His Majesty, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during the Covid-19 lockdowns, asked Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim, his senior private secretary, to help people flying white flags outside their homes as a plea for help. This was a simple directive given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to his senior private secretary, showing the King’s heart of gold. It was a time when people were getting desperate and flying white flags outside their homes as a cry for help.
Al-Sultan Abdullah could not bear to see his subjects in distress, especially during the health emergency. According to Nazim, His Majesty “could not bear” to see his subjects in distress, especially during the health emergency, which made the King more admirable not just to the recipients of aid but also to the palace staff.
Nazim, who has served Al-Sultan Abdullah since 2018, also expressed how he had the opportunity to witness the King’s sincerity and determination. His diverse duties have provided him insight into Al-Sultan Abdullah’s true character, especially when the King personally waded through floods to help the people, making them feel close to him.
He said Al-Sultan Abdullah was a kind and good-hearted human being, and had not taken a single sen of salary as the reigning King. The Queen, Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, has also not taken a salary while serving as the Queen alongside the King.
Nazim also shared that he personally experienced the royal couple’s compassion when Al-Sultan Abdullah invited him to perform the umrah in 2019 to pray for the recovery of his sick daughter. The opportunity to pray for his daughter’s health was a gesture that showed the King’s kind and compassionate nature.
It was stated that Al-Sultan Abdullah has always placed Muslims as his top priority. When he ascended the federal throne, the main surau at Istana Negara was declared a venue for congregational Friday prayers for the first time ever, a clear indication of his commitment to the Muslim community.
Nazim regarded the opportunity to serve His Majesty as the sweetest memory of his life, and he believes the people of Malaysia are indeed fortunate to have a King with their interests at heart. He expressed his confidence that the people will miss Al-Sultan Abdullah as he continues to help them, whether he is still Yang di-Pertuan Agong or not. – Bernama
