KUALA LUMPUR: As a New Straits Times photographer when he was younger, Mohd Zain Ahmed had shared some delightful moments covering the Johor royal family, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Zain spent 35 years with the paper, and he remembers fondly interacting with Sultan Ibrahim, from when the latter was still the Tunku Mahkota.
The 60-year-old says he is grateful to have seen His Majesty in the different phases of his life.
"The once-upon-a-time Tunku Mahkota Johor is all set to be installed as the 17th King of Malaysia this Saturday. This is a historic event, for me," he said.
Zain said his most unforgettable experience was when he was invited to break fast at Istana Muar.
"If I remember correctly, he was still the Tunku Mahkota at that time and his father had asked him to visit some Ramadan bazaars in Segamat, which is more than two hours' drive from Johor Baru.
"I covered the visit and just as he was getting into his vehicle, he stopped and called out my name.
"He asked me where was I going to break fast... I was stunned by his question and replied, maybe at home (JB).
"Sultan Ibrahim straight away said 'come join me at the palace'. I politely declined, but he insisted since there was only about an hour before maghrib," he said.
The award winning photographer said for some, the invitation might seem a small gesture.
"But, for me, I felt honoured and privileged.
"I also consider myself to be lucky, because I had the chance to photograph his late father, Sultan Iskandar, as well as Sultan Ibrahim when he took over the throne in 2015."
Zain, a father of five who started his photography career in the NST's Kuala Lumpur headquarters in 1989, was transferred to its Johor bureau in 1993, where he served until he opted for early retirement in 2020.
He said the King has always prioritised the welfare and well-being of those around him, especially the people of Johor "be it people from the media fraternity, high profile individuals, associates, dignitaries or the common rakyat".
"Many people, including some of my colleagues from the other media agencies, especially if they were new to Johor, would hesitate to engage him, maybe because of his stern look.
"Tuanku knew most of our names by heart and if any one of the usual or familiar faces wasn't present for a press conference, he would ask about that person from those present."
Zain also shared that he was fortunate to be among the first few who got to visit the Flintstones Palace in Mersing when it was newly constructed.
"If you were not aware, Tuanku is a big, big fan of the Flintstones cartoon and that's what inspired him to construct the Flintstone Istana in Mersing," he said.
Zain said over the years, he also developed a personal bond with Tuanku, who gave him the affectionate nickname of "Sniper".
The retiree, who still lives in Mersing, said he was involved in a head-on car crash which left one of his eyes misaligned.
Fortunately, however, this did not affect his ability to capture stunning pictures.
"From then on Tuanku started to call me 'Sniper' in an endearing way. Although, the damage from the accident on my eye was irreversible, I am very grateful to Allah for not taking away my eyesight and allowing me to continue my passion," said Zain.
He added that he also had a once-in-a-lifetime experience when he witnessed and captured some of the best moments involving Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah on the day the ruler ascended the throne at Istana Besar Johor.
Another thing Zain is proud of is that his eldest son, 33, has followed in his footsteps by becoming a videographer.
"He is attached to the Johor Royal Press Office now," he said, beaming with pride.
Asked what he felt was the most special experience he has had so far with the royal family, Zain said it was the Kembara Mahkota Johor programme.
"From the time the programme was introduced in 2001, Tuanku has travelled the whole of Johor for KMJ on high-powered motorcycles, four-wheel-drive vehicles, coaches, buses, trucks as well as boats, when he's visiting the islands.
"I have also been invited into Tuanku's personal room, where all his customary coronation insignias, including his crown were on display on the eve of his coronation at Istana Besar.
He said he felt privileged to have taken some of the best shots of Tuanku and his whole family throughout his tenure as an NST photographer.
He said all the experiences he gained were priceless and will remain treasured in his heart.
"I would also like to congratulate and thank the King and Queen for the upcoming installation. What is more interesting is that... I captured the coronation back in 2015 and now my son is busy preparing to shoot video of Their Majesties in Istana Negara on Saturday," he said, laughing.