KOTA KINABALU: It was decreed, that the entourage of the "Kembara Kenali Borneo" needed to get themselves ready comprehensively for the historic 10-day mission.
From Sept 3, they were to prepare for everything from logistics to eventualities in the 2,154 kilometre epic road journey across the Malaysian part of Borneo that started in Tawau, Sabah.
This included learning, unique Borneo-related input such as the intricate dance steps of the "sumazau", "magunatip" and the "ngajat", lyrics to "Bekikis Bulu Betis", "Sumandak Sabah" and hit targets with the "sumpitan", among others.
Also, they were to know what certain words such as "limpas", "kamek' and "aok" means (probably not Gong, Gong, Gong) as well as be gastronomically ready for the likes of unique fruits such as "tarap", "bambangan", delicacies like "umai", "bosou", "dabai" and "butod" (ulat mulong) and even the colourful array of "kek lapis", to name a few.
The royal tour, which ends in Telok Melano, Sarawak today, took the entourage through world renowned locations along the Pan Borneo Highway, such as the Malaysia World Heritage Sites of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang and Miri.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, have been moved by the amazing reception received throughout their entire journey.
It was a journey of humility, compassion, and appreciation, one that was filled with tears, laughter, some concerns and affirmation that everybody was as Malaysian as they can be, amidst all the diversities.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who was the accompanying minister in the 985 km leg in Sabah, said the tour gave the King and Queen the opportunity to meet the rakyat up close.
"At the same time, it also gave the rakyat a chance of a lifetime to meet the royal couple in person. In short, the tour is simply a nod to the phrase 'Raja dan rakyat, berpisah tiada'," said Shahelmey, who is also the Works minister.
The journey also took the entourage through Brunei where relations were renewed with our Bornean neighbour and the couple got to drive across the longest bridge in Southeast Asia, the 30km long Temburong Bridge.
Indonesia too shares a part of the island with five provinces under Kalimantan, one of which will be where Nusantara, in Kalimantan Timur, will be declared the new capital in August next year.
With big things happening in Borneo, the tour was timely for the royal couple and their children, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah 'Athiyatullah, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Ilisha Ameera dan Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Ilyana.
Sarawak deputy minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala described the tour as an eye opener to all, especially the King and Queen.
"This historic tour must have been a real eye opener for their Majesties. They can see and feel the love and warmth of the people for them. From the huge turnout of members of the public from all walks of life at every location where they visited, I can say that they have captured the hearts of and endeared themselves to the people.
"The way they interact and connect with the people will leave a very lasting impression," he said.
"It has given impetus to our Malaysian spirit. We are as Malaysian as our brothers and sisters in Peninsular Malaysia and not just appendages to Malaysia as is felt sometimes," Gerawat added.
He said the royal tour has set a precedent for national leaders to reach out to the people and try to understand them, appreciate the diversities, learn from the different communities and find out of the challenges they face.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior lecturer, Tony Paridi Bagang, said the journey showed the people of Sabah and Sarawak hold deep affection for the King as the symbolic head of the nation, showcasing their loyalty.
"This also highlights the royal institution's inclusive care and affection for all citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds.This historic tour marked a significant moment in our beloved country, as it was the first time a reigning monarch, along with the Queen and their family, embarked on a road tour to engage closely with the people of East Malaysia.
"This initiative could serve as an inspiring example and become a regular occurrence, offering the people of East Malaysia valuable opportunities to connect with and develop a stronger bond with the King and the royal institution," Tony added.
Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the tour reflects the desire to be a united nation.
"His Majesty and his family embraced the commonality that all Malaysians have, that is respect and mutual understanding that leads to unity," he said.
Since ascending the throne, the King has had trials and tribulations, including the nation's political challenges that came from all angles and the near two-year global Covid-19 pandemic.
But he kept his heart with the people and the tour which he personally charted was to share the experience with his family and the rest of the nation.
Quoting his own words during the tour, specially held to mark Merdeka Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16; "I met them, and shook their hands, regardless of their background because to me, we are all the same, we are Malaysian citizens."
Daulat Tuanku.
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