Salahuddin of Selangor

2.1. Birth and Education

Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah was born at 3:30 pm on Monday, March 8, 1926, at the Istana Bandar Temasha in Jugra, Kuala Langat, Selangor. He was the eldest son of Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah and his royal consort, Tengku Ampuan Jemaah.
His early education began in 1934 at the Pengkalan Batu Malay School in Klang, where he studied from Standard 1 to 6. In 1936, he continued his studies at the prestigious Malay College Kuala Kangsar until December 1941, when World War II commenced. Following the war, he pursued higher education in England from 1947 to 1949, attending the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London for two years.

2.2. Early Career and Military Service

Upon his return from the United Kingdom, Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah began his professional career in the Civil Service Department, serving as a Trainee Officer with the Selangor Survey Department. He later transitioned to an educational role, working as an Inspector of Schools for eight years.
In 1952, he undertook a short-term course at the Malay Military Troop in Port Dickson, which lasted for six months. During this period, he was commissioned with the Queen Commission, achieving the rank of Captain. Demonstrating his capabilities, he was subsequently promoted to the rank of Major. His military background contributed to his later constitutional roles as Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

3.1. Accession to the Throne

Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah's journey to the throne began with his appointment as the Tengku Laksamana of Selangor on August 1, 1946. He was subsequently named the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Selangor on May 13, 1950. Following the passing of his father, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, on September 1, 1960, Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah acceded to the throne as the eighth Sultan of Selangor, adopting the regnal title of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on September 3, 1960. His formal installation as Sultan took place on June 28, 1961.

3.2. Major Decisions and Developments

Sultan Salahuddin made several monumental decisions that profoundly impacted Selangor and the nation. On February 1, 1974, he signed the agreement for the cession of Kuala Lumpur from Selangor to the Federal Government, leading to its establishment as a Federal Territory. This decision, while a strategic move for national development, was a deeply emotional one for the Sultan, who was observed to have cried after signing the agreement, reflecting his profound fondness and pride for the city. To commemorate this historic event, the Kota Darul Ehsan arch was erected in 1981 along the Federal Highway, marking the boundary between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Recognizing the need for a new state capital following Kuala Lumpur's cession, Sultan Salahuddin founded Shah Alam as Selangor's new administrative center in 1978. Klang had served as the interim state capital between the cession of Kuala Lumpur and the official creation of Shah Alam. Many significant buildings and roads in Shah Alam have been named in his honor, including the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, the state secretariat; the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, Selangor's state mosque; and the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Building. His vision for Shah Alam underscored his commitment to modernizing Selangor and ensuring its continued progress.

3.3. Military Leadership Roles

During his reign as Sultan, Salahuddin also held various significant military leadership positions. On April 26, 1984, he was appointed Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy by the Malaysian Armed Forces, succeeding his previous role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which he had held since 1966. In accordance with constitutional provisions, he held the highest ranks in all branches of the military, including Marshal of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Field Marshal of the Malaysian Army, and Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Malaysian Navy. This made him the second royal military officer in Malaysia's history to become the supreme commander-in-chief of the armed forces, demonstrating his continued dedication to national security and defense.

4.1. Election and Installation

Sultan Salahuddin was elected as the eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong on April 26, 1999. His installation as the King of Malaysia took place on September 11, 1999, in a ceremony steeped in tradition and national significance. At the time of his election, he was the second oldest ruler to assume the position. During his tenure as King, he declared Tengku Idris Shah, who would later become Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as the Regent of Selangor. Sultan Salahuddin had also expressed a personal desire to retire to his residence in London, near the Regent Mosque, after completing his term as Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2004.

4.2. Key Events During Reign

A notable event during his reign as Yang di-Pertuan Agong was the cession of Putrajaya from Selangor to the Federal Government in 2001, making it a new Federal Territory and the administrative capital of Malaysia. This decision further streamlined the country's governance structure, with the Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Putrajaya later being named in his honor, acknowledging his role in this significant national development.

5.1. Family and Marriages

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was married multiple times and had several children. His first wife was his cousin, Raja Nur Saidatul Ihsan binti Al Marhum Raja Bendahara Tengku Badar Shah, from whom he later divorced. Together, they had three sons and four daughters:

• Tengku Nor Halija
• Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (who later became Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah)
• Tengku Puteri Sofiah (died June 8, 2017)
• Tengku Sulaiman Shah (who holds the title Tengku Laksamana Selangor)
• Tengku Puteri Zahariah (also known as Ku Yah)
• Tengku Fatimah
• Tengku Abdul Samad (who holds the title Tengku Panglima Besar Selangor)
• Tengku Puteri Arafiah
• Tengku Puteri Aishah (died July 30, 2012)

His second wife was Che Maheram binti Muhammad Rais, with whom he had one son:

• Tengku Ahmad Shah (who holds the title Tengku Panglima Raja Selangor)

His royal consort, Tengku Ampuan Rahimah binti Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, from the Sultanate of Langkat royal family in Sumatra, passed away in 1993, before his election as Yang di-Pertuan Agong. She was the mother of two daughters:

• Tengku Puteri Nor Marina
• Tengku Puteri Nor Zehan

His last wife was Tuanku Siti Aishah, a commoner whom he married on May 3, 1990. She later served as his Raja Permaisuri Agong. Being fifty years younger than him, she was also the youngest ever occupant of that office, acceding to the throne at just 29 years old. They did not have any children together. It is also noted that a "crisis" occurred when former Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Muhammad Haji Muhd Taib, married his daughter, Tengku Puteri Zanariah.

5.2. Hobbies and Philanthropy

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was known for his diverse hobbies and interests. He was an avid sportsman, with a particular passion for golf that was well-recognized both within and outside Malaysia. His other personal interests included sailing, collecting antique cars, rearing animals, and cultivating orchids. He also enjoyed visiting foreign countries to broaden his knowledge and experience, with travels to places such as Perth in Western Australia, Bali and Medan in Indonesia, London, and Florida in the United States.
Beyond his personal pursuits, Sultan Salahuddin was deeply committed to philanthropy and community development. The Sultan Abdul Aziz Mosque in Kampung Perigi Nenas, Pulau Indah, was constructed with his significant contribution of around 4.00 M MYR in 1997 and inaugurated on March 8, 1999. The grand Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque in Shah Alam was also built during his time as Sultan of Selangor in 1987. He harbored a strong desire to develop Pulau Indah (formerly known as Pulau Lumut) and Pulau Ketam. His personal luxury boat, named 'Siti Aishah', was notably involved in a collision with a cargo ship in Port Klang.

7.1. Named Institutions and Public Works

Several significant projects and institutions across Malaysia have been named in honor of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, reflecting his lasting impact and contributions:

• Educational Institutions:**
  • SMK Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, a secondary school in Shah Alam, Selangor
  • SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, a secondary school in Kajang, Selangor
  • SAMT Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, a secondary school in Sabak, Selangor
  • Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam, Selangor
• Buildings:**
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, Selangor's state secretariat building in Shah Alam
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, Selangor's state mosque in Shah Alam
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Court Building, a court building in Shah Alam
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Jamek Mosque, a mosque in Petaling Jaya, Selangor
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, an airport in Subang, Selangor
  • KD Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, a TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy) naval base in Pulau Indah, Klang
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Power Station, a power station in Kapar, Selangor
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Arts and Cultural Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang, Selangor
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital, a hospital at UPM, Serdang
• Roads and Bridges:**
  • Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, a main thoroughfare in Putrajaya
  • Jalan Sultan Salahuddin and Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, major roads in Kuala Lumpur
  • Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, a major road in Kuala Lumpur
  • Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Bridge, a bridge in Kuala Selangor
• Others:**
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf and Country Club (KGSAAS), a major golf club in Shah Alam
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, a royal gallery located in Klang

  

  

7.2. Historical Assessment

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah's reign is historically evaluated as one of significant progress and adaptation for Selangor and Malaysia. His decisions, such as the cession of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya to become federal territories, while demonstrating a willingness to make difficult choices for national unity and development, also reflected his deep connection to the land and its people, as evidenced by his emotional reaction to the Kuala Lumpur cession. This pragmatic approach to governance, alongside his commitment to modernizing Selangor through the establishment of Shah Alam as its new capital, showcases a ruler who balanced tradition with the demands of a developing nation.
His extensive philanthropic endeavors, including the construction and support of mosques and the desire to develop local islands, highlight his focus on social welfare and community improvement. As a constitutional monarch, his leadership in military roles further underscored his dedication to national security. He is noted in some assessments as a "Sultan who broke the tradition of royal institution constraints," implying a progressive approach to his royal duties. His tenure as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, though relatively brief, was marked by his steadfastness in upholding the constitution and overseeing key national developments. Overall, Sultan Salahuddin is remembered for his contributions to national progress, his personal commitment to the well-being of his subjects, and his role in guiding Selangor through a period of modernization.

8.1. Malaysian Honours

• Selangor:**

  • 

    Grand Master, Recipient, and Bestower of the Royal Family Order of Selangor, First Class (DK I) (since June 6, 1961)

  • 

    Grand Master and Bestower of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) (since June 6, 1961)

  • 

    Grand Master and Bestower of the Order of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (since September 30, 1985)

  • 

    Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)

• Malaysia (as Yang di-Pertuan Agong from April 26, 1999 to November 21, 2001):**

  • 

    Grand Master and Recipient of the Order of the Royal House of Malaysia (DKM)

  • 

    Grand Master and Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm (DMN) (Received August 28, 1961)

  • 

    Grand Master of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN)

  • 

    Grand Master of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (SSM)

  • 

    Grand Master and Founder of the Order of Merit of Malaysia (DB)

  • 

    Grand Master of the Order for Important Services (Malaysia) (PJN)

  • 

    Grand Master of the Order of the Royal Household of Malaysia (PSD)

• Malaysian States:**
  • Pahang:

    

    Member 1st Class of the Family Order of the Crown of Indra of Pahang (DK I) (July 14, 1987)

  • Johor:

    

    First Class of the Royal Family Order of Johor (DK I) (1975)

  • Kedah:

    

    Member of the Royal Family Order of Kedah (DK)

  • Kelantan:

    

    Recipient of the Royal Family Order of Kelantan or Star of Yunus (DK) (July 10, 1966)

  • Negeri Sembilan:

    

    Member of the Royal Family Order of Negeri Sembilan (DKNS)

  • Perak:

    

    Recipient of the Royal Family Order of Perak (DK) (April 19, 1986)

  • Perlis:

    

    Recipient of the Perlis Family Order of the Gallant Prince Syed Putra Jamalullail (DK)

  • Terengganu:

    

    Member First Class of the Family Order of Terengganu (DK I) (June 21, 1964)

  • Sabah:

    

    Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) - Datuk Seri Panglima

  • Sarawak:

    

    Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (DP) - Datuk Patinggi (April 29, 1976)

  • Malacca:

    

    Grand Commander of the Premier and Exalted Order of Malacca (DUNM) - Datuk Seri Utama (August 1, 1987)

8.2. Foreign Honours

• Brunei:

  

  Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB) (June 28, 1961)

• Bahrain:

  

  Al Khalifah Medal Decoration (October 28, 2000)

• Colombia:

  

  Grand Collar of the Order of Boyaca

• Thailand:

  

  Knight of the Most Auspicious Order of the Rajamitrabhorn (KRM) (2001)