Malaysian Queen takes note of road complaints herself during Sabah visit

SABAH, MALAYSIA: Malaysian Queen, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, has earned widespread praise on social media for her down-to-earth demeanour and ability to connect with the locals during her visit to Tawau, Sabah.

The public commended the Queen for her genuine concern as she personally penned a complaint about the deteriorating road conditions in Sabah during her recent state visit.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the Queen could be seen taking up her pen the moment she heard residents’ grievances about the poor road conditions.

“Wait, wait, I’m writing… bad road condition, is that the condition of the road here is bad?” the Queen inquired of a member of the public.

The Queen also took the time to shake hands with those who had voiced their concerns.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, was observed taking the wheel and engaging in conversation with another member of the public.

Following this brief interaction, their Majesties’ convoy continued its journey, bidding farewell to the enthusiastic crowd.

Their Majesties arrived in Sabah on Sunday (3 Sept), as part of the Discover Borneo Expedition, fulfilling their dream of exploring Sabah and Sarawak.

This tour, spanning from 3 to 13 September, commenced in Tawau, Sabah, and concluded in Telok Melano, Sarawak.

Covering a distance of 2,154 kilometres via the Pan Borneo Highway, which links Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei, this expedition offers a golden opportunity for the people of both states to meet the royal couple and their entourage.

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Social media erupts in praise for Malaysian Queen’s compassion

In the comment section of the TikTok video, netizens flooded in to express their gratitude for the queen’s concern for the well-being of the public.

A TikTok user commented, “Thank you, Your Highness. There are many more complaints from the people; we hope Your Highness takes note of them all.”

“All these Sabah ministers, just eating and drinking without caring at all about the people’s grievances. Let them digest that from the King; it’ll open their eyes.”

“The Queen is genuine. It’s high time the ministers respond to these complaints.”

Locals hilariously compare road conditions to the lunar landscape, prompting calls for government action

Some locals commenting on the clip mocked that there are even more roads in a condition resembling “driving on the moon” and sarcastically suggested that the Sabah state government should prepare to address their perceived incompetence.

Netizens are applauding the queen for her attentiveness, even going so far as to bring her own notebook to make notes during her on-the-ground observations.

Meanwhile, some others have also raised other issues concerning the local population, such as the lack of street lamps to illuminate the roads at night and water supply problems.

“Truly the best, having the most citizen-centred spirit.”

Sultan Abdullah’s remarkable reign amid political turbulence

It is noteworthy that Sultan Abdullah is the only Malaysian king who reigned with four prime ministers and four different cabinets.

Malaysia faced a political deadlock after the conclusion of the 15th General Election in November of the previous year.

Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition secured 82 parliamentary seats, while Muhyiddin’s Perikatan National (PN) gained 73 seats, leaving both coalitions short of the necessary 112-seat majority.

In response, the King called upon all political coalitions to submit their cooperation agreements for forming the next government. He convened a special meeting with fellow Malay Rulers to resolve the impasse.

On 24 November 2022, the King announced Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister, putting an end to the five-day-long political standoff.

On 30 January 2024, Sultan Abdullah is set to conclude his term as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and return to his state of rule, Pahang Darul Makmur.