Dear to the people’s hearts

People greeting Sultan Abdullah at the Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk to celebrate National and Malaysia Day organised by Star Media Group and EcoWorld in 2019.

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has been described as a King that is close the people and perfectly portrays the saying “Raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada” (a close relationship between royalty and the people).

His Majesty’s caring and down-to-earth demeanour and closeness to his subjects is nothing new, especially to the people of Pahang.

On social media, pictures and videos showing the Agong’s caring nature – for example, setting aside royal protocol to help victims of road accidents or disasters – have gone viral on quite a few occasions.

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah helping to cook bubur lambuk during a programme organised by the Istana Negara Sports and Welfare Club at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

In 2019, the King, dressed in full regalia, had stopped his entourage and was seen exiting the car along with several uniformed officers to ask if the car accident victim was alright. Sultan Abdullah also spoke briefly with the victim.

More recently, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was seen going to the ground when floods hit the city near the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).

Sultan Abdullah visited flood victims in the flood-affected district ofLipis.

His Majesty was there to personally inspect the flood situation, demonstrating his attention and care for his subjects.

The King was even pictured holding an umbrella himself without any escorts.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, together with Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and close family members had joined congregants in breaking fast at Padang Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan during Ramadan.

The King with an old friend after a breaking of fast event in Kuantan, in May 2019. — NIK NAIZI HUSIN/The Star

Their Majesties were also seen distributing bubur lambuk which was prepared at Istana Abdulaziz, Kuantan, to the people nearby.

During their visit to Melaka, their Majesties were also seen buying some food at the Ramadan bazaar in Peringgit.

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah serving food to flood victims at a relief centre in Pekan. — Photo courtesy of Istana Negara’s Facebook page

Sultan Abdullah further showed his thoughtfulness by issuing congratulatory messages to Malaysians through the Istana Negara’s social media channels to commend them on their every achievement.

During major celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year and Wesak Day, both their Majesties will also issue statements to mark the occasion and extend greetings to those celebrating.

Sultan Abdullah was installed as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceremony at Istana Negara on July 30, 2019.