PUTRAJAYA: While many parts of the world are gripped by armed conflict and war, Malaysians are fortunate to enjoy peace and stability, said Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
In a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page today, Her Majesty urged Malaysians to be grateful for this blessing and not take national harmony for granted.
She noted that although the country is free from bombs and bloodshed, some individuals still choose to stoke racial tensions that risk fracturing the unity between the nation’s different ethnicities.
“May Allah SWT continue to protect our nation, grant us peace, and strengthen the bond of love and compassion among Malaysians.”
She shared a personal note she had penned in 2018, expressing gratitude for four Indian men who had cared for her family, especially during a time of grief.
Her Majesty recounted the loss of her son, Tunku Laksamana Johor Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim, who died on Dec 5, describing it as a time of immense sorrow for the family.
The pain, she said, was compounded by growing racial misunderstandings in the country at the time.
Reflecting on these tensions, Her Majesty highlighted the Indian friends and staff who had been a constant part of her family’s life.
Among them were Datuk Subramanyam Balan and Datuk Singaraveloo, the doctors who had cared for her family, and were also central in treating Tunku Abdul Jalil during his battle with cancer.
“For years, whenever my husband or children fell ill in the middle of the night, it was one of these two doctors who would rush over to treat us.
“They never minded how often or what time it was — whether just before midnight or at 3am, they would still come to our home.
“When Jalil was diagnosed with liver cancer, both he and our family felt great comfort in the care of these two doctors.
“They had treated him since he was a child, and their familiar faces were ones he and we trusted deeply during his illness. When Jalil took his final breath, it was Datuk Balan who noted the time and confirmed his passing.”
Another person Her Majesty wrote about was Mohan, who taught all of her children how to swim.
“When our eldest son, the Tunku Mahkota Johor, was just one year old, it was Mohan who looked after him while my husband was water skiing in Stulang Laut.
“Whenever they wanted to swim, he would watch over them and stay in the water with them for hours.
“Mohan was their swimming coach, playmate, and caregiver.
“When my children were young and my husband had to be away for work, I would ask Mohan to stay at our home, as I was uneasy being alone with just the children and the maids.
“Mohan would stay up all night, not sleeping until the rest of the staff arrived in the morning. I placed my full trust in him to care for my family.”
Raja Zarith Sofiah also spoke about His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim’s aide-de-camp, Datuk Sugumaran, who displayed deep loyalty and kindness to her husband.
“He was always honest and sincere — even though he was occasionally scolded by my husband (which happened quite often!).
“During a holiday in England in 2009, Datuk Sugumaran became a companion to my youngest child, helping him pick apples from the trees and feed the ducks in the garden.
“These men were part of our everyday lives,” Her Majesty said.
“My husband and I have many friends from various ethnic backgrounds.
“However, in light of the recent tensions, I felt compelled to write this short note to express how deeply our family values the service, friendship, and loyalty of these four individuals. Our heartfelt thanks go to each of them.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
