KUCHING: The ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, spanning a distance of 2,154km to connect Sabah and Sarawak from Sept 3 to 13, has strongly promoted leadership centered around the idea of national unity.
rankie D’Cruz, a columnist for FMT, observed that throughout the excursion, Their Majesties made the Borneo states feel as one with their counterparts in West Malaysia. People from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, age, or belief, were united under the same common denominator: the King and Queen.
During the journey, Sultan Abdullah collected a substantial list of grievances and needs from the people, which he intends to deliver to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The immense crowds lining the route to meet the King and Queen were so extensive that it took Sultan Abdullah, who drove a four-wheel drive with Tunku Azizah beside him, five hours to cover 27km.
Frankie noted that the royal couple presented a vision for a united and progressive future, despite the brewing political and economic crises gripping the nation. However, he also highlighted that the sentiment for unity is often lacking among politicians.
To embrace progress, elected representatives should heed Sultan Abdullah’s call to engage with the people and listen to their needs.
The royal couple’s journey along the Pan Borneo Highway, enduring the scorching sun and heavy rain, demonstrated the significance of the monarchy by integrating it into the lives of their subjects with a humble and accessible approach. Never before had a reigning monarch and their family undertaken a road tour to engage closely with the people of East Malaysia.
Many people waited for hours by the roadside, some dressed in traditional attire representing various ethnic groups, while others sought the opportunity to take photographs with the royals or receive an autograph or handshake.
In between breaks from their expedition, the royal couple sang, danced, and participated in traditional games, spreading laughter with their humour and wit.
When watching the numerous videos of their journey, Frankie noted that one could sense the immense respect and affection everyone held for the King and Queen, who had won hearts with their humility, care, and appreciation.
The tour, initiated by Sultan Abdullah, aimed to emphasise the Malaysian identity within all of us. Frankie commented that it is hard to think of any other public figure who could evoke such a sense of togetherness in recent times.
He said Sabahans and Sarawakians demonstrated to the world just how much the monarchy means to them, perhaps even surprising themselves in the process.
