A day that they will cherish
Kelantan folk swell with pride at Sultan Muhammad V’s installation
KOTA BARU: Kelantanese watched with pride as Sultan Muhammad V was installed as the country’s 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Construction worker Mohd Nawi Wan Sulaiman said he, his wife and their family of 12 children were proud of their Sultan as they watched the installation ceremony on television at their home in Pasir Mas.
“It was a historic moment and we were witnessing it,” said the 62-year-old.
He said it was the second time he has witnessed a Sultan of Kelantan being installed as the King.
The first was in 1975, when Sultan Yahya Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim became the sixth Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Mohd Nawi is pleased to say that he has met Sultan Muhammad V “one time after prayers at a mosque”.
“Tuanku used to drive to the mosque on his own without body- guards and without protocol. The people are free to greet and shake hands with Tuanku.
“Tuanku has even given a sermon there. I am looking forward to hearing more sermons by him,” he said.
Mohd Nawi said it meant a lot to the people to have the Sultan mingle with them.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said Kelantanese were proud to see Sultan Muhammad V installed as the Agong.
“It is a known fact that Tuanku puts religion above all else.
“When Tuanku was installed as Sultan, he opened the palace doors to let the people in, to listen to religious talks and perform Terawih prayers during the month of Ramadan,” he said in a statement.
Senior citizen Soh Chai Sin said Sultan Muhammad V was friendly and humble, and this was “why the people love him”.
“We are proud to see our Sultan installed as Agong,” said the 74-yearold from Tumpat.
Soh said that although she has been to the istana, she has yet to meet the Agong.
“But from his appearance, we can see that he is good, kind and friendly,” she said.