A SON’S love for his parents transcends boundaries.
TAT Alliance Services Sdn Bhd chairman Tengku Fahd Mua’adzam Shah could not be physically present for his father’s birthday as he was busy with his course work at Princeton University in the United States.
The dutiful son however did not let that stop him from making “behind the scene” preparations to celebrate his father’s birthday.
Tengku Fahd took to social media to plan the birthday bash for his beloved father, Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah.
The prince also had a hand in preparing a birthday gift – an electric car – which can accommodate two people.
The custom-made car, bearing the number plate SAS 2015, was unveiled by the state ruler, accompanied by his consort Sultanah Kalsom, during a glittering birthday dinner at a leading hotel here to mark his 85th birthday this year.
The special registration number is an acronym for Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Among the notable guests invited to share in the joyous occasion were ambassadors from Palestine, Iran, Nepal, Kuwait, Japan, Sri Lanka, Canada, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Cambodia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Indonesia and Kazakhstan.
Other dignitaries who attended includes social activist and member of the Board of Trustees for 1Malaysia Foundation Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and his wife Puan Sri Faridah Begum, Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, Customs director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad, Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad and Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Sharifuddin Abdul Ghani.
TAT Alliance vice-chairman Datuk Seri Johny Ch’ng Ewe Gee said Tengku Fahd was the main person responsible for the preparations, sharing his ideas on how to make the party “lively and memorable” for Sultan Ahmad Shah.
“As he was unable to join the bash, he reminded me to extend a birthday wish to his Papa.
“Such was the filial affection of this prince who said he hopes that his father will be blessed with good health and longevity,” he said after the event.
Ch’ng said many SAS Privilege Club members were among the 550 people present, seizing the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the “birthday boy”.
He said some even managed to take selfies and group photos with the state ruler.
“This is a rare chance as Sultan Ahmad Shah sets aside all protocol to be with the people.
“So far, TAT Alliance has raised RM1.5mil to carry out activities to help the needy and less fortunate,” he said, adding that Sultan Ahmad Shah would always look out for the welfare of all his subjects.
Ch’ng said all club members were proud owners of the SAS series, originally reserved for vehicles registered in Sabah.
He said due to a special request from Tengku Fahd in conjunction with Sultan Ahmad Shah’s 40th anniversary on the throne last year, JPJ had agreed to release the special series to the company.
“Besides getting special club privileges, all members must pledge not to misuse the number and safeguard the good name of the state ruler.
“Part of the proceeds from sales of the special number plates will go to the building fund for the construction of the proposed Wisma MCPF Pahang,” said Ch’ng, who is also the state Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation chairman.
Among the highlights of the programme are a cultural dance from SJK(C) Pei Chai, performances by guests artistes from Indonesia and Thailand, and a recitation of a poem Sembah Setia Patik Jelata, Junjung Kasih Tuanku di Takhta by school teacher and poet Teo Wei Sing.
Sultanah Kalsom also presented entrepreneur awards to eight outstanding SAS members at the event.