Winning the admiration of the rakyat

Sultan Abdullah speaking with flood victims while distributing aid at a shelter in Rompin. - Bernama

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have won the admiration and affection of the rakyat with their down-to-earth demeanour.

Recent encounters, including a surprise wedding appearance and a light-hearted moment captured on social media, have brought the monarch and the people closer together.

In February, Dakshayni Kumareasan, a bride who was having her wedding at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, experienced an unexpected and unforgettable moment when the King graced her big day with his presence.

Dakshayni, who was initially aware of the King’s humility only through media coverage, was surprised to witness it first-hand.

“All this time, I only got to know about the King’s humility via TV and the media and never expected to experience it on my own.

“I was so nervous and had butterflies in my stomach. It was my first time meeting the King in real life,” she said, as quoted by Malay portal mStar.

In the age of social media, the gap between the monarch and the rakyat has become even closer, allowing for more interactions.

A TikTok video capturing a casual and playful encounter between Sultan Abdullah and the public in Pahang went viral.

Sultan Abdullah chatting with a young child during His Majesty’s visit to Kampung Orang Asli Kuala Boh in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. - Bernama

While distributing money packets, the King noticed a man with blonde hair and jokingly suggested using the money to dye it back to its original colour.

However, he soon learnt that the hair was, in fact, a cap.

“Topi! Saya kena tipulah! (It’s a cap! I got fooled!)” the King playfully said in the video posted by @wanyoshiki.

The video garnered amusement from netizens, who found the King’s reaction endearing and authentic.

“I repeated the video many times. I’m proud to be a citizen of Pahang,” an account named Zee said in the comment section.

These reactions highlight the deep admiration and affection Malaysians have for Sultan Abdullah, underscoring his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

His Majesty’s fondness for fried chicken is no secret, as His Majesty has been spotted on numerous occasions visiting a fast food restaurant chain in the country to casually enjoy this treat.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah scooped the bubur lambuk into a container when they visited the Tanjong Tokong Ramadan Bazaar in April. Also present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak (second, right) and his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor (right). - Bernama

On one occasion, shared by the Istana Negara Facebook page, the Agong even brought along family members to a fast food restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the King’s royal status, he queued up to order just like other normal Malaysians and while waiting, the King casually interacted with other patrons.

In the comment section, Lim Wei Hung beautifully expressed, “Raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada,” emphasising the inseparable bond between the King and the people.

Noor Hasfaniza also praised the royal couple for their humility and low-profile nature, further exemplifying their genuine connection with the rakyat.

In addition to the endearing interactions with the rakyat, the King has also demonstrated his care towards the media, particularly during the tumultuous political periods Malaysia has faced in recent years.

One such instance occurred last November when the King, amidst the anticipation of a government formation announcement, showed his thoughtfulness by personally distributing food packs to the media who had been waiting diligently under the scorching sun outside the Istana Negara gate.

The King’s compassionate gesture towards the media has not gone unnoticed by netizens, who admired the King’s genuine “berjiwa rakyat” nature and down-to-earth personality.

One netizen, with the Instagram handle @camelqaswa, commented on a post by Bernama, expressing her admiration for the King’s thoughtfulness.

She said: “What a great King ... this would make the rakyat fond of the King even more.”

The positive reactions on social media platforms reflect the sentiment that the King’s “berjiwa rakyat” qualities have brought him even closer to the people of Malaysia.