Agong visits mural, three painters in Shah Alam

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consented to visit Taman Cahaya Alam, Section U12, here, today to see for himself the giant mural painting of His Majesty's portrait painted by three buddies, on the wall of a building.

Also accompanying His Majesty were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and their children Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah and Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah.

The arrival of Their Majesties and their children at around 3 pm was greeted by the painters of the giant mural, namely, Muhammad Suhaimi Ali, 27, Abdul Hadi Ramli, 27, and Muhamad Firdaus Nordin, 26.

Arriving at the location of the giant mural, Al-Sultan Abdullah, who has the soul of the people, had time to say hello to the local community and they appeared very excited when greeted by His Majesty.

The Comptroller of the Royal Household for Istana Negara, Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, in a statement today, said that the visit of Al-Sultan Abdullah to witness the giant mural was an initiative of His Majesty himself who is very concerned about youth.

"It also reflects the distinguished personality of His Majesty in engaging the three artists of the giant mural in honour of their noble efforts and artistic achievements through their own sweat that have received warm response and viraled on social media," he said.

Ahmad Fadil said, during the visit, which lasted almost an hour and 30 minutes, His Majesty also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the three painters of the giant mural on the way they expressed their respect for the leaders who have done a lot for the country.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed the hope that the efforts of the three painters will be used as an example, source of inspiration and guide to the youth to better appreciate the leaders and the country and to use the time available in the best possible manner," he said.

At the visit session, His Majesty handed over letters of appreciation and souvenirs to the three painters.

Before returning home, Al-Sultan Abdullah and his family also enjoyed a meal with the three artists.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Suhaimi, when met, said that he did not expect the giant mural to attract the attention of Al-Sultan Abdullah until His Majesty consented to witness for himself the work of Abdul Hadi, Muhamad Firdaus and himself.

"I was shocked and excited. It has become the sweetest memory and the best achievement for me because the most prominent people in the country were willing to come to see it. I am fortunate because not all artists can obtain this sort of experience

"My purpose in painting (the giant mural) is actually to dedicate my appreciation to the country's leaders who have sacrificed a lot of time and energy in ensuring that Malaysia is free from the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic," he said.

In addition to portraits of Al-Sultan Abdullah, Muhammad Suhaimi, Abdul Hadi and Muhamad Firdaus also dedicated portraits of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Minister (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri on the wall of the building.

-- BERNAMA