The Late Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah & Late DPM & Deputy CEO

Tale 1

Once upon a time, one night there was an old man cycling in the small town of Kuala Kangsar at about 10pm. His old bicycle had no lamp. He was caught by a policeman on duty then. The old man pleaded to be freed. The policeman did not bother his appeal, instead brought the old man to the KK Police Station. On the way the man claimed to be the Sultan of Perak at that time. The policeman then thought that old man was really mentally ill because rode a bicycle without lamp then claimed to be the Sultan.

At last they reached the police station. There, in front of his colleagues he laughingly told about what the old man had said to him. Most of his friends who knew who was the old man were startled. Quickly, one of them whispered to the policeman and informed that the old man was truly the Sultan. Yes, he was the Late Sultan of Perak, Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah.

The policeman paled. He did not know what his fate in the following morning after the Sultan returned to his palace. The policemen bowed and pleaded great regret to the Sultan of the unexpected incident, except the policeman who caught him, who was mentally blanked.

The Late Sultan Iskandar was a very humble man. Between him and his people, there was no separation or casts. In his town, he could drink at the stall with anybody. He was really the people’s Sultan. Could we find one today?

Tale 2

When he was no more a minister, at any functions most of his previous colleagues kept distant from him. Most of them found later closed with the VIP in power or the ministers.

Suddenly, he was appointed by the Late PM Tun Razak to become the DPM. Not to forget he was the Late Tun Dr Ismail.

Then, those who kept distant previously from him when he had no power, returned to close to him. Frankly, he told them, he did not require persons of their types. He disliked hypocrites!

Me? Beware…

Tale 3

One day I went down a lift from Level 20+ to Level 1. To my surprise accidentally I met my Deputy CEO fully dressed as the VIP. Surely, he did not recognize me. I knew him of his white hair although still young age below 40. At that time, I only wore slippers and without necktie because to do praying at the 'surau' located at the bottom of the building. My name tag was in my pocket. I never greeted him anyway because of my slippers, which might cause misinterpretation. So, better not to say anything. I was insinuated previously with also a VIP but in the different scenario and location.

On reaching the gate at Level 1 that to pass it needed a card to be touched on top of the gate, abruptly I saw one lady security personnel ran fast to open the gate for him. In my mind the task just by touching his name card on it which no need someone of low rank to run like a dog to open the gate for him. I do remember one case at Putrajaya; the Chief Secretary General of Ministry of Health at that time did not use a lift or a hobby to chase the lift with other staff to go to their respective offices, instead used the stairs to go to his office at level 16, if not mistaken. He reasoned, since he was so busy no time to exercise that was one way to do it, and hope others to follow.

To any VVIPs, VIPs, directors, to be an excellent and efficient with full integrity and credibility leaders, posh dressing does not count and surely would get respect from the people. In history, read back and see the story of Mahatma Ghandi!