SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — The Royal newlyweds’ meet-and-greet with the people went swimmingly last night, and showcased the tight bond between palace and people when the couple celebrated with attendees during the event.
Visitor Susitara, 21, said the event presented a special opportunity for people from all walks of life to meet the Royal couple and share memories.
“I was excited about this programme with the Royal couple. The atmosphere is friendly; it’s not always you get a chance like this. Events like this bring people and royalty closer,” she told Media Selangor.
For Mohamad Nazrin Hadian, 34, this experience was meaningful as not just anyone could watch the Royal wedding.
“This programme is a good platform to bring the Royal family and the people closer, and highlight Malaysia’s uniqueness to tourists,” he said.
Attendee Mohd Fairuz Jamahari, 46, said he is proud to be part of this historic event as a Selangor resident.
“I have been waiting for this Royal wedding, and am proud to be Selangorean. I hope His Highness Raja Muda Selangor and his spouse continue to visit the people in every district,” he added.
For his wife, Haslinda Hassim, 35, the event was an opportunity for her to teach their children about history and the Royal institution’s role in state governance.
“This was a chance for us to expose our kids to royalty. As Selangoreans, we must know and respect the Royal institution,” she said.
Kuang state constituency Wanita Berdaya Centre supervisor Norlia Ariffin said the event was meaningful as it gave people the opportunity to celebrate a Royal occasion.
“This programme is good for the people. This is the first time we’ve been able to gather with the Royal couple, and the atmosphere is really lively and joyful,” she said.
Norlia also hopes more Royal events are held to bring the people and royalty closer.
“There must be more programmes like this so the people are closer to the royalty. The sports fest would also bring back childhood memories and it is nostalgic to play traditional games again,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sharif Ahmad, a subdistrict head in Kuala Langat, said the mini sports fest is the best medium to introduce traditional games to the younger generation.
“Many interesting activities can repopularise traditional games that they may not have seen before,” he said.
He added that participation in such sports events isn’t just for victory, but to foster harmony among the people.
“It’s not to win, but to bring people closer and enjoy leisure time together. At the same time, we celebrate the Royal couple with respect,” Sharif said.
Attendee Vijay Kondiah said the event was special as it was his first time meeting the Royal couple in a laidback, friendly atmosphere.
“I’m proud to have joined this event. It isn’t just fun, but also strengthens unity among people of various races with the royalty,” he added.
The event also drew foreigners interested in learning more about Malaysian and Selangor traditions and customs.
Business administration student from Romania, Vlad Mihai, 23, said he was excited to learn about Malaysia’s diverse cultures, and called this event the best experience he’s had since coming here.
“This has been the most fun experience because I came in a baju Melayu. The food is also good; there were many choices, most of them spicy and synonymous with Malaysia,” he said.
Fellow Romanian, international business major Cimbru Cosmin-Andrei, 23, said she chose to wear traditional Malay attire as a sign of respect for local culture.
“I wanted to feel the true experience of being in another country and respecting the official events here by wearing Malay attire. Everyone has been so friendly and it has been a valuable experience for me,” she said.
Business and economy major from Germany, Leonie Trendle, 23, said this programme is special as it allowed him a glimpse into the unique local culture.
“In Germany, we don’t have events like this. I was impressed at how everyone, no matter race or religion, could gather and celebrate something with respect and joy. It was a truly meaningful experience,” he added.
The Royal couple’s meet-and-greet with the people was held amid a mini sports fest that featured traditional games. It not only brought heritage to life, but brought everyone closer.
It showed that unity and care are ever-present among Malaysians of various races.
Thousands of attendees thronged Dataran Kemerdekaan here last night for the event, held to celebrate the Royal wedding between Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz.
The evening leg of the custom-rich event kicked off with the arrival of the Royal couple in a Rolls-Royce driven by Tengku Amir Shah.
Their Highnesses then greeted attendees before visiting the field to mingle with the people.
The Royal couple was wedded on October 2 by Selangor Mufti Dato’ Anhar Opir, witnessed by Tengkku Panglima Raja of Selangor Tengku Ahmad Shah Alhaj and Tengku Indera Pahlawan Tengku Datuk Setia Putra Alhaj.
