The humble King of Malaysia

 

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah. This is the full official name of the present Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or, the King of Malaysia,  If you add in to his name, all the titles accorded  to him by various state rulers and other dignitaries, that will take a few more lines! Phew! Here is a  person with so much weight and power. Yet His Majesty is so humble, simple, and kind! So much down to earth that he will drop by a roadside-stall to eat his favourite meal, much to the worry and panic of the body guards and the entourage that accompany him! Ha ha!

Tengku Abdullah, as His Majesty is fondly and respectfully called by the media and the people alike, truly loves and cares for his subjects. This can be seen by one of his gestures of asking reporters and journalists waiting outside his Palace, on certain errands or events, whether they have eaten, and then arranging food for them.

Now, mostly, if not all, VVIPs will follow a strict protocol on official functions, and everyone expects it. No, not His Majesty, the King. I watched on TV, with gaped mouth, when at the end of the Merdeka (Independence Day) national parade, when His Majesty was ushered to his car by the dignitaries  and body guards, His Majesty sidestepped the car and ignoring protocol went to the people in the stands to shake hands with them. Oh, the people were so overjoyed! Many of them rushed to have selfies with him, and His Majesty freely obliged! Maybe he, being a former president of the Football Association of Malaysia, and mixing with players and fans alike, has given him a chance to feel people's yearnings.

Sadly, His Majesty's tenure of the five years is coming to an end. He wiil be going back to his state of Pahang to be it's ruler once again. But not to worry, another ruler of uprightness and integrity,  and with a heart towards the welfare of his subjects  - the Sultan of Johor, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, will be taking over the role of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31, 2024. "Daulat Tuanku! Daulat Tuanku!" (Long live Your Majesty!)