KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28): The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on Wednesday graced a high tea organised by The Edge Media Group to celebrate the silver jubilee of His Royal Highness' reign, as well as to launch a commemorative magazine published by The Edge Malaysia at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

In attendance were the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah.

More than 200 guests were present, comprising federal and state government officials, and prominent corporate figures.

Among them were Sunway founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) CEO Datuk Ng Wei Wei, HSBC Bank Malaysia CEO Datuk Omar Siddiq, Asean Business Advisory Council chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Royal Selangor International chairman Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, Sime Darby Property Bhd group managing director and CEO Datuk Seri Azmir Merican and Westports Holdings Bhd executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam.

Also in attendance were Selangor executive council members Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (Islamic Affairs and Cultural Innovation), Jamaliah Jamaluddin (Public Health and Environment) and Ng Sze Han (Investment, Trade and Mobility), as well as former Selangor menteri besar and Bersatu secretary general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

At the event, The Edge Media Group chairman Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong and The Edge Media Group publisher and group CEO Datuk Ho Kay Tat presented to Sultan Sharafuddin the magazine published to commemorate His Royal Highness' silver jubilee.    

Sultan Sharafuddin was proclaimed sultan of Selangor on Nov 22, 2001, and his coronation took place on March 8, 2003.

In his welcome address, Tong highlighted Sultan Sharafuddin’s practical approach to governance, deep concern for the welfare of the people and commitment to communal harmony.

"Tuanku is practical. You expect people to keep their attention on the objective, use their common sense, and make a success of what they undertake," Tong said.

He added that Sultan Sharafuddin preferred to meet people directly, often without elaborate entourages and security arrangements, to hear their concerns regarding everyday issues

By doing so, Sultan Sharafuddin ensures matters such as traffic congestion, rubbish collection and flooding, receives government attention.

Tong said a conversation with Sultan Sharafuddin can be a journey in itself, adding that as someone in the newspaper business, he appreciated Sultan Sharafuddin's inquisitive mind.

“Although, Tuanku, it is useful occasionally to remember which of us is supposed to be asking the questions,” Tong quipped.

"There is warmth in these conversations, but also firmness when it is warranted. Those who have proposed elaborate arrangements simply to please Tuanku may have discovered that the more useful question is: What is the purpose, and will this actually work?" he added.

Recalling one of the interviews done for the commemorative magazine, Tong highlighted the sultan's focus on public benefit over symbolism, noting that when a monument was proposed to celebrate the state’s progress, Sultan Sharafuddin opted for a public library instead.

"That choice says a great deal. A library gives people somewhere to go, something to discover, and the opportunity to become more than they were yesterday. Its value grows with every person who uses it," Tong said

Tong praised the sultan’s extraordinary memory and wide-ranging interests, which span economics, public welfare, art, books, vintage cars and collectibles.

He also emphasised Sultan Sharafuddin’s dedication to maintaining unity among Malaysia's diverse communities.

"For all our economic achievements, the ability to live together, with respect and trust, remains something we must care for every day," Tong said.

"Tuanku, you said you would leave it to the people and history to judge your legacy. Today, please allow us to simply say, thank you."

As a memento for the occasion, Tong and his wife, Puan Sri Dawn Cheong, presented Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin with a sculpture of a pair of cranes, birds associated with longevity, good fortune, peace, fidelity and enduring companionship.

The silver jubilee commemorative magazine, titled “A Leader for the People, Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah”,  will be distributed with the Nov 2, issue of The Edge Weekly, not only to celebrate Sultan Sharafuddin’s remarkable reign, but also the values that have guided Selangor’s progress — stability, harmony and prosperity for all.