While watching the live coverage on television of the opening of the new Malaysian parliament session by our Yang Di Pertuan Agong recently, I was totally aghast to notice the conspicuous presence of a mineral water bottle resting on the table while His Majesty was delivering the royal address!

The King was resplendent in his royal attire and the decor of the Parliament's chambers were of a highly commendable standard. But all these mean nothing if we expect our King to have to open a plastic water bottle to quench his thirst!

Whatever happened to proper decorum and protocol fit for a King?

I do hope that the officials responsible for this 'mundane' matter be provided with a crash course on royal etiquette as soon as possible.

In my mind, a nice, decent jug with an accompanying glass would have been more appropriate.