PAHANG's ROYAL TRANSITION - Abdullah succeeds Ahmad Shah

Sultans of modern Pahang

Last Tuesday the Malaysian state of Pahang swore in a new monarch! Tengku Abdullah, 59, succeeded his father, Sultan Ahmad Shah, 88, whose 44-year-reign was decided to be ended by the state's Royal Council, due to his failing health. Abdullah, who accepted this decision, becomes the sixth Sultan in Pahang's modern history, and the first in line of pretenders for the next King of Malaysia, due to be chosen on January 24. He was proclaimed on 15 January 2019 at Pahang's Abu Bakar Palace, in capital Pekan.

Sultan Ahmad Shah (on the wheelchair) & Sultanah Khalsom (left).

The Alleged Abdication: 

Pahang's Royal Council met Friday (11/01) in Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to discuss a serious matter in absolute secrecy. Tengku Abdullah, first in line to the throne of Pahang, and Regent for the last two years, chaired this meeting. It was held some days after the Sultanate's new state secretary, Salehuddin Ishak, was sworn in by the regent (on Jan. 7). The meeting took place in a hotel room and lasted for three and half hours. Before it was concluded, three time shoutings of: Daulat Tuanku! (usually performed during royal proclmations and installations) were heard. Abdullah's senior wife, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (who was also in attendance) appeared visibly moved (trying to weep away tears), and hugged her husbands relatives, who are members of the royal council. Finally, Tengku Abdullah his wife & family members posed for official photographs, and before his departure, thanked the media for waiting, but didn't made any comment.

The outcome of this meeting was announced Saturday (12/01) at 3pm by senior members of Pahang royalty, in a press Conference at Istana Abu Bakar. Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah Tengku Muda of Pahang (& Sultan's second son), announced the Royal Council's proposal to appoint the Tengku Mahkota (Heir to the throne) as the new Sultan, because their father's condition of health didn't allow him anymore to fulfill his obligations as a Ruler. He also said that at the meeting their discussed and agreed to approve an amendment to the Part 1 of Article 9 A, of Pahang's constitution, so to allow the Royal Council preside over such decisions ("ask(ing) the ruler to abdicate due to his grave illness"). The amendment was approved, and effective from January 11. Tengku Abdul Rahman concluded that Abdullah has accepted the responsibility, and will be sworn in on Tuesday, January 15 at the palace. He additionally expressed his confidence "that my brother will be an efficient, active and fair Sultan, no less than my father". So the Sultan's abdication was pending.

THE PROCLAMATION CEREMONY (as it happened):

Allahu Akbar & Daulat Tuanku (x3): 

The proclamation was widely solemn and ceremonial, stipped into the Sultanate's traditions. It begun at ~10:50am on Tuesday, with those, carrying the states regalia, entering the royal audience hall. The newly appointed Sultan (with his accession counting from the midnight) and his consort (the future Tengku Ampuan) entered the hall with their escortance at 11:00. They sat down on their thrones and the ceremony, attended by ~1,600 dignitaries and family members started. Tengku Abdu Rahman (the Tengku Muda) read the declaration, promulgating Tengku Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah as the 6th Sultan of (modern) Pahang. Then Abdullah read his short inaugural oath and immediately was proclaimed Sultan, with all the attendance (led by Tengku Muda) pledging their allegiance to the new ruler by shouting three times: the religious: Allahu Akbar! (God Is the Greatest!) and thence the royal: Daulat Tuanku! (~Long Live the King!). It was the first Sultan's proclamation in Pahang since 1974. Official Congratulation speeches followed. Tengku Abdul Rahman (58), represented Pahang's titled royalty and nobility in pledging his loyalty to his brother through his speech, while the state's Chief Minister (/Menteri Besar) Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail offered a similar speech on behalf of Sultanate's government and people. The event was concluded with Sultan Abdullah's accession speech, a prayer led by Maharaja Leila (a major local religious figure), and the state anthem played. The Sultan's full regnal name would be now: KDYMM Al-Sultan Abdullah Ria'yatuddin Al-Mustafa Shah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah al-Musta'in Billah.

Sultan Abdullah & Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah

"The Ruler and the People are Never apart" - PADUKA AYAHANDA's LEGACY: 

"Abdullah and his wife were overcomed by emotion when he appealed on the people to pray for his father and his late mother"

In his first speech as Sultan, Abdullah Al-Haj paid a heartfelt tribute to his father Paduka Ayahanda ("Sultan-Father") Sultan Ahmad Shah, who reigned over the state for almost 45 years. He characterized him as a fair, noble, and kind Ruler, well-loved and respected by the people. He said that Paduka Ayahanda's legacy is incomparable and "will be chiselled into history". Abdullah and his wife were overcomed by emotion when he appealed on the people to pray for his father and his late mother, Tengku Ampuan Afzan, whom he described as a "Queen and a jewel of my heart that once lost is difficult to replace". In addition the new Sultan thanked former Sultanah Khalsom (Ahmad Shah's second wife) and the rest of his siblings for loving and caring his father (also Malaysia's former 7th King), who was not present at the ceremony due to his serious illness. Sultan Abdullah also used the opportunity to call on the state leadership to serve the people with responsibility, trust and piety, and remind them that only a God-fearing leader will realise the accountability of his actions in the afterlife. He concluded with the personal plegde, that the motto which his predecessor's reign was based on: The Ruler and the People are Never apart" will continue under his own.

Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah

Tengku Mahkota:

Following the new Sultan's appointment there were questions about who will succeed him as Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince). The heir to the throne does not become immediately known on the Ruler's accession. He is usually appointed after the royal family approves him, while his official proclamation/installation as such can not take place even within few years (Abdullah himself was made Tengku Mahkota at the beginning of 1975, but had to wait until October 23, 1977, to be proclaimed). Though the most likely candidate to this position is Abdullah's elder son, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim (23), who was made Tengku Panglima Besar in June last year. Sultan Abdullah however said that he has to discuss this matter with his family, and while Hassanal is currently studying at the Sandhurst Military Academy (in UK), a relevant announcement will be made soon.

Coat of Arms of Pahang Darul Makmur.

No public holiday:

During Saturday's press conference Tengku Abdul Rahman was asked whether the state would take a public holiday in ocassion of the new Sultan's proclamation of Tuesday. He answered that a suggestion would go forward to the state secretary, and it's up to it to decide. Finally the state secretary Datuk Seri Dr. Sallehuddin Ishak announced in a short message that Pahang will not have a state holiday on Tuesday, with all bysinesses and public companies working as usual. Although it is not yet known whether Abdullah is going to have another, more ceremonious, public enthronement, it has been reported that an Installation (customary enthronement) of the new Sultan is expected within a year.

Pahang's flag

The New Sultan: 

Tengku Abdullah was born on 30 July, 1959, the fourth child and first son of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah al-Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'azzam Shah and his first wife, Almarhumah Tengku Ampuan Afzan binti Almarhum Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Muhammad. He has seven siblings. He was educated at a local school and continued in a UK' college. A graduate of the Sandhurst Military Academy, Abdullah became the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang in 1975, being officially proclaimed in 1977. He was appointed regent for the first time in 1979, when his father was elected Malaysia's 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and served in that position until 1984.

Abdullah & Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah in their youth

His Royal Highness married Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (b. 1960), the younger daughter of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor, on 6 March 1986. They had six children (among them twins), four sons (the first of whom died on his birth) and two daughters. Abdullah also has a second wife (m. 1991), former actress Cik Puan Julia Aishah binti Abdul Rais (b. 1971). She is not his official consort, though together they have three daughters (one of whom was recently married to his cousin). Additionally, he has an adopted son (Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim), who is not in line of succession.

Sultan Abdullah was referred by some as a kind and down-to-the-earth Ruler, close to his people, always concerned about their wellbeing, personally aiding them on natural disasters, and every time open to any dialogue, or opposite mind, placing himself "above politics". He is keen in his passion with sports too, holding honorary positions in Malaysian and Asian Hockey and Football Assossiations, and a member of the FIFA council, as well. Abdullah became once again regent in late December 2016, when the elderly Sultan Ahmad Shah decided to withdraw from most of his everyday official duties, due to his old age and declining health. At the time of his accession he was the third longest-"waiting" heir apparent in the world (after Charles, Prince of Wales in UK and Crown Prince Frederik in Denmark).

The Old Sultan: 

Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Muadzam Shah

Sultan Ahmad Shah was born on October 24, 1930. The third child and only son of Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'azzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdullah Al-Mu'tasim Billah Shah (r. 1932-1974) and his official wife Tengku Ampuan Besar Fatimah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Shah Kaddasullah (born into the Royal family of Perak) - Ahmad Shah was named Crown Prince in 1944, at the age of 14. He attended Malay school & College in Pekan and Perak states (respectively), and learned some Japanese when his formal education was temporary disrupted during WWII (& the Japanese occupation). From 1948 His Royal Highness pursued his higher education in public administration at England's universities (including Oxford), underwent a three-year practical training at the Sidmouth Urban District Council and served as Chief of Staff of Malaysian Federal Army's Infantry Battalion, at the age of 35. He succeeded his father as 5th Sultan of modern Pahang on May 8, 1974.

A rare photo of Sultan Ahmad Shah with his late first wife.

Ahmad Shah was elected the 7th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia in April 1979 (upon the sudden death of the previous King, Sultan Yahya Petra of Kelantan), and served a full five-year term until 1984. He married Tenku Hajah Afzan Tengku Muhammad on 22 April 1954, and had seven children (two sons and five daughters) with her. Afzan was proclaimed Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, and served as Ahmad's Raja Permaisuri Agong (Head of State's "Queen" Consort) during his five year term. She died of cancer in June 1988. Ahmad Shah married his second wife, Persian-Pakistani Anita Abdullah (b. 1951) on 14 March 1991, and named her Sultanah the next year. She took the Malay name Khalsom and gave birth to his youngest son, Tengku Fahd Mu'adzam Shah in 1994. The Sultan remained active until his middle 80s, relinquishing his active public life from 2017, when his age became felt. At the age of 88, and having reigned for nearly 45 years, he has been the oldest & longest-reigning living monarch in Malaysia, the longest-reigned Sultan of modern Pahang (& its second longest-reigned ruler), and the 7th oldest-living, 3rd oldest reigning & 7th longest-reigning (individual) monarch worldwide. For his nation's monarchy, Ahmad Shah was the last of the reigning generation, born until 1930.

Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah al-Musta'in Billah

Sultan Ahmad Shah was described as a "people's ruler" with down-to-the earth personality, often ignoring protocol to be with them (in difficult situations), and never avoiding to publicly speak out & express his opinion. However he has also been known as a headstrong personality, controversially dismissing his state's CHief Ministers over minor disagreements, and has reportedly had a rift with the long-term (& currently reelected) Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The former Ruler has had (like his son) hobbies in different sports, like football, hockey, polo & equestrian. He served as President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) between 1984 & 2014, and President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from 1994 to 2002. In addition he is the president of Asean Football Federation (since 2011) and constitutional head of the International Islamic University (IIUM) since 1983.

Sultan Ahmad Shah's Mosque, in Kuantan, Pahang.

Succession to Malaysian throne: ABDICATION OR DEPOSITION?

Abdullah's appointment on the throne of Pahang at this moment, solves the wide-discussed question about about the next Malaysian Federal King/Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Under the country's unique rotation system monarchs from its nine traditional muslim states exchange each other in Head of State's position (equal to a constitutional monarch), being elected by the Conference of Rulers according to the traditional order of seniority of the states. This order was formed during the first rotation of all the nine states, according to the length of each monarchs' reign, but is still in force now (during the second rotation), unless the Conference of Rulers decides not to follow it. Following the historical abdication of the most recent, 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan) on January 6, in the middle of his term, the conference is called to elect his successor within a month. According to the seniority order, the Sultan of Pahang was the next candidate to become King. However, Sultan Ahmad Shah's age and health condition wouldn't allow him to serve a second term (even though another Sultan, Abdul Halim of Kedah reached a unique record to complete a second full term as YDP Agong, shortly before dying in his late 80s). So it is likely that his abdication and Tengku Abdullah's quickly-drafted accession was planned as a last moment option, so to preserve the traditional line of rotation and pave the way to Pahang's Regent to be elected as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (as a legitimate Ruler) later this month. And while both Sultan Abdullah and the Royal Council of Pahang stated that the choice of next King is up to the Conference of Rulers (& beyond their powers), this succession and at that timing, solves every difficulty in choice and brings about the highest possibility for the new Sultan to be selected (on January 24) and sworn-in (January 31) as the nation's Head of State. Thus, Ahmad Shah's abdication (which he was aware of, but couldn't actively decide, or approve), can be seen rather as a deposition, especially applied in the last moment, as the final solution for the tradition's conservation.

Coat of Arms of Malaysia.

Video, featuring last Tuesday's accession:

Relative links of previous publications:
https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2019/01/breaking-sultan-muhammad-v-has.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR26i9sCl3o1L0b1LoPHKBT3SF5RQK_b8Ly7oFyhyHKRsTC49-X890ZUaLQ
https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2018/11/royal-wedding-in-pahang-malaysia.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR1fnXF8p-cdWYfChJlkZ1H6qqwy6Q8FSKG9BzFi_sYd-h9l5xZl_wTd9NE
https://royaleventsintheword.blogspot.com/2018/10/malay-royal-history-is-repeated.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR3dOIB6WII2zp6yyH938gHishiQHKHS_qn-upnLxS8MRjW9i9D3dQDZZnE

& further links of Information:
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/01/12/shouts-of-daulat-tuanku-as-pahang-royal-council-meets-for-3-hours/
http://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=1684144
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/sultan-abdullah-to-ascend-throne-as-sixth-sultan-of-pahang-in-traditional-ceremony
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/16/rulers-heartfelt-tribute-pahang-sultan-paduka-ayahandas-legacy-is-without-comparison/?fbclid=IwAR2GxtLpxHNcJicbx4VDLp2Em8xMg-s5Sg2wCllKdCGFgvN5rMwVnTq4l18
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/450762/all-hands-god-says-sultan-pahang-appointment-new-king
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/14/a-sultan-who-is-known-for-his-kindness-and-closeness/?fbclid=IwAR0jFoeCVOMYsNkWzSv9rL_K9T2uNcfjtKFMTaSctA5Txv5tCsGzJM--nvQ
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/12/sultan-ahmad-shah-was-pahang-ruler-for-almost-45-years/
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/449813/netizens-welcome-new-sultan-pahang
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/long-live-the-king-pahang-regent-accepts-congrats-after-meeting-seen-as-paving-way-to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMABPEaVNKg (full video of the press conference - 12/1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCzadwjzxzw&t=93s (full streaming of the proclamation - 15/1)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_of_Pahang
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_Shah_of_Pahang
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_of_Pahang
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conference_of_Rulers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_di-Pertuan_Agong#Order_of_seniority_of_states.