WHEN Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was sworn in as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January 2019, he immediately won the hearts of Malaysians with his down-to-earth and compassionate demeanour.
People were often amazed at Sultan Abdullah’s knack for setting aside protocol to be with them in both good and bad times.
There were many occasions where Tuanku was spotted assisting accident victims he encountered on his journeys or stopping by a roadside fruit stall to buy fruits. Tuanku charmed the people even more when he was seen queuing up to buy a fast-food meal with his entourage.
Sultan Abdullah showed his thoughtfulness further by issuing congratulatory messages to Malaysians through the Istana Negara social media channels to commend them on their every achievement.
Last month, Sultan Abdullah congratulated dive queen Pandelela Rinong on winning the gold medal for the 10m platform individual event at the FINA Diving World Cup in Tokyo, and he did the same when shuttler Lee Zii Jia won the All England Badminton Championship title in March.
Sultan Abdullah also congratulated students Cheryl Chow Shu Wei for earning the “Top In The World” Award for Chemistry in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Pavit Coran, who was crowned champion of the English Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition.
Tuanku is also not a stranger to bringing comfort to people hit by hardships and disasters.
When floods struck several villages in Pahang earlier this year, Tuanku donned his military fatigues and waded through floodwaters to visit and give aid to the victims.
During this time, Tuanku was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and they helped to prepare meals for those housed at evacuation centres.
During the political impasse early last year, the King and Queen once again showed their compassion by treating members of the press to a meal after they spent long hours waiting for updates outside the Istana Negara gates.
The King’s attentiveness to his people’s needs has earned him praises and a special place in their hearts.
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Raya joy: Sultan Abdullah made time to accompany the underprivileged in Kuantan to shop for Hari Raya essentials as they made preparations for the celebration in May 2019. — NIK NAIZI HUSIN/The Star
Snap and Chat: Sultan Abdullah taking a photo with guests after a banquet at the Top Komtar Banquet Ballroom at The Top, Komtar in George Town, during a visit in December 2019. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Royal compassion: Sultan Abdullah planting a kiss on a child as he hands out packs of food to the homeless during a visit to Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur in July 2019. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Enjoy!: Sultan Abdullah distributing meals to journalists stationed outside the Istana Negara gates as they waited for updates following the political impasse in February 2020. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Nice to meet you: Sultan Abdullah meeting with locals after performing Friday prayers following the launch of Masjid Al-Bukhary Pulau Pinang in Bandar Sri Pinang in December 2019. — Bernama
Choice fruits: Sultan Abdullah selecting fruits from a roadside stall in Kampung Padang, Kuantan, on his way to a ceremony to proclaim city status on the Pahang capital in February this year. — Photo taken from Istana Negara social media
