Artworks by the differently abled: Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah with Wan Jamila Wan Shaiful Bahri (centre) and her artworks displayed at Mercure Living Putrajaya. Looking on are Tan (right) and his wife Chan Shiu Shyan (left). — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The abilities of autistic children should never be overlooked or belittled, says the King.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said this when launching Mercure Living Putrajaya, a hotel which displays paintings by children with autism in its rooms.
“I would feel bad if I did not attend, because this (hotel) involves contributions from autistic children. The paintings are very beautiful and interesting,” His Majesty said to a loud applause from the crowd.
His Majesty later said the abilities of autistic children should not be underestimated.
Accompanying Sultan Abdullah to the launch was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Following his speech, Sultan Abdullah signed a plaque to commemorate the hotel’s launch.
Mercure Living Putrajaya is a five-star hotel developed by Ikhasas Group.
The hotel was completed in 2019 and began operations in July 2022.
Mercure features 453 rooms, spanning 36 floors that boast spacious layouts and contemporary furnishings.
It also has the only saltwater infinity pool in Putrajaya, measuring 52m long.
In his speech, Ikhasas Group managing director Tan Chee Kian highlighted how Mercure Living Putrajaya supported the talents of disabled children.
“Here, all the artworks displayed in rooms are produced by Malaysian autistic children.
“We will continue this initiative, as always mentioned by Their Majesties, to aid disabled children.
“It is also a historical day for the autistic children present today, as their wish to meet Their Majesties has been fulfilled,” he said.
