Give respect where respect is due

THE letter of condolence by the late Queen Elizabeth II to the first Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Kurshiah upon the death of my great-grandfather on April 1, 1960 read: “I am deeply grieved to hear of the sad death of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya, and send you my heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement. As Ruler of Negri Sembilan and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he has long borne high office with dignity and served his country well.”

The rest of her reign was to see three more Rulers of Negri Sembilan – the current one was at Aberystwyth University with the new King Charles III – and 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong.