Malaysian King and Queen endear themselves to citizens with warmth and charm

MALAYSIA: Once again, Malaysians are proudly displaying their profound admiration for their King and Queen.

This sentiment is particularly evident as the royal couple embarks on the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ (Discover Borneo Expedition), which commenced in Tawau, Sabah, on 3 September.

Numerous Malaysians, especially those hailing from Sabah, who had the privilege of meeting Their Majesties in person, have taken to sharing videos online.

These videos have captured the hearts and attention of people nationwide.

The Malaysian King and Queen have earned widespread recognition across the nation for their warm and compassionate personalities.

In a recent event held on 4 September, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, attended the launching of the Kembara Kenali Sabah event in Tawau, Sabah.

A TikTok video from that night quickly went viral.

Sabah’s Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, as well as Luyang assemblyman, Phoong Jin Zhe, used TikTok to capture this extraordinary moment and share it with the audience.

His Highness was captured singing a song on stage.

In the video, the King stood on stage, surrounded by enthusiastic individuals, presumably the performers of the night, all dressed in traditional cultural attire.

They enthusiastically joined in and recorded His Highness as he serenaded the event’s audience with a Malay song.

The Queen stood gracefully by his side, exuding her characteristic easy-going demeanour.

As of the time of writing, the video, which was posted on the night of the event, has amassed an impressive 1.1 million views.

@gingerphoong

Had a great night with YDP Agong 👑

♬ original sound – Phoong Jin Zhe – Phoong Jin Zhe

Overflowing compliments and gratitude pour into the comments section

Netizens enthusiastically shared their admiration for Their Majesties, praising their affable personalities.

The comment sections were filled with messages like “The best!” and “Daulat Tuanku,” a traditional Malay phrase used to show respect and loyalty to the reigning monarch, which means “Long Live Your Majesty.”

One netizen commented, “Wow, His Majesty is really cool, so easy-going! His Majesty is the best.”

The King commemorates cherished Sabah memories

In another event which was held on Wednesday (6 Sept), the King once again showcased his easy-going side.

At a dinner hosted by the Sabah government in conjunction with the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ tour at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the King shared some light moments along the trip.

As reported by Daily Express, His Majesty shared that during his encounters, some people affectionately referred to him as “Pakcik (Uncle) Agong” and “Abang (Older brother) Agong,” while addressing Tunku Azizah as “Datin Permaisuri.”

The King added, “Some even called me ‘Gong-Gong (Agong),’ which truly warmed my heart.

“Many also complimented my beautiful wife (Tunku Azizah).

I will always cherish these memories, and the people of Sabah will forever hold a special place in my heart.” said His Majesty.

That night, His Majesty joined a group of performers on stage to try the traditional dance of the Murut ethnic group, known as the Magunatip Dance.

Photo: Bernama

Currently, the King and Queen are undertaking the ‘Kembali Kenali Borneo’ expedition, covering a distance of 2,154km from Tawau, Sabah, to Telok Melano, Sarawak, along the Pan Borneo Highway that links Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.

Sultan Abdullah’s remarkable reign amid political turbulence

The monarch in Malaysia serves a symbolic purpose as the king officially holds the positions of head of state, supreme commander of the armed forces, and head of religion.

However, eyond the confines of palaces, offices, and extravagant galas for ceremonial purposes, the rulers wield influential power from the throne.

This power serves as a vital mechanism for checks and balances within the government, a voice for the marginalized, and a means to bridge divides of disunity.

It is noteworthy that incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Agong, 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.