On March 8, 1926, a prince was born into the Royal Family,
Of Selangor Darul Ehsan, her principalities and sovereign territory,
Named 'Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah', oh, so very aptly,
Male offspring of Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah, reigning regally.

Brought up as a prince, always aware of his common subjects' plight,
Studied at the Malay College, proceeding on to UK - as was then right,
Returned to serve the state, had a stint of military rite,
To be, in 1960, installed Sultan of Selangor - future so bright!

The monarch was royal, yet was kind to a flaw,
Forgiving his menteri besar, who became his son-in-law,
The royal automobile taken for illegal spin, by officers of law,
He pardoned them all, advising them not to be outlaws!

Someone pinched his regal belt, sold it to greedy gold dealers,
Others stole the tongkat mimbar, he bequeathed to a Masjid,
When they were finally apprehended, were caught by law officers,
He allowed the rule of law to prevail, quite noble indeed!

On Sept 23, 1999 - he was officially rightly installed,
As the 11th Yang DiPertuan Agong, Malaysians were enthralled,
How will he rule, how will he reign will he be strict on protocol?
Or will he be majestic, yet, be rakyat-friendly and open to all?

This writer had the privilege, he had the rare opportunity,
Experiencing first-hand, what others had only read occasionally,
Of how populist was His Majesty, how he was people-friendly,
During a get-together with Malaysians, in a neighbouring country.

We were advised to maintain decorum, not to act too eagerly,
When His Majesty arrives, to be the Royal Guest at the party,
Instead it was the King - he came into our wake with spontaneity,
Hand readily outstretched, greeting us merrily with utmost sincerity!

"This is what I enjoy doing," he remarked so regally,
"To meet fellow Malaysians, residing in another country",
"Do your job well, abide local laws, uphold the name of your own country",
Such was his royal advice to us, very pertinent was his regal homily!

Photographs were being taken, everyone wishing one with the King,
Of course, his graceful consort, she too was obliging,
Suddenly, the King, he insisted on being photographer - quite daunting,
Directing us all to fall in line with his consort, he took the snap - oh so appealing!

Never ever in my mind, never had I ever dreamt,
A Ruler could have such humility, yet, nobility well intact,
This King, he proved it's possible, through this simple act,
Winning the hearts of all present, gaining our everlasting respect!

Today he is gone forever, though we were mentally prepared;
Yet, the loss seems to be personal, it is a feeling quite sad,
Such a noble man, such a regal personality, yet, he cared,
For minions in the boondocks, for simpletons less well bred!

Our sincere prayers for his eternal well being, in the life hereafter,
That his soul will be with those, whom Allah graces and endears,
May his indiscretions be forgiven, may he be blessed forever,
And, may we see a successor who's as kind-hearted like the late Ruler!