The only king to witness 2 different economic eras
KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ruled as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over two different economic eras after Merdeka.
He was the oldest among the Malay rulers to be elected as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He was also the only ruler who had the privilege to witness two different economic eras under the administration of Malaysia’s second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak, and his son, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
When he was elected the first time in 1970, the country was placed under the administration of the National Operations Council, which resulted in the creation of several important policies, including the New Economic Policy, which aimed to eradicate poverty and restructure society.
During his second tenure, he had the chance to see the country moving towards achieving the Vision 2020 under Najib’s helm.
He was also among the youngest rulers to hold the position when he was appointed as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the age of 43.
During his installation as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2011, Sultan Abdul Halim recalled the May 13, 1969 incident, which occurred just months before he ascended the throne as the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1970.
“It was a bitter incident and it should not be allowed to recur.”
He also advised the people to strengthen the unity, adding that it could be done by putting the nation’s interest first.