed to elevating heritage as a key pillar in the development of knowledge and the preservation of cultural treasures. He noted that the publication of this book reflects the continuous efforts of UMK and PORT to strengthen royal heritage as a valuable source of knowledge while also serving as a bridge for the present generation.
The book, authored by Associate Professor Raja Iskandar Raja Halid, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Technology and Heritage at UMK, highlights an ethnomusicological study of the Perak Royal Nobat, one of the oldest royal traditions in Malaysia. The 260-page work provides a detailed account of the musical structure of the nobat, including aspects such as tempo, melody, and rhythm. It also explains the functions of each repertoire in the context of royal ceremonies such as coronations and official events.
Moreover, the book underscores the importance of the nobat as a royal regalia instrument, not only as palace music but also symbolizing sovereignty and the legitimacy of rule. Published by Penerbit UMK in collaboration with the university's Library and Knowledge Management Office, the book has an initial print run of 1,000 copies and is priced at RM38 per copy.