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The King and I the rakyat

How well does the rakyat connect with and know the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong?

For long, there has been much ignorance with the general perception that the King is just a figurehead.

Today, however, there is realisation by the people that while the King’s role may seem insignificant in times of political stability, he carries the burden of a nation on his shoulders.

The magnitude of the importance of the King surfaced after GE14 in May 2018.

It’s even more relevant now with the country in political turmoil like never before since independence.

While the politicians may already be well aware of it, the rakyat should also now realise that the King has a huge responsibility as the sovereign of the nation.

There were those who had a different view of the royal institution some 22 months ago, so much that some spewed unflattering words and even questioned the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

When Pakatan Harapan came to power in May 2018, the anticipation of a ‘New Malaysia’ and the euphoria that followed made some impatient when they saw televised images of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other Pakatan Harapan leaders waiting for hours for the swearing-in by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

“Why are we making an old man wait so long,” were among the disgruntled comments, sympathetic towards the then 93-year-old Dr Mahathir who had already endured a long night the day before.

There were accusations of an attempt to withhold the handover of power, some implicating Sultan Muhammad V.

It became so bad that anger started to cloud the initial joy of victory. Unkind words were uttered about the royalty then, including they were just figureheads.

The royal institution took a beating like never before.

The next day, Istana Negara issued a statement denying the ceremony was deliberately delayed, stressing the then Agong “had carried out his duties and functions in accordance with the federal constitution”.

Ultimately, Dr Mahathir was sworn in. This was the first time such a thing had happened and it was only right that the palace took time to ensure it was done correctly.

Fast forward to today, the spotlight is once again on Istana Negara.

Politicians from all divides – either chauffeured in Vellfires or in a Perodua Bezza – have been making their way to the palace to meet Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah since Sunday.

Tun Daim Zainuddin also met Al-Sultan Abdullah on Saturday but it is unclear what was discussed.

Immediately after accepting Dr Mahathir’s resignation on Monday, Al-Sultan Abdullah asked the 94-year-old to be the interim Prime Minister.

And the Agong went on to do the unprecedented by interviewing all 222 Members of Parliament – a three-day process that started yesterday at the Seri Bendahara Room.

While many have dubbed Dr Mahathir as “legendary kingmaker” who could very well be sworn in as prime minister a third time, Al-Sultan Abdullah has lived up to being the people’s king.

Those around him say he has been “fair, calm and collected” with one even admitting Al-Sultan Abdullah has been extremely professional while speaking to the MPs and handling the situation.

In short, he is on the ball.

Al-Sultan Abdullah – having spent years serving football and hockey in various capacities – is known for his diplomacy and good public relations with those from all walks.

And this was reflected with simple gestures – from ensuring he meets all the MPs to providing food to members of the Press.

The staff at Istana Negara have been putting in the extra hours but they are not complaining as they enjoy the front row seats to this historic performance.

Individuals have been lining up to be in Al-Sultan Abdullah’s good books, with some even taking advantage of his generous and down-to-earth character.

This was even seen in the sporting circles with certain quarters dropping names and sharing pictures of them seated next to the King.

If there was a silver lining from this political drama, it would be that Malaysians have been reminded to understand and appreciate the role and importance of the Agong.