It is important to note that keris was institutionalised as a royal accoutrement, symbolising kedaulatan (sovereignty) of the sultans. This is a perpetual tradition that is still being practised by the royal courts of present-day Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. These are resonances from the ancient kingdoms, where keris completes the royal attire, wielded or tucked in the waist, strikingly visible amid the pageantry of the royal ceremonies. It symbolises that the authority has now been entrusted to the new sultan throughout his reign. Keris also symbolises kin and fellowship.
Awarding the crown prince keris kuasa confirms the heir as the next ruler in line while the tradition of awarding keris to honour the nobles or the important people signify the king’s trust bestowed upon the receiver. The royal keris hold great significance in history, as many of them have been handed down from the time of the founding forefathers of the royal lineage.