'Al-Sultan Abdullah read every line of the Cabinet paper'

SHAH ALAM - Meticulous, friendly, and people-oriented are among the qualities that can describe the personality of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who was appointed as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 24, 2019.

The personality of the royal prince of Pahang, who is very active in sports, especially in polo, was shared by former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in an exclusive interview with Sinar recently.

Ismail Sabri said the meticulous nature of Al-Sultan Abdullah could be seen when he reads every line of the Cabinet papers presented before Cabinet meetings.

Ismail Sabri.

"His Majesty is very meticulous. If he wants me to clarify something in the Cabinet papers, he specifies the page. Some may think Al-Sultan Abdullah doesn't read (the Cabinet papers) since he doesn't attend meetings.

“However, that assumption is incorrect. His Majesty precisely identifies the page (related to the matter). This highlights Al-Sultan Abdullah's meticulous nature. So as the Queen, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (who is equally thorough)," he said.

Touching on Al-Sultan Abdullah's friendly and people-oriented nature, Ismail Sabri said that his big personality is well-known to many.

Ismail Sabri, who was sworn in as Prime Minister on August 21, 2021, during the challenging period of the Covid-19 crisis and unresolved political issues also shared how Al-Sultan Abdullah was concern for the people.

Leading the country under such circumstances was acknowledged by Ismail Sabri as a tough responsibility, and he mentioned that Al-Sultan Abdullah's empathy touched his heart, providing support in managing the country during those challenging times.

"Although constitutionally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not involved in matters involving politics and state administration, but he deeply cares about the things that happen.

"So, we still provide information and ask for his views," he added.