KUALA LUMPUR: Chants of 'Daulat Tuanku' echoed along Jalan Parlimen as Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his convoy were passing through this morning.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, together with Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah made their way out of the Parliament grounds in a white Rolls-Royce where they were then greeted by a crowd of around 3,650 Malaysians consisting of members of the civil service and public who were waiting to bid adieu to Their Majesties.
When met by the New Straits Times, 75 year-old Ramli Abdul Aziz could not hold back his tears when sharing his fond memories of the much adored Al-Sultan Abdullah.
"He was one of the most people-friendly Agong I have met throughout my life.
"I would always remember him as the monarch that stopped and helped to check on the condition of accident victims he encountered by the roadside.
"It's rather sad that his reign ends today, but I am also happy that he is going back to his people in Pahang.
Ramli, who hailed from Bandar Baru Sentul had earlier used the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to get here, arriving at 7am.
"As his subject, I would not want to miss the King's farewell today," he said.
Juraya Dolit, a senior corporate communications manager of a private university also took the opportunity to bid farewell to Al-Sultan Abdullah.
Juraya, who came with her friends, managed to arrive just in time to catch a glimpse of the convoy, reaching Jalan Parlimen at 9am.
"We made it just in time to bid farewell here, as we had followed the live feed to time our arrival."
Juraya said Al-Sultan Abdullah's friendliness to his subjects would always be an everlasting memory for her.
"He is the chancellor of our university. Come every convocation, His Majesty's warmth and friendliness with the graduates and their families is extraordinary.
"His Majesty will always make sure to spend a significant amount of time mingling with the graduates and their parents.
"That is what was memorable throughout his reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," she said.
Meanwhile, Huraizah Zaini, a head nurse serving with the Health Ministry said she was elated to bid farewell to Their Majesties.
"We started our journey by bus from Putrajaya at 5.30am today and we are excited to be part of the farewell team.
"The fondest recollection I have throughout Al-Sultan Abdullah's tenure was when he acknowledged us frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"He had put us frontliners and the people first (at that time).
"I hope the incoming Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar would continue this and propel the country towards prosperity," she said.
Earlier, the departure ceremony of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong unfolded in a symbolic atmosphere, at Parliament Square, here.
Their Majesties arrival at 8.35 am was accompanied by the 'nafiri'.
Following their arrival, Their Majesties received the Royal Salute accompanied by the national anthem, and simultaneously, the official flag of the Yang di-Pertuan was lowered.
At the same time, 21 cannon shots were fired during the national anthem.
Al-Sultan Abdullah then inspected the Main Guard of Honour consisting of 103 members and four officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Major Adibadiuezshah Ahmad.
After the salute ceremony, a prayer was recited by the Federal Territories Mufti, Datuk Prof Madya Dr Luqman Abdullah.
The national anthem was played once again, and the Prime Minister, along with the Cabinet members, faced His Majesty to express gratitude, marking the conclusion of His Royal Highness's duties as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Foreign representatives were also present to pay their respect to their Majesties during the ceremony.
Their Majesties then departed Parliament Square at 9.20 am, passing by Jalan Parlimen before heading to Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang.