Tradition on display: Some of Istana Negara’s serene beauty captured with the royal yellow of the Balairong Seri in the background, set off by the red of the carpet leading up to it, featuring the obliging King and Queen posing for the media. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
ON Wednesday, some 40 media practitioners were invited to Istana Negara for a luncheon with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Tunku Azizah was feeling a little under the weather but still made time for us.
The lunch was held after a special interview with the King and Queen since their Majesties will “balik kampung” at the end of this month. It is difficult to believe it has been five years since I first met the royal couple.
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A visit with the Royals
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah posing with the media after a special interview at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Al-Sultan Abdullah with (from left) The Star’s chief reporter Rahimy Rahim, Star Media Group’s chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and the columnist, who is a deputy executive editor, after the special interview and media lunch at Istana Negara on Wednesday.
The King and Queen obliging the media's request for a photo with a royal portrait at Istana Negara.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Prince Albert posing with some of the cendol stall staff. -- Istana Negara/Instagram
The King with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed in December 2023 in Dubai. Al Sultan Abdullah's close relationship with the UAE leader has helped Malaysia's bilateral ties with the emirates. -- Istana Negara/Instagram
Al-Sultan Abdullah with The Star photographer Mohd Faihan Ghani at Istana Negara. The King was happy to share stories of the royal tour of Borneo he and the Queen embarked on last year with the table of photographers at the media lunch. -- FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
