KOTA KINABALU: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah shared some light moments during the 'Kembara Kenali Borneo' tour in Sabah.
He said there were people who referred to him as 'Pakcik Agong' and 'Abang Agong', and even called Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah 'Datin Permaisuri'.
"I was touched when a youngster called me 'Pak Cik Agong'. Some called me 'Abang Agong'. There were also those who called me 'Gong Gong Gong'... it was truly pleasing for me.
"Raja Permaisuri...(some called her) Datin Permaisuri, Some praised my beautiful wife. I cannot forget all this and the people of Sabah will remain in my heart forever," said His Majesty, during the Sabah government dinner at Sabah International Convention Centre yesterday.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said these snippets have become part of his cherished experience in Sabah.
He said the tour had also given him the opportunity to get up close with the people of Sabah, especially those living in the interiors.
"I met them, and shook their hands, regardless of their background because to me, we are all the same... we are Malaysian citizens.
"I was able to realise this in Sabah. I have already driven 759km by myself. I hope I can finish (the whole) 985km in the state. I am really moved by the friendliness and hospitality of the people of Sabah," he said.
During the road trip, His Majesty said both him and Tunku Azizah had taken notes of issues raised by the people in the state.
"I will also do my part at the federal level. When I meet the PM (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) I will voice out what should be voiced," he added.
Present at the dinner were Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and the Sabah Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya.
The king will complete the 985-km Sabah-leg expedition today (Sept 7) before heading to Brunei. The tour will end in Sarawak on Sept 13.