Late Kedah Sultan's Granddaughter Shares A Moving Tribute To Her Beloved "Tok"
A heartfelt message to the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.
By Tang Ruxyn — 12 Sep 2017, 12:34 PM
Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah passed away yesterday, 11 September
According to media reports, he passed away at about 2.30pm at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Setar, Kedah. He was 89.
Tuanku Abdul Halim first served as Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1970 to 1975.
The late Sultan went on to make history when he became Agong for the second time in 2012 until his reign ended in December 2016, as he was replaced by Kelantan's Sultan Muhammad V.
As the nation mourns the loss of a respected leader, Tuanku Abdul Halim's family members are mourning the loss of a loved one.
His granddaughter, Raja Sarina Iskandar, has shared a moving tribute following his passing.
Raja Sarina Iskandar shared a heartfelt eulogy for her beloved grandfather yesterday, published on her own Instagram account.
The post began, "Dearest Tok, today and forever, Kedah and Malaysia have lost one of their greatest kings. Your dedication to Kedah and Malaysia has inspired me growing up."
She remembered the time when she moved in with her "Tok" at Istana Negara when he served as Agong for the second time at the age of 83.
"It was then that I saw for the first time the behind the scenes of your life."
She recalled witnessing her Tok's devotion and commitment in performing his obligations despite his old age and health concerns
"I saw you skip your meals to practise your speeches or to be in the office. Which 80-something man would do that? Most of us dream of retiring at 50 if we can!"
"But you never could even if you wanted to. And there were times, more often than people knew, when you were ill but still continued with your Agong and Sultan duties," she wrote.
Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (right) with Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at the 242nd Meeting of the Conference of Rulers last October.
Image via Bernama via The Sun DailyShe spoke about the times when Tuanku Abdul Halim was unwell but he would make it a point to attend official functions, even if it meant that he needed to leave the hospital ward.
"When you would leave the ward, I would watch you on TV looking normal as you greet the the PM, government ministers and the rakyat."
"But as soon as the event was over, you would return to the hospital ward with tubes connected to your body. Even on your sickest day, you would be on time. You would never make anyone wait."
"This is the side of a king no one knows."
She pointed out that her late grandfather does not "simply sit on a throne and enjoy his riches", contrary to what many may think.
Raja Sarina also talked about sacrifices the late Tuanku Abdul Halim made. He did not have privacy, a normal schedule, or a normal life because of his status. Despite all these, the late Sultan of Kedah ensured that he tried his best.
"People are unforgiving when leaders make mistakes and my Tok always made sure he did the very best. When I told him this blog or that person insulted him, he was never angry. He was calm and would simply say: 'I did my best.'"
"You did the very best and more your whole life, Tok. The reason I know how to be a good princess is because you taught me how. I love you so much Tok; you're forever my Sultan. Al-Fatihah."