Al-SULTAN ABDULLAH AT 60 - the quick rise of the 16th 'King' of Malaysia
Malaysia's Federal Head of State turned 60 on July 30, this year. Sultan Abdullah was the same day customarily enthroned as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (an elected position, equivalent to monarch) of Malaysia. Though it was marked as a state occasion, His Majesty did not hold special birthday celebrations these days, due to the recent death of his elderly father, whom he succeeded as Sultan of Pahang two weeks before being selected to the highest office last January. However, his Jubilee was marked on September 9 (the King's official birthday), after the customary mourning period his family observed. Let's look deeper to the highlights!
Abdullah as Regent of Pahang in 2017
PRE-HISTORY:
As it started:
Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV (2016-2019) Sultan Muhammad V
All started on January 6, 2019, when previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan stepped down as Head of state after controversial rumours about his recent marriage to a Russian model. It was the first time in Malaysia's post-independence history when the five-year term of its King is cut short by an abdication. The Conference of Malay Rulers urgently met the next day to decide on the election process of a successor. They had to pick up a new monarch within a month.
Order of Seniority:
On its independence from Britain in 1957, Malaysia established a unique royal succession system, which it follows ever since. The throne of Supreme Head of State (or Yang di-Pertuan Agong) is rotated every five years between the rulers of its nine monarchies (seven Sultans, a Raja /king & a Yamtuan Besar / Supreme monarch). The succession follows an initial 'order of seniority' of those monarchs (by length of reign) & transition occurs smoothly, after an Agong finishes his term & returns to his state with his previous regnal title. Despite the pre-arranged order of seniority, the new monarch should be "elected" (every five years) by the majority of nine rulers, so it's upon them to approve his candidacy, or in case of illness, incapability or disapproval, select someone else in his place.
(l-r): Sultan Ahmad Shah, Sultan Ibrahim & Sultan Nazrin Shah
After the resignation of Sultan Muhammad V (then 49, the youngest of Malay reigning monarchs) the "next-in-line" was Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (then 88, the oldest living Malay monarch at the time). He had previously served as 7th Head of state (from 1979 to 1984) and had been seriously ill for long time. His son, Tengku Abdullah, was replacing him as the state's Regent ever since 2017. Next closest in the line were Sultan Ibrahim of Johor (60), who had previously refused to take the state throne before his rotation time comes, and Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak (62), who had served as Deputy King during Muhammad V's term (2016-2019) & was the acting Head of state following his resignation. It was up to Rulers to decide to follow the many years' succession order, or to break it.
The extraordinary meeting of the "Conference of Rulers" (also parted from four other, non-royal leaders of the country's federal states, but cannot take part in the King's election) was scheduled for January 24. The new (16th) Yang di-Pertuan Agong was to take oath of office on Thursday, January 31 (2019). Then, something unexpected happened...
Unexpected change:
Tengku Abdullah (left) & his brother Tengku Abdul Rahman
On Friday, January 11, the Royal Council of Pahang, which could take important decisions on the Sultanate's succession, hold an urgent meeting behind close doors. Tengku Abdullah was present. The following day, in a press conference, the Council's head, Tengku Abu Bakar (the Sultan's second son) announced it's decision to pass the throne on the Regent, due to Sultan Ahmad Shah's failing health. He also said that the state constitution was specially amended to allow the Royal Council to take unanimously such an important decision. The Sultan's so-called "abdication" may be seen as a clear sign (behind the scenes), made by Pahang' royal family, so to allow Abdullah (then 59) to ascend the Sultanate's throne & be the "frontline candidate" election of the new Head of State (so not to break the traditional order of succession). However, neither the Royal Council of Sultanate, nor Tengku Abdullah did comment on this issue, leaving the final decision on Malay Ruler's hands.
FROM TENGKU MAHKOTA TO YDP AGONG:
Al-Sultan Abdullah & Tunku Azizah
Tengku Abdullah was proclaimed as the sixth Sultan of Pahang in a traditional ceremony, filled with emotion, at the Sultanate's Abu Bakar palace on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. His reign had retroactively began on 11 January, the day of Royal Council' meeting. He received the regnal title of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and pledged to follow the footsteps of his father's 'incomparable legacy' of breaking the protocol in order to be with his people at the time they suffer. Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah, who at the time received an intensive hospital treatment to prolong his life, was informed of the succession process & received the honorary title of Paduka Ayahanda Pahang (something like "Father Sultan"). Sultan Abdullah's senior wife, TunkuAzizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (a sister of fellow Sultan of Johor) was proclaimed the new Royal Consort (of noble descendence), or Tengku Ampuan, in a separate ceremony on January 29, along with their elder son, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim, who was made the new heir-apparent (Tengku Mahkota) & also Regent after his father's precedent election as King.
With their son Tengku Mahkota Hassanal Ibrahim (sit. far left)
The Royal Standard of Yang di-Pertuan Agong is raised in
Pahang, signifying the beginning of Sultan Abdullah's reign
Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI takes his oath of office
Quick election & Installation' preparations:
Al-Sultan Abdullah & his Deputy, Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak
As it was already expected, Abdullah indeed became the 'front-runner' candidate for the sixteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong and made history as the shortest-reigning Malay Ruler to be selected into the office on January 24 (despite the initial meaning of the Seniority Order for which preservance he was made Sultan before his father's death), with just under two weeks as monarch on the time of his election. He took his oath of office at the end of January, in another "Conference of Rulers" meeting, which was turned into a state ceremony at the National palace in capital Kuala Lumpur where the King & Queen (the new Raja Permaisuri Agong, after this office's vacancy from 2016), flew earlier that day. The new 'King' began his tenure as a constitutional monarch, Head of state & symbol of Islam in Malaysia, with his elaborate enthronement (or Installation) ceremony planned for some months later.
Members of the 'Conference of Rulers' pictured together after the accession of Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI - 31/01/2019
YDP Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah (centre) attending Prayers
Everything seemed to have returned to normal, with this historical transition being made, & Abdullah's additional installation as Sultan of Pahang (normally held a year after the Sultan's accession, & following his predecessor's death) postponed until after the end of his term as state leader. Back in Pahang, Abdullah approved the establishment of an additional regency council, chaired by his brother Abu Bakar & participated by his siblings, to help his son, Hassanal with the Regent's duties, until he completes his military cource in UK by the middle of December, this year.
Death of Sultan Ahmad Shah:
On 22 May 2019, Sultan Ahmad Shah, the first ever living former Yang di-Pertuan Agong "to see" his son's accession into the same office, passed away after a long hospitalization in Kuala Lumpur. His body was flown back to Pekan, Pahang & buried with full state honors at the Sultanate's Royal Mausoleum the next afternoon (May 23). Sultan Abdullah lost his father months before turning 60.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah & Sultan Ahmad Shah's
widow, Sultanah Kalsom, staying nearby his coffin (May 23)
Though the former Sultan's death was not a surprise, the royal family of Pahang were very emotional while mentioning him after Abdullah's accession, so to ensure that his son will properly 'fill the shoes' of his permanently ended reign; now the duty to observe all customary mourning rituals for the deceased patriarch seemed obligatory as well. While Malaysia as a whole nation was affected just in the first few days, Pahang Sultanate declared 40 days of official mourning for its former (& longest-reigned) Sultan and its royal family observed a prolonged mourning period of 100 days (all Summer).
Sultanah Kalsom & Tengku Fahd at Sultan Ahmad Shah's grave
ON THE FOOTSTEPS OF A ROYAL LEGACY:
Steeped in tradition:
Al-Sultan Abdullah & Sultan Ahmad Shah on their Regalia
The King's Installation, however, which is also considered as a state affair (apart of its elaborate tradition & symbolism), was to take place on his 60th birthday - July 30, as planned. By then, Pahang would end its state mourning (June 30), but the royal family would have another month left to conclude it. Furthermore, the Sultanate had already to held a public holiday in celebration of the auspicious event (while its royal family is still observing mourning). As Sultan Abdullah (now the only legal occupant of Pahang's throne) couldn't avoid the responsibility upon his state & nation (which was always his late father's priority), he tried to preserve Ahmad Shah's legacy by focusing on the revival of the latter's installation details (in 1980) at his own one. His royal consort Tunku Azizah significantly helped him in the smooth organization of every detail. From the official attires & invitation designs to the reception menu were all implemented under the Queen Consort of Agong's
observation. Azizah's late father Sultan Iskandar also served as YDP Agong after Sultan Ahmad Shah (1984-1989). The new Agong Couple are the first in history to be both children of previous Kings.
Tengkolok DiRaja
Installation of YDP Agong VII Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (1980)
Installation of YDP Agong VIII, Sultan Iskandar of Johor (1984)
Yang di-Petuan Agong & Raja Permaisuri Agong' thrones
from Tuanku Ja'afar of Negeri Sembilan' gallery
Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI & Raja Permaisuri Agong
Sultan Abdullah wore the same Tengkolok (head-gear), as his late father & step-father. He also wanted to share the muscat (official YDP Agong's attire) wore by Sultan Ahmad Shah, but it was inappropriate due to the cize difference. He though received another one of the same fabric design. Finally Tunku Azizah wore a modern version of (ivory white) Baju Kurung attire, with a matching scraft, made up of fabrics from both Pahang & Johor Sultanates; and used parts from her mother's, Enche' Besar Khalsom Abdullah (1935-2018) jewellery selection. Their Majesties sat on the same thrones as their late parents at their installations in 1980 & 1984 (respectively) - that were specially brought to Istana Negara (the national palace) from the personal gallery of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1994-1999), Tuanku Ja'afar (Yang di-Pertuan Besar) of Negeri Sembilan (1922-2008).
"Down to the earth personality":
Sultan Abdullah (in mourning headcraft) posing by the side of
his newly officiated festive portrait as Yang di-Pertuan Agong
New official photographs of TM in their traditional attires were released well ahead the ceremony in middle July & separate interviews of both Abdullah & Azizah published by several media channels. It was the first time a Yang di-Pertuan Agong had accepted an extend interview by the media, featuring all nature of questions (even personal ones). He spoke about his unexpectedly quick rise from a heir to Sultan & King of Malaysia, also revealing his own thoughts concerns into the new role. Meanwhile, a handful of the King's former teachers & fellow students from the Malay schools he attended, shared their own experiences with him, citing on HM's decency & down to the earth character. A devote believer, but the same time grown up simply, without boundaries from the people, Sultan Abdullah (as well as his wife) became the Malaysia's Sovereign couple to share even through personal social media parts of their free time, family life, personal interests, passions & hobbies.
Sultan Abdullah & Tunku Azizah holding hands at Istana Negara
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong with his 'brotherly friend' the CP of Abu Dhabi
Breaking with the royal protocol:
The Installation day went ahead with all its meanings of national symbolism & long-time traditions implemented. Whatsoever, intense formalities were not able to avoid some protocol breakings with the King & Queen entering Istana Negara togetherholding hands (despite the Sovereign must enter first), & their nephew, Tunku Temenggong of Johor (representing the Sultan), didn't arrive in the order that was scheduled (from minor to most major officials). The entire ceremony was also somehow renovated, with The YDP Agong's address including a phrase in english, speaking to the foreign royals in attendance. Four Malay Sultans, three heirs and/or Regents, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (Sultan Abdullah's brotherly friend from the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy) & Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan were all present. In official moments every pomp & pageantry was preserved, while the traditional royal Nobal orchestra of Terengganu (Sultanate) performed pioneerly during the highlight moments.
Royal Nobat Orchestra of the Terengganu Sultanate
60th Birthday Surprise for the King on July 31' State Banquet
Official celebrations were concluded with a glittering state banquet on July 31, which was designated also as public holiday. At its end, the King received a surprise birthday cake for his past day's Jubilee.
FEAR OF GOD, RESPECT TO LEGACY & FATHER-ALIKE FIGURE:
"back to Normal":
Abdullah with his newborn grandson Tengku Zayn Edin Shah
Following all state accelerations for these Coronation (/Pertabalan) festivities, Pahang Royal family gradually returned to its normal ways of life. All of Sultan Abdullah's children & supossely siblings were present at the ceremony at National Palace's State Room (Kuala Lumpur), while another family joy came for Their Majesties, just a week before the Installation: the King's 'third grandson', first biological grandchild (named TengkuZayn Edin Shah), was born into the family of his eldest daughter (Tengku Iman Afzan) & his first cousin (Tengku Abu Bakar bin Tengku Ariff Temenggong Tengku Abdullah). His arrival somehow filled the loss of Sultan Ahmad Shah (who would have become a great-grandfather, should he have lived for two months more), whose 100-days of passing marked the formal end of mourning on August 29.
Pillar of national stability & cohesion:
Merdeka national Independence day' celebrations - 31 August
Two days later, Al-Sultan Abdullah presided over the national (Independence) day celebrations at Putrajaya, citing national unity on this ocassion of historic importance. The Royal family of Pahang, led by the Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim, led similar celebrations in the Sultanate (as well as all other Malay monarchies), representing their states in a harmonious diversity. Hassanal succeeded his grandfather as Cancellor of a Pahang's Islamic University which (brought the late Sultan's name &) was of high local significance a few days later.
Official Birthday honorary awards (on September 9)
Presiding over the Trooping the Colour' parade (September 12).
'Lucky King' :
An everyday, human moment of Sultan Abdullah
And thanks to Malaysia's tradition to celebrate the monarch's official birthday on a certain date (inherited by British collonialism), Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang had the priviledge to enjoy late Jubilee festivities on September 9 (an opportunity, lost by his predecessor, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, who turned 50 in October). His Majesty, now free of mourning & fully invested to the office he served for just seven months, took part in all festivities (comprised of birthday honours' awards to 795 individuals at Istana Negara, Royal tea party - all on September 9, and a Trooping the Colour military parade - on Sep. 12). The King received a lot of congratulatory messages with the streets of capital KL decorated in yellow (the official "royal colour" in Malaysia) and flags with national banners & royal standards displayed almost like on the Installation. Sultan Abdullah, apart from thanking for congratulations, urged once again (in a message, broadcasted on the eve of official birthday) to the people of Malaysia to put aside their differences & divisions in order to stay united & achieve common good, stressing out that what he has learned since his five-year-term started is that "every single Malaysian trully lover this blessed country". A patriotic, devoted & respectful motto he probably will try to define his reign with. At least with the "fear of God", "Respect of Legacy" & "Father-alike figure" that he inherited ...
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου