Al-Sultan Abdullah (right) with Sultan Sallehuddin of Kedah at the Majlis Raja-Raja Ke-261 at Istana Negara in June.
FOUR years ago, the then Tengku Mahkota of Pahang ascended to the throne as the sixth modern Sultan of Pahang after the abdication of Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Shortly after, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was chosen by the Conference of Rulers to become the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
As if counting down the days, Al-Sultan Abdullah recently said he and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah had only less than a year left before fulfilling their duties and returning to their home in Pahang.
Al-Sultan Abdullah attending the Pahang Royal Council meeting at the Pullman Kl Hotel, in January 2019. — Azman Ghani/The Star
Although Al-Sultan Abdullah had to take on the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong so soon after becoming the Sultan of Pahang, he had never been known to neglect the people of Pahang particularly, during his time as Tengku Mahkota.
Senior manager P. Murthi, 57, recalled an encounter with Al-Sultan Abdullah before he was the Ruler and remembered his humble personality.
“I met Al-Sultan Abdullah before he became the Sultan of Pahang. It was during a breaking of fast event held at Kuantan Port in 2012.
Al-Sultan Abdullah sharing a light moment with the recipients of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship (BYDPA) 2023 at Istana Negara. — Bernama
“As the King was walking by, he saw me and without hesitation, stopped to chat with me. It was most probably due to me being the only Indian in the crowd. I remember vividly the King asking me whether I fasted that day. I smiled and replied, ‘No, Tuanku’.
“We continued to chat for a short while and then he said, ‘Please enjoy your meal.’ Al-Sultan Abdullah made me feel at ease as he is a very humble person.
“From my observation, Al-Sultan Abdullah is a people- oriented person and willing to come forward to help people who are in need.
Artist Abdul Hadi Ahmad putting the finishing touches to Al-Sultan Abdullah’s portrait to celebrate the Ruler’s birthday on June 5. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
“We can see that on many occasions such as times when Al-Sultan Abdullah did not hesitate to stop by the roadside to help accident victims despite his royal standing,” said Murthi.
Throughout his time as Tengku Mahkota and now his reign as Ruler, Al-Sultan Abdullah had always been known for his constant concern towards the welfare and interest of the people.
Whenever disaster struck or when the people were facing problems, the Ruler could be seen at the forefront by their side.
Al-Sultan Abdullah officiated at the launch of the new state library building in Kemunting, Kuantan, in 2018.
Al-Sultan Abdullah was born on July 30, 1959 at Istana Mangga Tunggal, Pekan, as the fourth child and eldest son of Sultan Ahmad Shah and Almarhumah Tengku Ampuan Afzan.
Al-Sultan Abdullah was named the Tengku Mahkota Pahang on July 1, 1975, and installed as the heir apparent on Oct 23, 1977 at Istana Abu Bakar, Pekan.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, 64, had been married to Tunku Azizah since 1986.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah arriving at the Ma’al Hijrah celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala lumpur this year. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
His Majesty served as the Regent of Pahang at the age of 20 when Sultan Ahmad Shah was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1979 to 1984.
His Majesty took on the role again in December 2016 following Sultan Ahmad Shah’s withdrawal from public life.
Al-Sultan Abdullah (front, centre) was the guest-of-honour to witness the Malaysian army’s demonstration of firepower during lTK 2023 at the Asahan Shooting Range, Syed Sirajuddin Camp. — Bernama
A new chapter in Pahang’s history was opened on Jan 15, 2019 when Al-Sultan Abdullah was proclaimed as the new Ruler of the state. Al-Sultan Abdullah succeeded Sultan Ahmad Shah, who abdicated the throne after reigning for nearly 45 years.
The whirlwind process of deciding the future of the Pahang crown came after Kelantan’s Sultan Muhammad V resigned as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 6, 2019.
