Compassionate, peace-loving Queen

THROUGHOUT Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong has stood as a pillar of strength beside her husband.

Although the Raja Permaisuri Agong position is not specifically designated in the Federal Constitution, the Queen still comes after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the order of precedence.

Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has served in the role since Sultan Abdullah was proclaimed Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2019. It was just two days after Her Majesty’s own proclamation as Tengku Ampuan Pahang.

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah being greeted by hundreds of people upon arrival at the Sabah Forestry Institute in Telupid (above) and by teachers and students in Tawau (below). — Bernama

Her Majesty was born at Istana Bukit Stulang, Johor Baru to Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Almarhumah Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah.

Tunku Azizah is the sister of Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who will be the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

For the past five years of Sultan Abdullah’s reign, Tunku Azizah had brought her passions to the national as well as international stages.

Close to Her Majesty’s heart is Malaysian heritage as well as arts and craft, which Tunku Azizah had successfully promoted for two consecutive years at the London Craft Week.

In 2022, Tunku Azizah took Tenun Pahang Diraja to the exhibition while in 2023, she shared craftwork such as Songket Terengganu, weaving products by the Semelai people of Pahang (Anyaman Pandakan), Mah Meri weaving heritage (Anyaman Pandan) and ancestors sculptures from Selangor.

Tunku Azizah’s compassion for the people could also be seen by Her Majesty’s willingness to adopt a girl suffering from congenital generalised hypertrichosis syndrome, which causes excessive facial and upper body hair.

Tunku Azizah speaking during a press conference at Istana Negara to announce details of the Malaysia Heritage Crafts exhibition organised as part of London Craft Week. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star

Two-year-old Missclyen Roland had caught the attention of Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah when the royal couple was on their Kembara Kenali Borneo tour through Sabah and Sarawak.

In a letter delivered to the girl’s mother later, Tunku Azizah expressed her wish to be Missclyen’s benefactor for her education and treatment.

Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah were greeted by students from Tadika Kemas and Perpaduan Tawau when they arrived at the Tawau Airport. — Bernama

On the Gaza-Israel conflict, Tunku Azizah called on global leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire and permanently open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

Her Majesty said she was saying that not only as a Queen but as a mother, she was worried for the Gazan people, the safety of the children and for humanity.

Exemplifying the “Ruler and the people are inseparable” motto, Tunku Azizah always had a compassionate personality befitting a Queen of the people.