KUALA LUMPUR: “Be like padi, it bows with rice aplenty. Don’t be arrogant.”
This was among the words of advice for the Acting Sultan of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah who now shoulders the responsibility of looking after the third-biggest state in Malaysia.
The advice was given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustaffa Billah Shah, when he handed over the administration of the state to Tengku Hassanal as soon he was appointed as King in January.
Sharing his story, Tengku Hassanal said his father and mother, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah always stressed on religious education and instilling humility among their children.
“My parents often remind us to always be courteous with the subject, regardless of where they come from. We must not be self-important.
“We must behave as such because we are all God’s creations,” he said at an interview with Bernama recently.
The interview session was also joined by his siblings Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, Tengku Puteri Ilisha Ameera and Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah.
Despite being the eldest and the much-awaited baby of Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah after over 10 years of marriage, Tengku Hassanal said he had been taught to be independent and close to the people since he was little.
“Since I was 10, I was sent abroad to study at Caldiccot Preparation School, United Kingdom. I only met my parents during the school holidays. It was during this time that we got to accompany our father to official functions and visiting villages all over Pahang.
“My father sent all of us to study in England not to show off, but rather to make us independent.”
Tengku Hassanal recalled how his parents cried each time they sent him off alone abroad to England.
“I told my father not to cry, I will be alright. But, he cried harder,” said Tengku Hassanal who liked to play polo and was more comfortable in dispensing with protocol when meeting the people, just like his father.
Because he did not want people to know he was a prince, Tengku Hassanal said he only used the name ‘Shah’, but during military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, his status became publicly known as many did a search on him online.
Nevertheless, although he was a royal, he was given the same rigorous and disciplined military training like others, which helped mould his personality.
Asked who was more “authoritarian” between his parents, Tengku Hassanal laughed and said his mother Tunku Azizah was, and she stressed highly on appearances.
“Like this handkerchief of mine. My mother always makes sure that I carry one in my pocket every time I go out, failing which I will get an earful.”
“Normally, my mother is the messenger. If my father wants to advise the children on something, he would do it through her.”
Tengku Hassanal is well aware of the heavy task that awaits him in Pahang following the installation of his father as King, but expresses confidence he would be able to carry out the entrusted responsibility well with guidance from his parents, and that of the late Sultan Ahmad Shah Musta’in Billah who he adoringly called ‘tok bok’.
“I often accompanied him when he visited fire incidents and attend public engagements. Like ‘tok bok’, I am happy to serve the people.
“It is a legacy (the king and people are inseparable) which I will continue to uphold. And I believe it will not be me alone, but also my children and grandchildren, who will continue this legacy,” he concluded. -- BERNAMA