KUANTAN: Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah is set to become the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, but to the people of Pahang, he has always been someone they can count on in times of need.
He is known for mingling with the people to listen to their views, and has on various occasions gone the extra mile to help his people.
Datuk Abd Rahman Endut remembers clearly how Sultan Abdullah went out of his way to assist an accident victim in an incident several years ago.
Abd Rahman, who is the Pahang Crown Prince’s protocol and special officer, said at the time, Sultan Abdullah was the Crown Prince.
“We were in Lipis for a visit. Our entourage came across an accident scene. Sultan Abdullah immediately instructed that the victim be brought to hospital via his ambulance, accompanied by police outriders.
“He was extremely concerned over the victim and was intent on getting the person immediate medical aid. This is just one example of his ‘people-first’ approach, which has been his trait since he was young,” said Abd Rahman, who has been in Sultan Abdullah’s service for 45 years.
Sultan Abdullah is well known as a ruler who places the interests of the people first, and would not hesitate to be with them through times of trouble.
His presence is assured during disasters and floods, fires or drowning cases in the state, and is always on hand to extend immediate help. He is also known to travel to the villages to understand the pulse of his people and allow them to channel their grievances.
While visiting victims of a storm in Kampung Pasir Panjang, Pekan in Nov last year, Sultan Abdullah had asked the victims to sit with him underneath a canopy while government officers and representatives stood behind him to record their grievances.
He also joked with the villagers in order to put them at ease, thus making it easier for them to convey their problems so that they can be resolved by the authorities.
His easy demeanour is similar to that of his father, Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah, and grandfather Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, who were also well-loved by their subjects.