“I believe that the royal family is a focus of patriotism, of loyalty, of affection and of esteem. That is a rare combination, and we should value it highly,” former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher.
THE recently concluded Kembara Kenali Borneo 2023 led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah together with Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah and their family, was nothing short of a magnificent spectacle that brought immeasurable joy and pride to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
This remarkable journey was not just an event; it was a celebration of culture, unity and the enduring connection between the monarchy and the people.
The massive crowds that converged at various locations to see and greet the royal family were a breathtaking sight.
The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as thousands of people from all walks of life came together to express their reverence and adulation.
The sheer scale of this gathering was a testament to the profound respect and love the people of Borneo hold for the monarchy.
Like countless others, my social media newsfeed was inundated with posts and pictures shared by individuals who had the privilege of encountering members of the royal family.
His Majesty’s decision to embark on this tour was not merely a ceremonial gesture; it was a heartfelt expression of his genuine concern for the welfare and happiness of his people.
It illuminated his desire to engage with his subjects on a personal level and to be a part of their lives.
The anticipation surrounding the royal family’s visit was electrifying and transcended generational boundaries.
It was heartwarming to witness both young and elderly Sarawakians eagerly awaiting the royal family’s arrival at each destination.
Even though there were some delays in their schedules, the spirit of the people remained unwavering.
Their patience and enthusiasm were a testament to the significance of this event.
I also had the privilege of waiting for the royal family’s arrival at their final destination which is Telok Melano (0 KM point).
The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the crowd’s collective anticipation fueled my own enthusiasm.
Engaging in conversations with a few locals, I was struck by their sentiments that young individuals like myself were indeed fortunate to meet the royal family at such an early stage in our lives.
These sentiments were particularly poignant when expressed by the elderly, individuals aged between 60 and 70, who had waited decades to be part and see the royal family in person.
The scheduled arrival time for the royal family at Telok Melano was at 10am, but they greeted us with their presence after 12pm.
However, this delay did not dampen the spirits of those who had arrived as early as 8am from nearby areas.
They were grateful for the bright and sunny weather, even if it meant enduring the sweltering heat.
Their unwavering commitment and resilience in the face of this delay further exemplified their dedication to the occasion.
One of the most memorable moments of that day was witnessing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg display a different side of himself as he patiently awaited the royal family’s arrival with other dignitaries, the public and the media.
Having recently transitioned to the online and video team, I was tasked with live-streaming the occasion on TikTok.
During the wait, I captured an endearing moment when Abang Johari took a 360-degree video of the media and other dignitaries awaiting the royal family’s arrival.
The media who are accustomed to being the behind-the-scene chroniclers of events, erupted into cheers.
We are used to capturing Abang Johari’s image through our lenses, but this time it was the Premier who was capturing a video of us.
I shared this heartwarming video on New Sarawak Tribune’s social media platform, where it garnered over 14,000 views and 500 likes on TikTok alone.
For me personally, this gesture from Abang Johari is something I appreciate.
It was refreshing to witness and interact with our leaders in such a candid and approachable manner.
It spoke of the accessibility of our leaders, bridging the gap between authority and the everyday lives of the people.
Similarly, I came across numerous videos on TikTok and Instagram, each capturing candid interactions between the royal family and the people.
These authentic moments served as a reminder that, beyond their titles and positions, our leaders are, at heart, dedicated individuals who genuinely care about the welfare and happiness of their constituents.
The Kembara Kenali Borneo 2023 transcended being just a tour, it was a profoundly meaningful chapter in the collective story of Sabah and Sarawak.
It forged stronger bonds between the royal family and the people, leaving everyone with cherished memories and a renewed sense of unity and pride in their rich heritage.
It was also a testament to the enduring connection between monarchy and community, a bond that will continue to flourish for generations to come.
