‘Father taught us to be humble’

KUALA LUMPUR: “Be like the padi; the heavier it grows the lower it bows, and don’t forget yourself.” This was among the messages instilled in acting Sultan of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, who is now shouldering the duty of looking after the third-biggest state in Malaysia.

The message was given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah when handing over the state’s royal duties to Tengku Hassanal in January.

Sharing his story, Tengku Hassanal said his father and mother, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, also emphasised the importance of religious education in instilling humility among their children.

“My father and mother often remind us to always be courteous with the people regardless of where they come from.

“We must behave as such because we are all God’s creations,’’ he said at an interview with Bernama and Kosmo! in conjunction with the installation of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Also present were Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, Tengku Puteri Ilisha Ameera as well as Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah.

Tengku Hassanal said he and his siblings were all taught to be independent and were sent to study abroad.

“When my siblings and I returned to Malaysia, we always accompanied our father to official functions and village visits.

“My father sent us to England not to show that we have advantages over others in the country, but to make us humble.

“Our experience in the United Kingdom also taught us to be independent,’’ he added.

He also recalled seeing his parents cry when he was sent to study alone abroad at a young age.

Because he did not want people to know he was a prince, Tengku Hassanal said he only used the name “Shah” while attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

However, his status was made public after others did an online search about him.

Of his time at the academy, he said the discipline and rigorous military training helped to mould his character.

When asked who was fiercer, his father or mother, Tengku Hassanal laughed and said his mother Tunku Azizah was fiercer and often stressed on appearance.

“Father does not like to be fierce; he would rather be indulgent to his children. It is Mother who is fierce with us.

“Like this handkerchief (showing a handkerchief in his pocket). My mother always scolds me for not bringing along a handkerchief and always reminds me to have one on hand when going out,’’ he said. — Bernama

Source: TheStar