SELANGOR’S Crown Prince, Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, takes after his father, the Sultan, in many ways, especially when dealing with issues concerning the rakyat’s welfare.
In addition to leading the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) as its president, Tengku Amir heads Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor (YRMS) and the Selangor Youth Community (SAY).
The 31-year-old heir to the Selangor throne has carried out many philanthropic activities through YRMS and SAY, and has given many youths a second chance in life.
SAY also collaborates with the UK’s Prince’s Trust International, which was founded by the Prince of Wales in 2015, and has embarked on an initiative to help youths through a nine-week personal and professional development programme.
Recently, a special event was held to celebrate the achievements of youth through the programme which was graced by Tengku Amir.
In his speech at the event, the Crown Prince talked about all the youth groups participating in the team programme that had gone all out to help the needy.
“I am proudest of the impact that all of you have made through the programme, especially during the community project stage.
“I remember how the young people in Cohort 1 engaged with an Orang Asli community and went to a care home.
“The young people in Cohort 2 conducted an online forum on mental health, which inspired the young people in Cohort 4 to conduct an online forum as well on domestic violence.
“I find it amazing for both cohorts to come out with relevant topics in these times as cases on mental health and domestic violence are on the rise during the lockdown.
“Last but not least, I remember that the young people in Cohort 3 visited a homeless shelter, ensuring comfort and cleanliness among the less fortunate there,” Tengku Amir had said.
He added that it was amazing to see the youths being so passionate about giving back to society while also looking to better their own opportunities in life.
Tengku Amir is also known to be stern when it is required of him. This was evident when he took over the helm of the FAS in June 2018, when it was at its most troubled point.
Not wasting a single minute, Tengku Amir had used his mettle to sort out the bickering within the football association and put in place a brand new machinery to run the organisation smoothly.
Neither did Tengku Amir mince his words when taking the officials to task during the FAS crisis.
“It’s too late now to say sorry because I have given enough chances, enough warnings,” the Crown Prince lambasted the feuding officials at the time.
While trying to appease the officials and clearing up the factional disgruntlement, Tengku Amir had explained to them that they could work together to create a good football team.
Selangor FC chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon, who was formerly the SAY chief executive officer, told The Star previously that Tengku Amir was always concerned about the people’s best interests.
“Tengku Amir has always put the people first since the day he began heading both SAY and YRMS.
“At SAY, Tengku Amir works closely with existing community groups in areas such as community service, entrepreneurship, sports and the arts to maximise the potential and impact of the respective initiatives,” he had added.
Tengku Amir was officially decreed as the Crown Prince and heir to the Selangor throne on May 3, 2002, when he was just 11.
He was born in San Francisco, the United States, on Dec 12, 1990, and is Sultan Sharafuddin’s only son.
He holds a degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology from Leeds University and was commissioned Leftenan Muda in the 17th battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment at Terendak Camp, Melaka.
He was trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
In October 2016, Tengku Amir underwent the age-old rites of the state’s royal institution endorsing his accession as the Selangor throne’s heir apparent.
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