KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 — Due to his love and devotion to the outgoing King and Queen, Muhammad Reezuan Wahid was willing to brave the morning chill from Banda Hilir, Melaka, to Jalan Parlimen to personally bid farewell to the royal couple.
Despite riding a motorcycle and having to endure a 150-kilometre journey, it did not stop him from witnessing firsthand the symbolic sending-off ceremony of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah after completing their reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong today.
Reezuan, 39, was among thousands of loyal citizens who arrived as early as 6.30am to be part of the farewell team along Jalan Parlimen to Dato’ Onn Roundabout.
“I feel sad because the King and Queen are very caring for their subjects and the country,” he said, praising Al-Sultan Abdullah’s wisdom during His Majesty’s five-year reign.
Reezuan said the King demonstrated wisdom and authority as the nation’s sovereign umbrella by resolving many issues, including political turmoil, to safeguard the well-being of the people and the country.
At the same time, he is also excited to witness the arrival of the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who will assume the role of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow.
The atmosphere along Jalan Parlimen was lively with chants of ‘Daulat Tuanku’ while citizens waved the Malaysian flag Jalur Gemilang to bid a heartfelt farewell to Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah.
Meanwhile, Nived Kollanthara from the United States also seized the opportunity to join the crowd in the ceremonial send-off, describing the quinquennial event as a new experience for him.
“I have just been experiencing this country’s culture, and it is fantastic and full of historical experiences. Then, I found out that this (ceremony) is happening, so I wanted to come down and see what this experience is like and be part of this celebration,” said the 27-year-old, who is in Malaysia for work.
At the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Politeknik Nilai students Muhammad Adam Mohd Hairi, 20, and Nur Azmina Qistina Mat Rashid, 21, also felt emotional witnessing Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah’s departure to their home state of Pahang.
“The opportunity to meet both Their Majesties today may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I hope to meet the royal couple again. The people will forever cherish the warmth and kindness shown by Al-Sultan Abdullah,” Adam said.
The Horticulture and Landscape Technology diploma student said Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah will always be remembered as beloved monarchs in the people’s hearts.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who acceded to the throne on January 31, 2019, concludes a five-year reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today.
— Bernama
