Be United Malaysians

Aug 03, 2019

By Rozaid A. Rahman and Mergawati Zulfakar
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was installed as Malaysia’s 16th Agong.

The King has made it clear that he wants to see a Malaysia whose citizens are united and living in a peaceful, stable and harmonious country during his five-year reign.

However, Sultan Abdullah was quick to acknowledge that his wish may not be fulfilled in the short term.

“I am being realistic. I do not dare to promise (that a united Malaysia) will happen, but that is my wish. I will be very sad if over the next five years, our country is in chaos,” he said.

The King also expressed his hope that the government under the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would further strengthen the country’s economy, improve the well-being of the people and be more active in helping those who in need.“I can only pray that we do not face this problem (chaos). I hope the rakyat will be cautious and continue to be wise in deciding the country’s future,” the King said in an interview with The Star.

Sultan Abdullah, who was proclaimed the King on Jan 31, said he had been anxiously waiting for the installation ceremony to take place.

“It has been more than 160 days. I want to get it over and done with. I want to concentrate on my tasks as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The installation ceremony is important for the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which is part of the elements of the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

“This is a tradition for each Yang di-Pertuan Agong to undergo and, of course, it is an important event for me, especially, to be installed as the 16th King.”

On Jan 15, Sultan Abdullah was proclaimed the sixth Sultan of Pahang, taking over from Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah.

On Jan 24, he was elected the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong during the Special Meeting of the Conference of Rulers.

Sultan Abdullah took the oath and signed the instrument of office on Jan 31.

This was the first time a sitting King granted an interview to the media in recent times.

Over the course of the hour-long interview, Sultan Abdullah spoke on a wide range of issues including his legacy, family, passion for sports and his subjects.

The King also addressed the question that many see the Sultans as being linked only to the Malays and Islam.

“The Raja-Raja Melayu must be Sultans for all races. I am a Malay and will automatically uphold my religion, but this does not mean that we should look down on other religions or other races. Not at all.

“On my part, in Pahang, we have never claimed that certain religions were wrong or certain races were wrong. No!

“Together we built a state or country and we should not be judgmental towards anyone for that matter. The perception given is not quite correct.

“Do not accuse the monarchy of being only for the Malays. That is not the way,” Sultan Abdullah said.

He also said it was not right to encroach on other religions.

“We have to respect other religions and races. There is no such thing as suppressing other religions or other (races). That is not right.

“We should co-exist and live together in our country, Malaysia,” he added.

“The Catholic Church of Malaysia prays for God’s blessings on our Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. “We are delighted to have Your Royal Highness as our Yang di-Pertuan Agong who has in a short time shown the way for a peaceful, united and harmonious co-existence for all Malaysians.” Rt Rev Sebastian Francis DD on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Malaysia.--The Star