Long live the King

I BELIEVE that all Malaysians, including those residing abroad, were excited and proud to witness the installation of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Tuesday.

Steeped in royal custom and tradition, the installation ceremony marked the formal commencement of his tenure as the Supreme Head of the Federation. 

To add to the excitement, the media featured interesting stories of Al-Sultan Abdullah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, which were never shared before. 

As someone who admires Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah for so long, I was overwhelmed, delighted and proud to read the fascinating and heart-warming anecdotes shared by the royal couple. 

The way they shared their personal experiences and sincere expression and gestures have definitely endeared them to everyone who watched the video clips of the interviews.

It was a golden opportunity for all of us as such stories are normally shared only with those who are close to them. This shows how close they are to their subjects. 

Their Majesties are also known for their humility and will always greet their subjects and allow them to take photos with them, regardless of their backgrounds. 

I also had an unforgettable experience recently when Al-Sultan Abdullah greeted me while he was riding a buggy to the exhibition area after launching the International Firefighers Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka on July 20. 

It was quite a surprise to me since the last time I met Al-Sultan Abdullah was in 2018, when he was still the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang.

At that time, he was launching a crime prevention programme for  students which was organised by the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation in Kuantan.

Al-Sultan Abdullah had shared with me his concern about the social issues among youths, especially drug abuse and crimes that involved students. 

Apart from expressing his genuine concern, His Majesty had also shared some ideas on how to tackle drug problems, particularly among youths and students. 

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is fortunate to have strong support from his royal family members particularly the Raja Permaisuri Agong herself. 

In fact, his down-to-earth demeanour and concern for the people are deeply rooted in both the royal families of Pahang and Johor.

The installation on Tuesday itself had a historical significance because Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah are the children of sultans who were previously elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

Al-Sultan Abdullah is the eldest son of the late Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, who was the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1979-1984), while Tunku Azizah is the third daughter of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor, the eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1984-1989). 

Also of historical significance is the role of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was also the prime minister who proclaimed Sultan Ahmad Shah and Sultan Iskandar as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the respective ceremonies then. 

True to the saying raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada (the ruler and his subjects are inseparable), Al-Sultan Abdullah stressed that as a ruler, he did not stay in the palace all the time as he is more comfortable meeting the people and helping those in need.

The people in Pahang, including those from the media, could attest to this as they could see how Al-Sultan Abdullah and his consort would do their best to help the victims when they visited the areas affected by floods or other natural disasters and unfortunate incidents. 

The royal couple’s hard work and concern about the people are actually a source of inspiration to many organisations and social activists like me.

Al-Sultan Abdullah always keeps abreast with the latest developments in the country and abroad. I was amazed when Al-Sultan Abdullah had even asked the Housing and Local Government Ministry to share with him the paperwork on the monthly critical allowance for the Fire and Rescue Department personnel during a recent programme with the department. 

Some of the royal family’s activities sans protocol have also touched many hearts, especially when they were enjoying their meal at a fast food restaurant and when the king helped an accident victim in Putrajaya recently. 

Her Majesty also was not upset when there were people who did not recognise her and addressed her as kakak or puan when she was buying something from them.

Tunku Azizah has also shared about her Chinese heritage and openly declared that she is the Raja Permaisuri Agong with Chinese parentage, which shows that she is a queen to all Malaysians.

The royal couple’s humility and concern about the people remind me of the late Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, who had always advised me to continue serving the people even after I had retired from politics. 

In his installation speech, Al-Sultan Abdullah also hailed his late father as a stern, yet open-minded personality. He described his father’s relationship with the people as very intimate which clearly showed his intention of always wanting the best for the people. 

His Majesty also stressed that unity and harmony are the pillars and strength of the nation and pledged to do his best to promote unity and tolerance among the people of all races and religions.

We must also remember his advice that the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is very important in the system of nationhood in Malaysia, which practises parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

It is a fact that the institution is not a mere symbol but the basis of unity, bringing the people together and sparking the spirit of patriotism. If inherited and cherished by every single citizen, it can bring forth a sense of love and loyalty for the country.

I believe all Malaysians were deeply touched when Al-Sultan Abdullah made the clarion statement: “I will put the people first; respect the old and honour the young. I will express all this with great humility.”

If our king and queen are willing to do their best to serve the nation and their subjects, there is no reason for commoners like us to shirk our responsibility to help those in need.

Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku! 

The writer, a social activist, is Trustee of Malaysia Unity Foundation

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