PEKAN: Pahang together with the people in the state will continue to prosper under the leadership of Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who has been officially proclaimed as the sixth modern Sultan of Pahang today.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said Sultan Abdullah not only has clear vision but also strict in his commitment to develop Pahang for the welfare and wellbeing of his subjects.
Wan Rosdy also quoted an interview conducted by a local magazine with Sultan Abdullah in 2008, which reflected the latter’s commendable traits and quality leadership.
“During the interview, Sultan Abdullah had said that the role of Rulers goes beyond becoming the ‘figure head’ (of a state) but more importantly as the ‘custodian of the state’, protector of Malay rights and figure head of all races.
“I believe under the leadership of Sultan Abdullah, Pahang will continue to achieve greater excellence just like under the leadership of his father,” he said.
Wan Rosdy said this in his pledge of loyalty speech representing the Pahang state government, state elected representatives, civil servants, statutory bodies and the people of the state during the proclamation ceremony at Istana Abu Bakar, here.
He added that Sultan Abdullah had inherited good values and leadership qualities from his father Sultan Ahmad Shah, who held on dearly to the principle of ‘Raja, Rakyat Berpisah Tiada’ (inseparable are the Ruler and the people).
“As the old saying goes, ‘ke mana tumpahnya kuah, kalau tidak ke nasi’ (loosely translated as where does the gravy fall if not on the rice).
“We look up to you. The Sultan will immediately go to the ground to personally understand the situation upon learning the hardship and difficulties faced by the rakyat.
“Together with the people of Pahang, the state government pledge to galvanise our efforts to protect the sovereignty of the state,” he said.
The proclamation of Sultan Abdullah, he said, was welcomed not only by the Malay community but also people from other races.
“The proclamation of the Sultan of Pahang was well received by the Malays, Chinese, Indians and the Orang Asli.
“The leadership of Sultan Abdullah is a unifying factor for the people regardless of race, religion and economic background.”