KUANTAN: Although the Pahang government had declared today a special holiday, two friends had been up early to attend the historical sending-off event for Sultan of Pahang Al- Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who was later today sworn in as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
SK Galing pupils - M. Kishore and Karl Esqander Saleh, both 12, - were all smiles as they had the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah up close at the Kuantan Air Force Base here before they left for Kuala Lumpur.
Kishore said he woke up about 5am to ensure that he will not miss the bus as many of his teachers had repeatedly reminded the pupils to be on time, or else they will not be able to make the trip.
He said the pupils gathered at the school about 6.30am before travelling to the Air Force Base here along with a their school teachers in a bus.
“My teachers described today as a historical moment and not many have the opportunity to witness such an event....we have heard about Al-Sultan Abdullah and I am glad to be part of such an important event.
“This is the first time I have an opportunity to see him(Al-Sultan Abdullah) closely,” he said.
Meanwhile, his classmate Karl Esqander said it was exciting to be able to see the Sultan and his consort boarding the special aircraft.
“My friends and me cheered loudly when they( Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah) waved to the crowd before entering the aircraft.
“It was worth waking up early to attend the event today,” he said as he waved a
mini Pahang and Jalur Gemilang flag.
The duo were among thousands of people from all walks of life who turned up at the Air Force base today to send-off Al- Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah.
Meanwhile, Khairuddin Harun, 56, who boarded a chartered bus along with his friends said they left Jerantut town about 3am before arriving here just before Subuh prayers.
“Since many of us wanted to attend the event, we decided to join another group who had chartered the bus.....lucky they had seats available.
“I was told that three buses travelled from Jerantut for the event here today.
“Besides witnessing the special event today, we wanted to express our gratitude towards the Sultan who had always come to Jerantut during the fasting month of Ramadan or visited victims during disaster,” he said, adding the Pahang royal family as always close to the people’s hearts
The father-of-three said the decision to allow the public enter the Air Force Base compound and get close to the aircraft had allowed them to take pictures and videos to capture the historic moment.