.png?ext=.png "The Humble King Behind The Crown")
Our Yang di-Pertuan Agong has certainly made headlines throughout his reign since January 2019. He is not only known as the Sultan to ascend to the throne days after becoming Sultan right after Sultan Muhammad V abdicated, but he is also known as the King of the people.
Who could have forgotten the sight of His Majesty with shirt sleeves rolled up while distributing free meals for journalists during the political turmoil earlier this year. His Majesty might have been the only King to display this excellent gallantry to journalists.
And not to mention that notable moment when His Majesty stopped his entourage to check on an accident. The Agong was en route to launch an exhibition at the Royal Museum all clad in Baju Melayu and Songkok when he stopped at the slip road from the palace’s main gate to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim when he witnessed the scene of the accident.
This is not the first time too; as His Majesty once demonstrated the same demeanour when he stopped on a road in Putrajaya to help a person involved in a minor traffic accident. His Majesty is definitely a king that is willing to break down the power distance wall in situations that demands it.
On top of that, His Majesty had many of us turning heads when he was spotted queuing up to place his order at a popular fast-food chain in Pahang? Malaysian netizen was in awe at his admirable down-to-earth personality he never fails to uphold.
This trait is something that is shared with the Agong’s wife as a video of Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah went viral last year showing a clip of her stopping by at a roadside stall to ask whether her favourite Mee Bandung was available. Tunku Azizah too is a Queen who can easily resonate with the rakyat with her charm and spontaneity and netizen can often spot a video of her sharing her cooking skills back when she still had a Twitter account.
Watch as Raja Permaisuri Agong whip up some good ol’ nasi goreng here on the Istana Negara’s Youtube page..
Together, the royal couple have raised 9 beautiful sons and daughters each with amiable and gracious dispositions.
The gentleman on the far right is His Majesty’s second-born son, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah, the current Regent of Pahang.
To those wondering, His Majesty’s full name is quite a mouthful, let’s see if you could say it one breath. Yang Di-Pertuan Agong XVI Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah. (Did you get it?). The first-born son of Sultan Pahang V was appointed as crown prince at the tender age of 16, which certainly testify of his leadership and wisdom before his years.
Subsequent the crowning, His Majesty flew to London to study at Aldenham School, Elstree Hertfordshire – Advance School and Davis College, London – Advance School. The Agong also attended The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (where Prince William and Prince Harry was trained btw) and was commissioned as the Second Lieutenant by Queen Elizabeth II herself. The Agong’s education background also comprises the years at Worcester College Oxford and Queen Elizabeth College, where His Majesty received a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy upon his graduation in 1981.
While attending The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Agong forged what is now a 41 years old friendship with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. They are truly best friends till this day as the Sheikh managed to attend the coronation ceremony of his dear friend last year.
The Agong is also well-versed with pop culture as he surprised all of us during an interview with Astro Awani July last year. In a game of This or That where players have to rapidly choose either one from two options, His Majesty admits that he favours BTS over Blackpink, Iron man over Black panther, Batman over Superman and Bruno Mars over Michael Jackson.
Malaysian football lovers rejoice as the Agong is a big fan of the game! So much so that His Majesty served as vice-president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) twice, and went on to become FAM president from 2014 to 2017. His Majesty was also part of the FIFA Council from 2015 to 2019 too! Favourite football team you asked? It’s Arsenal! (ooooh to be a gooner).
Among other sports that His Majesty has dabbled in includes hockey, polo, tennis, squash and golf too!
His Majesty has definitely paved the way for a change in the way the monarchy is perceived over the years. His show of humbleness and a dash of spontaneity in the way His Majesty carries himself is one that we can all learn from. If someone of His Majesty’s stature is able to practice selflessness and humility, we can all be more mindful of the way we talk to others. Respect is always a two way street!
All of us at Hello Central would like to wish His Royal Highness longevity and a prosperous rule of our beloved country. May His Majesty is always blessed with good health and continue to be the king of our hearts as much as he is the King of Malaysia. Daulat Tuanku!
Sources:
Portal Diraja Pahang
Bernama
Channel News Asia