By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia anticipates the dawn of a new royal era with the impending arrival of its 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) and Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen) on January 31, 2024, the nation also reflects on the remarkable tenure of the outgoing royal duo, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah of Pahang and his consort, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah of Johor.
In their five-year reign, amidst historic challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and political upheavals, the royal couple endeared themselves to the hearts of Malaysians through their unwavering warmth, empathy, and steadfast leadership.
Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah of Pahang and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah of Johor assumed the mantle of the federal throne on January 31, 2019, amidst a period of national transition following the unprecedented abdication of Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan.
Throughout their reign, which unfolded against a backdrop of significant societal and political shifts, the royal pair emerged as pillars of stability and unity, earning accolades for their hands-on approach to governance and their deep-rooted connection with the Malaysian populace.
The King and Queen earned respect and admiration of the people.
Through it all, the royal couple displayed a genuine concern for the
well-being of their subjects, often going to the ground to help the people,
especially during times of disasters such as floods, fires, and accidents.
They also played a crucial role in stabilizing the country’s political
situation, by exercising their constitutional powers to appoint and dismiss
prime ministers, convene and prorogue parliament, and grant royal assent to
laws and appointments.
One of their most significant contributions was their role in creating the
unity government that led to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim becoming the prime minister in November 2022, ending the political impasse that had plagued the country since the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government in February 2020.
The unity government, comprising the main coalitions of PH, Barisan Nasional
(BN), and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), was formed after the King consulted
with all 222 members of parliament and obtained their support for Anwar as the
leader who commanded the majority.
The King also decreed that the prime minister must form a unity government
that is inclusive, moderate, and respectful of the Federal Constitution and the
Rukun Negara (National Principles).
The unity government was seen as a historic and unprecedented development in the Malaysian political landscape, as it brought together former arch-rivals under a common platform of national reconciliation and reform.
The King’s role in facilitating the formation of the unity government was
widely praised by various quarters, including political leaders, civil society
groups, and the public, as it restored stability and confidence in the
country’s democratic system.
Navigating tumultuous waters, Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah embodied a spirit of resilience and compassion, making several notable contributions to the nation’s fabric.
Their visible presence during times of crisis, including floods, fires, and accidents, underscored their commitment to serving the people in their time of need.
Moreover, they played a pivotal role in steering the country through periods of political uncertainty, facilitating the formation of a unity government in 2022 that brought together erstwhile rivals under a banner of national reconciliation and progress.
Central to the royal couple’s legacy is their embodiment of humility and accessibility, endearing themselves to Malaysians from all walks of life.
Sultan Abdullah’s down-to-earth demeanor, often observed queuing at fast-food outlets and offering assistance to accident victims, resonated deeply with the public, fostering a sense of closeness between the monarchy and the people.
Similarly, Tunku Azizah’s acts of kindness, including her culinary endeavour to feed frontliners and the less fortunate, endeared her to the nation as a symbol of compassion and generosity.
Beyond their public personas, Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah shared a profound bond characterized by mutual respect and affection, earning them the endearing moniker of “pasangan bersemut” among netizens.
Their dedication to each other and their commitment to serving the nation without the constraints of formalities left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Malaysians.
As they prepare to return to Pahang, Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah leave behind a legacy defined by unity, compassion, and service to the nation. Their departure marks the end of an era, yet their impact will endure as a testament to the enduring bond between the monarchy and the people, encapsulated in the adage “Raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada.”
