KUALA LUMPUR: There was a renewed sense of calm and hope among residents of the Sri Pantai People’s Housing Project (PPR) as they watched His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim installed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
They watched the live telecast of the event in respectful silence throughout the entire ceremony, with many breathing a sigh of relief and joy after the ceremony concluded.
Among the residents was retiree Salamah Jalaludin, 64, who felt confident in the nation’s future following His Majesty’s ceremonious installation.
“I have always loved His Majesty’s friendliness with the people. That look of patriotism on His Majesty’s face throughout the ceremony has made me proud to call the King our nation’s leader.
“I feel we as a country are in safe hands, especially because His Majesty’s leadership turned Johor so successful.
“I fully expect (Tuanku) to rule Malaysia the same way,” she said.
Describing the ceremony as breathtaking, the housewife also said her favourite part of the ceremony was seeing the Malay Rulers, their families and foreign dignitaries standing in attention and in unison for the national anthem.
“It was truly an inspirational sight to see the new generation of royalty together with the older generation all in one place.”
Brabakaran Rajagopal, a 49-year-old community volunteer, shared a similar experience of awe as he watched the ceremony.“I feel at ease now knowing how straightforward of a person our new King is.
“I hope His Majesty will continue being a hands-on Ruler and keep the ministers and politicians in check for the sake of national stability (as the new King).”
Lembah Pantai PPR community leader Norrozaidi Zainuddin, 38, called the ceremony a “historic event” as he expressed his excitement towards fellow residents at the viewing party.
“Seeing so many of us come together like this has given me a sense of patriotism like never before.
“Before this, we would watch this ceremony alone in our homes but now, we have gathered as a community to celebrate this joyful occasion together.
“This is a historic day for both the country and us as a community and we hope to be able to do this again for future events.”
