KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's official birthday was celebrated differently this year, as Malaysians embraced the new normal amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although all celebrations have been postponed in accordance with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), greetings and well-wishes have been pouring in for the King, both from leaders and the people across the country, as well as from foreign envoys.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, representing the entire nation, was among the first to wish happy birthday to the King via his Twitter and Facebook post yesterday.
"We pray that Your Majesty will be given the strength and blessing to continue to remain on the throne with great dignity, sovereignty and prosperity," he wrote.
Despite the postponement of his birthday celebrations, Al-Sultan Abdullah is expected to continue with his tradition to inspire and reach out to those in need, such as people at centres for the homeless, orphanages and old folks homes, as the people's wellbeing has always been the King's top priority.
The King's concern for the people, especially as the country is fighting the war against the deadly coronavirus, is undisputable, as he has, on various occasions and in statements, reminded the people to play their roles to maintain discipline and be patient in observing the new normal as underlined by the Health Ministry (MOH).
The 14-day self-quarantine undergone by Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah after a number of Istana Negara staff tested positive for Covid-19 is definitely something unforgettable in the country's history.
The King has also paid extra attention to every effort made by the government to address the impact of Covid-19, especially on financial and economic matters of the country, such as unemployment and most-affected sectors of the economy.
The attentiveness shown by Al-Sultan Abdullah is not something new, but is well known, especially among the people of Pahang, as he was the Crown Prince of Pahang for 44 years.
The traits, values and humbleness of Al-Sultan Abdullah have also been reflected in the way he has discharged his duties as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – a style which has brought Malaysia's multiracial community closer to the monarchy.
His Majesty's willingness to ignore protocol to help accident victims, or even to line up for his turn at a cashier counter of a fast-food restaurant in Pahang, also gained him much love and respect of the people.
Malaysians will also remember the time Al-Sultan Abdullah went to the main gate of Istana Negara to treat the media fraternity to food and drinks during the political crisis in February.
During the early stage of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March, the King had also joined frontliners to monitor the traffic situation in the capital.
Al-Sultan Abdullah strongly emphasises the importance of unity and harmony among the multi-racial community in this country and will not let them be filled with hostility and be divided, especially due to politics.
Al-Sultan Abdullah's wisdom has also helped Malaysia emerge from the political turmoil following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the 7th Prime Minister of Feb 24, before His Majesty consented to Muhyiddin's appointment as the 8th Prime Minister on March 1.
In his Royal Address during the opening of the Third Session of the 14th Parliament recently, His Majesty also called on politicians to show their maturity and always try to understand the people's grievances.
May His Majesty's personality and reputation as the King, who always puts the people first, will be emulated by leaders in the country in order to make Malaysia a fully-developed sovereign country that is well-respected by the world. Daulat Tuanku!-- Bernama