Malaysians often see the Head of State, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and his wife Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah in unexpected places, such as waiting in line at a fast-food chain or assisting an accident victim on the roadside. They are known for their friendly and easy-going nature, and many Malaysians affectionately call Al-Sultan Abdullah “pak cik (uncle) Agong” or “abang (brother) Agong” and Tunku Azizah as “kakak” (sister). The Royal couple never hesitate to put the public at ease and are always willing to pose for photographs with them.
They have been seen braving floods and even assisted accident victims. Tunku Azizah was moved to tears by the people waiting in the rain to welcome them during a visit to Beaufort in Sabah last September.
On Jan 30, Al-Sultan Abdullah will return to Pahang, having completed his five-year term as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. People who have met the Royal couple have spoken of their glowing aura behind their unassuming nature.
The Royal couple’s sincerity in caring for various segments of society was evident in various instances, such as when Al-Sultan Abdullah interacted graciously with media personnel, providing them with food packs during the political crisis in 2020.
Yogeswary, a security guard at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak, received the Pingat Pangkuan Negara (PPN) from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during an investiture ceremony at Istana Negara last month. The King’s attention helped to change the public’s perception of her career.
Mohd Rafi Yaakob, a durian trader, has addressed Tunku Azizah as “kakak” and was surprised to find out her identity later. The Queen has been his regular customer since then.
Dr Shafa’atussara Silahudin, coordinator of the Department of Malay Sociocultural and Arts Studies at Universiti Malaya, said Al-Sultan Abdullah’s humble personality and demeanor have earned him a place in the hearts of Malaysians as the People’s King.
And, in his capacity as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah successfully fulfilled his role as the symbol of unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society, she added.
Teo Kok Seong, principal fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, sees the “Kembara Kenali Borneo” (Getting to Know Borneo) tour Their Majesties embarked on last September as a bridge that brought the monarchy closer to the people, especially those dwelling in the hinterland of Borneo.
Starting their 11-day tour in Tawau, Sabah, on Sept 3, Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah, and their children travelled a distance of over 2,332km by the time their expedition ended at Telok Melano in southern Sarawak.
