Royal send-off: People bidding farewell to Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah at Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, after the sending-off ceremony for the 16th King. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Driven by his profound love and unwavering devotion to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Muhammad Reezuan Wahid braved the morning chill from Banda Hilir, Melaka, to Jalan Parlimen here to personally bid farewell to the royal couple.
Riding a motorcycle and enduring a journey of about 150km did not stop him from witnessing firsthand the symbolic sending-off ceremony of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah after completing their reign yesterday.Muhammad Reezuan, 39, was among thousands of loyal subjects who arrived as early as 6.30am to be part of Malaysians bidding farewell to Their Majesties along Jalan Parlimen to Bulatan Dato’ Onn.
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“I feel sad because the King and Queen are very caring for their subjects and the country,” he said, praising the wisdom of Sultan Abdullah during his five-year reign, reported Bernama.
He added that His Majesty has demonstrated wisdom and authority as the nation’s sovereign umbrella by resolving many issues including political turmoil to safeguard the well-being of the people and the country.
Muhammad Reezuan also shared his excitement to witness the arrival of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who will assume the role of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong starting today.
The atmosphere along Jalan Parlimen was lively with chants of “Daulat Tuanku” while the public waved the Jalur Gemilang to bid a heartfelt farewell to Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah.Nived Kollanthara from the United States also joined the crowd in the ceremonial send-off, describing the event as a new experience for him.
“I’ve just been experiencing this country’s culture and it’s fantastic and full of historical experiences. Then, I found out that this (ceremony) is happening, so I wanted to come down and see what this experience is like and be part of this celebration,” said the 27-year-old, who is in Malaysia for work.
At the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, two students from Politeknik Nilai, Muhammad Adam Mohd Hairi, 20, and Nur Azmina Qistina Mat Rashid, 21, also felt emotional witnessing Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah’s departure to their home state of Pahang.
“The opportunity to meet both Their Majesties may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I hope to meet the royal couple again. The people will forever cherish the warmth and kindness shown by Sultan Abdullah,” he said.
Muhammad Adam said Sultan Abdullah, who took the oath of office on Jan 31, 2019, and Tunku Azizah will always be remembered as beloved monarchs in the people’s hearts.
In KUANTAN, tens of thousands of people gathered to welcome the return of Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah to Pahang.
They filled up the designated locations, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airbase here, which was opened specifically to the public to express their love for the royal couple.
Businessman I. Shanmuganathan, 45, said that he and his friend left their home in Karak as early as 7am to get to the airbase as they did not want to miss the historical event of Pahang, which will not be repeated in the near future.
“This is a small contribution that we can give to the state. I am also proud that the names of the Sultan of Pahang (Sultan Abdullah) and Tengku Ampuan Pahang (Tunku Azizah) are always mentioned by people throughout His Majesty’s reign at the Istana Negara,” he said.
Farah Nadia Abdullah, 31, who was born in Sungai Puteri, Rompin, said that she and her husband decided to bring their three children, aged six, three and one, to welcome Their Majesties’ return as a “sign of love” for the royal couple’s compassionate nature.“The concern, wisdom and approachable demeanour of the royal couple of Pahang have been witnessed by all. As a Pahang-born, I am proud that, throughout the past five years, Their Majesties have always attracted the attention of many,” she said.
A student at Tun Abdul Razak integrated boarding school in Pekan, Wan Joharis Wan Johari, 15, who was at the airbase, was excited to witness the historic event for the first time.
Wan Joharis, from Terengganu, said he did not have the opportunity to have that experience when the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, was installed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from Dec 3, 2006, to Dec 12, 2011, as he was too young at that time.“I am really excited to be able to witness it with my own eyes. I don’t know if there will be an opportunity to see it again in the future,” he added.
Members of Gabungan Persatuan Wanita Negeri Pahang also camped at the grounds of Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Ahmad to watch the return of Their Majesties to Istana Pahang.
