PEKAN: Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today delivered a strong message in his first royal address as the sixth modern Sultan of Pahang at his proclamation ceremony held at Istana Abu Bakar, here, calling for greater cooperation among all quarters including the state government and the people in a bid to make Pahang more prosperous.
Sultan Abdullah said the strength of the state is dependent on its Ruler.
The strength of the Ruler of the state, he said, is measured by the strength of the state administration and loyalty from the people towards their Ruler.
To illustrate his point, Sultan Abdullah quoted an old Malay saying: "Kuat berdiri pohon kerana akarnya, kuat akar kerana tanahnya."
This translates to the strength of a tree branch depends on its roots, and the roots derive strength from the soil.
“Taking consideration of this reality, I call on the leadership of the state at every level to provide the best services with trust and full responsibility for the people as well as to uphold piety (ketakwaan) at all times.
“Only leaders with these qualities will reflect and evaluate their actions and decisions, which they have made, since they would be judged (during Judgement Day) in the afterlife,” he said.
To his subjects, Sultan Abdullah pledged that he will be the place for the people to seek shelter during times of disaster and sorrow.
“My father (Sultan Ahmad Shah) holds strongly to the principle of “Raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada” (inseparable are the Ruler and the people), which I will carry on in my leadership.
“To the beloved people, I would like to extend my appreciation for your continuous loyalty and prayers for me.
“Only Allah SWT could grant blessings and wellbeing to the people as well as protect the state of Pahang Darul Makmur, that we adore so much,” he said.
The Sultan concluded his speech with quotes from the first Caliph, Sayyidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, which read:
“I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right.
"The greatest truth is honesty and the greatest falsehood is dishonesty.
“Stay loyal to me as long as I obey Allah SWT and His Messengers. And if I disobey Allah as well as His Messengers; then, there is no need for you to obey me.”