A Sultan who is known for his kindness and closeness

PETALING JAYA: Sultan Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah is known to put the interest of the people above all else.

He regularly asks elected assemblymen for updates on the situation in their areas, both during good and hard times.

Pahang Culture, Unity, Social Welfare, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin said it was normal for Sultan Abdullah to check the real situation on the ground himself.

“If there are any natural disasters, flooding or anything, he would go down to meet the victims.

“The Ruler will come along with his consort Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar and other family members to show their concern and give assistance.

“The people feel so touched when the royals come down to meet them personally,” she said.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Fuziah Salleh said she felt proud and was looking forward to the reign of the new Sultan.

“He is a Sultan who is known for his kindness and being close to the people.

“If there is a house destroyed by fire or a drowning case, he will come down to meet the victims very fast,” she said.

Fuziah, who has been an MP since 2008, said she still remembered when then Tengku Abdullah had invited her to attend an event which was organised by Barisan Nasional although she was on the opposition bench.

“Tengku insisted that the MP must attend the event because it (electing an opposition) was the choice of the people.

“He is fair and above politics,” she said.

Rompin MP Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin said Sultan Abdullah was also known for his love of sports, especially football.

“I have known him personally for more than 30 years and he is loved by his people.

“He is approachable and active in charities as well as sports activi-ties.

“These are among the things that make him closely connected to the pulse of the people,” he said.

Sultan Abdullah’s accession to the throne of Pahang came by way of his father Sultan Ahmad Shah’s abdication after an amendment was made to the state’s constitution.

The amendment empowered the state’s royal council to conduct the move due to 88-year-old Sultan Ahmad Shah’s health condition.