LONDON: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed pride over the commissioning of his son, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on Friday.
“I’m very proud. Today is the big day for this young man and now he is ready for the real world.
“Just like me, 40 years ago (when I was commissioned) in this cold weather,” His Majesty told reporters after the ceremony.
Al-Sultan Abdullah attended the academy from 1978 to 1979 and was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980.
His Majesty also wished his son to be a successful leader in the future, after going through a hard year of military training at the academy.
“Now he has to return to Malaysia to discharge his responsibility as the Regent of Pahang and hopefully, he can assist me in developing the state of Pahang.
“And even more importantly, become a person of (service) to the nation, state, religion and people,” His Majesty said.
Tengku Hassanal, 24, was among 242 cadet officers commissioned at the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst.
The event was graced by Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, who was representing Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sovereign’s Parade at the end of each term marks the culmination of 44 weeks of training and the passing out of Officer Cadets who have completed the Commissioning Course.
RMAS is one of several military academies of the United Kingdom and is the British Army’s initial officer training centre.
Meanwhile, Tengku Hassanal said the whole year had been testing for him, but it taught him how to be patient and work with others.
He added that he was treated like everyone else at the academy.
“What I will do after (this is) return to Pahang and assist the people in my (state) as much as possible,” he added. – BERNAMA