Gone but not forgotten

Thursday, 30 May 2019, 11:48 AM

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7 minute read

Dahlan Zainuddin: Gone but not forgotten

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin (right) in a scene from the 1979 movie ‘Kisah Seorang Biduan’. -NSTP/File pc

By TONY MARIADASS - May 30, 2019 @ 8:08am

KUALA LUMPUR: The golden voice of ever-green Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin of the 70s era may have been silenced with his passing on Tuesday, but his legacy, true to his famous song and film, Kisah Seorang Biduan, will forever live on and be etched in the memories of all.

Dahlan, 78, died on Tuesday at 9.48pm at Selayang Hospital after falling into a coma since Saturday, following a second stroke in four years.

He had touched many from different walks of life and I was blessed that I had known him for almost 42 years.

The down-to-earth artiste is not only friendly with his fans, but also went out of his way to keep musicians together as a family.

Dahlan, after 40 years of being in the music industry, was still promoting musicians.

I was 19 when I first met Dahlan in 1977 as my football captain of the New Straits Times team.

Football was in Dahlan’s blood and he was responsible for putting the NSTP football team in the limelight as the captain and coach of the team when he was working as a marketing executive with the newspaper.

How I remember my first trip to Bangkok, thanks to Dahlan, who organised a Juara Kugiran for NSTP staff and raised money to take the NSTP football team for friendly matches in Bangkok by train.

Our first trip to Kelantan was by the Sri Jaya bus with his band for concerts in Pasir Mas and Pasir Puteh after friendly matches with local teams.

Dahlan, who played as a forward or midfielder, first played for the Selangor Indian Association in the Selangor league before turning out for teams like Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran and Mara.

Even when he was older, he continued to play in the veteran team of Ulu Kelang Recreation Club.

He only stopped playing in 2013 when he was not well and even kept away from singing for two years.

However, it was not long before he returned to singing in 2015 with a performance in the KTM railway event coach to Hat Yai.

“Singing is in my blood. I cannot stay away from it.

“Although I may have slowed down and do not perform as many shows, I am happy that my services are still sought and invited to perform at functions,” Dahlan said.

Dahlan continued to perform at functions, and was helping a veteran group of buskers, Melody Buskers. He sang with them once or twice a week at the Nasi Lemak Tanglin at the Tanglin Community Food court near Lake Gardens.

“My presence with them is to endorse the band and that to tell music lovers that we have good buskers who are experienced,” Dahlan said.

Asked if he was degrading himself by playing at a food court, Dahlan said: “I did not become a star overnight. I had to go through the mill and start from the bottom.

“I will never forget my roots and will always support any kind of music and played anywhere.

“Music is supposed to be played anywhere and without the support of the masses, we will not be popular.

“Besides, playing at a food court allows me to meet fans and it was also an opportunity to meet old friends in a relaxed surrounding.”

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah speaking to the widow of Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, Datin Effa Rizan (right), after funeral prayers at Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. -NSTP/MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN

Dahlan also had used sports to bring musicians together. On numerous occasions he organised football friendlies with artistes from neighbouring countries and also worked with music associations, such as Papita, Seniman and Karyawan, for many events.

He had indeed come a long way since starting to sing as a lounge and pub singer in the early 1970s.

Dahlan made his mark after competing in the Bintang RTM and won the Best Performer Award in 1975.

That year, he released his debut EP (extended play) album titled Kisah Seorang Biduan, which proved to be a hit and he went on to record two EPs, nine LPs (long play) and five CDs (compact discs).

He created history by becoming the first local singer to hold a concert at Stadium Negara in 1978 and also performed at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Dahlan also performed at the Malaysia Hall in London in 1976.

The Ipoh-born Dahlan spent his early days in Singapore where he had his primary education at the Telok Kurau English School before returning to Kuala Lumpur as a teenager.

He was also an actor and starred in the movie Kisah Seorang Biduan (1979), which was also the title of his debut album. He also acted in television dramas.

The NSTP football team was saddened when news of his first stroke broke and went on to organise a tribute dinner for him in January 2017.

Datin Effa Rizan, Dahlan’s wife of 40 years, was touched by the event held in her husband’s honour.

“We knew about the dinner, but we were surprised to see Dahlan’s old band here, too. I had known these men when they were just teenagers. How they have changed,” she had said.

“Seeing all of his old friends lifted his spirits and cheered him up.”

He almost brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he crooned Save the Last Dance for Me, which he sang in his well-known soft voice.

Dahlan leaves behind Effa and their children, Natasha Idha, 40, Mohd Danial, 35 and Athinia Ines, 24.

Another son, Akasya Iman died at the age of 12 because of leukaemia.

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin passes away

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, 78, passed away at 9.48pm at the Selayang Hospital after suffering a stroke on Saturday.

Deepest condolences to Datin Effa Rizan, his wife and children.

I have known Abang Dahlan since 1977 when I joined New Straits Times and played football for the company team. He was the captain of the team.

We have remained friends since then and know Effa since then too.

It is indeed sad to lose him and have fond memories with him.

Have written on him on several occasions which I have attached below and even organised a tribute night for him three years ago after he had suffered his first stroke.

Rest in peace dear Dahlan and you will always be remembered as a friend, excellent football player, singer, actor and one who has a heart of gold.

Tan Sri Ibrahim Kamil (former NST football team manager) presenting a souvenior to Dahlan at the tribute dinner

Tribute dinner organised by NSTP staff three years ago

Tributes paid to Datuk Dahlan:

ENTERTAINMENT ICON: Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin

Written in July 2016

By Tony Mariadass

 Dahlan’s heart of gold and voice

EVERGREEN singer Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin after 40 years of being in the industry is still contributing to promote other musicians.

The 76-year-old Dahlan has always been known to be down-to-earth artiste who is not only friendly with his fans, but has always went out of his way to keep the musicians as a family.

Dahlan a good footballer, has used the sport to bring the musicians together on numerous occasions by organising football friendlies with artistes from neighbouring countries and has worked very closely with musicians associations like Papita, Seniman and Karyawan for many events.

Dahlan who continues to perform at functions, is currently helping a veteran group of buskers, Melody Buskers – where he sings with them once or twice a week at the Nasi Lemak Tanglin at the Tanglin Community Food court near Lake Gardens.

“These buskers are an experienced lot, but have resorted to busking because they are no longer in demand. The guitarist, Hamron Kasim (Ayom) was my band member when I used the Kilat band 30 years ago,” said Dahlan who looks much younger than his age.

The other member of the Melody Buskers are Jalil Zain (bassist), Basharuddin (vocalist), Amri Ismail (guitar), Amir Ikhwan (cajon) and the rose among the thorns, vocalist Reny Kamalisa.

“My presence with them is to endorse the band and that to tell music lovers that we have good buskers who are experienced.

“But above all, I miss playing with a full band because most of the time when I perform these days I am asked to use ‘minus one’ to cut cost in hiring a band. Thus, singing with Melody Buskers allows me to continue to enjoy the joy of playing with a band.”

When asked if he was degrading himself by playing at a food court, Dahlan simply said:” I did not become a star overnight. I had to go through the mill and start from the bottom. I will never forget my roots and will always support any kind of music and played anywhere. Music is supposed to be played anywhere and without the support of the masses, we will not be popular.

“Besides, playing at a food court allows me to meet and mingle with my fans freely and also an opportunity to meet old friends in a relaxed and informal surrounding.”

Dahlan said many veteran musicians drop by to jam with the band and the venue also serves as a meeting point for his friends.

Dahlan paid tribute to Nasi Lemak Tanglin owner Zainal Abidin Hassan who is also the manager of Melody Buskers who accommodated the band to play at his stall and has created an atmosphere for the food court as patrons are entertained as they enjoy their food.

The band plays from 8am to 12 noon daily unless on nights when they perform at functions, when they take the next morning off.

Dahlan still commands a strong following where he has is ardent fans without fail having their Nasi Lemak and listening to him croon his evergreen songs.

He has indeed come a long way since starting to sing as a lounge and pub singer in the early 70s.

Dahlan, who is married to fellow singer Effa Rizan – his wife for 40 years – made his mark after competing in the Bintang RTM and won the Best Performer Award in 1975.

Effa sometimes joins Dahlan at the Tanglin Food court and while she sings occasionally, but in rare occasions one can catch Dahlan doing a duet with his wife.

“I rarely do duets with Effa because our voice tones do not match.Even when we do shows, we sing individually. But on rare occasions by demand of the audience, we may sing one song,” said Dahlan who has four children – Natasha, Danial, Akasya Iman (passed away at the age of 12 because of leukemia) and Anthenic Ines.

In 1975 Dahlan also released his debut EP (extended play) album titled ‘Kisah Seorang BIduan’ which was an instant hit and went on to record two EPs, nine LPs (long Play), five CDs.

Dahlan also created history by becoming the first local singer who had the opportunity to hold a concert at the Stadium Negara in 1978 and also performed at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Dahlan also had performed at the Malaysian Hall in London in 1976.

Dahlan, Ipoh born spent his early days in Singapore where he had his primary education at the Telok Kurau English School, before returning to Kuala Lumpur as a teenager.

The multi-talented Dahlan also was an actor acting in the movie as his debut album ‘Biduan’ and acted in television dramas too.

Football was in Dahlan’s blood and was responsible of putting the New Straits Times football team in the limelight as captain and coach of the team in the late 70s and early 80s, when he was working as a marketing executive with the newspaper.

The scribe had the honour of playing under Dahlan when the team competed in the Petaling Jaya District Business House League, Inter-Press Games in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Dahlan’s who plays as a forward or midfield, first played for Selangor Indian Association (SIA) in the Selangor league before turning out for teams like Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran and Mara and even when he was older, he continued to play in the veteran’s team of Ulu Kelang Recreation Club (UKRC).

He only stopped playing three years ago when he was not well and even laid off from singing for two years.

But he returned to singing last year with a performance in the KTM railway event coach to Hadyai where he performed together with Melody Buskers throughout the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hadyai.

“Singing is in my blood. I cannot stay away from it. Although I may have slowed down a little and do not perform as many shows, I am happy that my services are still sought and invited to perform for functions.

“Right now, I enjoy very much singing with Melody Buskers where there is no formalities and I can just have a good time.”

Dahlan may have aged but he still stays relevant and continues to thrill his fans with his golden voice.

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2016/07/heart-and-voice-of-gold.html

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2017/01/tribute-to-dahlan.html

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2016/12/veteran-artistes-first-public.html

MEMORIES FROM NSTP DAYS WITH THE FOOTBALL TEAM

Sultan Ahmad Shah Al Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, passes away

Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah passed away this morning at 8.50am.

May Almarhum His Royal Highness rest in peace.

I have had the opportunity to have interviewed the late Almarhum HRH on numerous occasions as a sportswriter and  have followed HRH tenure with the FA of Malaysia, Asian Football Confederation and Asean Football Federation.

Almarhum HRH was a media friendly person who always had time for sportswriters. We could discuss any football relating matters openly with Almarhum HRH and was always ears.

Almarhum HRH was down to earth and more often than not ignored protocol when meeting with sportswriters.

The sportswriters fraternity will always hold fond memories of his Almarhum HRH and will miss him.

Update:

The then Football Association of Malaysia president Sultan Ahmad Shah ATlNSTP PIC

By GEORGE DAS, FAUZI OMAR, TONY MARIADASS, JOHNSON FERNANDEZ, HISHAMUDDIN AUN, LAZARUS ROKK - May 23, 2019 @ 8:44am

The passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar may not have come as a shock as he has not been in the pink of health these last two years or so. But even so, his demise made such an impact, that it ran the gamut of emotions for six former sportswriters.

WHAT came upon us was this overwhelming sense of sadness that a good friend had passed, delight that we had some good moments with him both in Malaysia and overseas, and great compunction that another royal of his charm, wit, and humility is not likely to grace the corridors of power in Malaysian football. Not for a long, long time.

For what we all saw in this extraordinary statesman was this sultan and former king who could step out of his royal court, nonchalantly brush aside the protocol, and just become one of us, another football observer and fan who just wanted to see Malaysia in the World Cup finals.

Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar had none of that arrogance, sometimes portrayed by other royals holding seats of honour in sports associations when they are criticised by the media. On the contrary, the late Sultan Ahmad Shah was receptive to constructive criticism. None of us faced any backlash for our critiques, or were thrown in jail for our adverse comments against a royal.

Johnson Fernandez will attest to this. “Sultan Ahmad embraced criticisms, and there were many. In fact, Sultan Ahmad would even thank the critic. I vividly recall one incident. I had written a highly-critical commentary about Malaysian football. The following morning, I received a call from the then Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary, the late Datuk Paul Mony Samuel.

“‘Dei, what did you write this time? I haven’t read your column yet, but Tuanku wants to see you tomorrow’.

“We confirmed the appointment, but I didn’t go alone. I brought Fauzi Omar and Lazarus Rokk along. Sultan Ahmad had often referred to us as ‘The Three Musketeers’. And sometimes, depending on the mood of the occasion, ‘The Three Stooges’.

“When we arrived at Istana Pahang along Jalan Ceylon, we were ushered into Sultan Ahmad’s office. ‘Ah there you are, The Three Musketeers.’ Then, he put my Sunday Mail column in front of him, and what he said after that made me want to hug the man.

“He said in all sincerity: ‘tell me what should I do’.”

That’s Sultan Ahmad Shah for you. It’s that sort of humility that makes him special, that makes dwarves of others. Fortunately, that delightful trait was passed on to his two sons, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, the present king, and to Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman.

Said Lazarus Rokk: “My jostling was mainly with Tengku Abdullah then, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang who was the FA of Malaysia deputy president. We were both passionate and hot-blooded over Malaysian football. And although we had the same wish for Malaysian football, we were, however, not always on the same page.

“But like his father, the young Tengku Mahkota was never averse to constructive criticism. In fact, even then at his youthful age, he took it on his chin. He would often say, ‘Come on you guys, give me a good challenge, I love challenges’. And we would have our differences ironed out in a healthy discussion over dinner.

“And today, looking back, he would say to the friends around him, drawing laughter all around, that the reason my hair had all dropped was because I had criticised him and his father.

“That was the spirit of the elderly statesman in him. His younger brother Tengku Muda was no different. One of the worst jobs in Malaysian football is to be a manager of a super league team that was in the process of rebuilding, and Tengku Muda had the unenviable task of being Pahang manager then.

“But he was a great sport too, agreeing to disagree, and working out our differences over double shots of espresso. We still have these little tiffs though, but only because I am a hardcore Manchester United fan, and Tengku Muda is a passionate Liverpool fan.”

Hishamuddin Aun said: “I remember it as one of the most highly-anticipated meetings of the FAM Council in Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya. Sultan Ahmad Shah was in the chair for the very first time, fresh from winning the president’s post unopposed in the FAM elections on Aug 12, 1984.

“That meeting was highly anticipated because football writers then were keen to meet and hear out the Sultan of Pahang for the first time and — if we could muster the courage — ask His Royal Highness one or two questions. Prior to the FAM elections, there was so much talk about his predecessor, Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah, being asked to vacate his position for the sultan, who eventually took over the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from Hamzah.

“Hamzah, a former senior cabinet minister and also from Pahang, had helmed the FAM for only eight years from 1976 — a short span that saw the Malaysian national team qualify for the Olympics for the second time in 1980.

“‘Gentlemen of the press…’ Sultan Ahmad Shah began his press conference with a broad smile while he made eye contact with every member of the media present. In just one phrase, we were all bowled over by his kind words and impeccable command of English as he shared with us that many of the things said before the FAM elections were untrue and that he was there all for the betterment of football.

“In fact, Sultan Ahmad spoke very well in outlining his plans for the FAM, alternating between his immaculate Bahasa Malaysia and Queen’s English that impressed everyone.

“‘Do you all think I am in this position for the glamour? You all know I had all the glamour in the last five years, so let us work together to make Malaysian football better,’ he continued while referring to his just-concluded five-year term as the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong on April 25, 1984.

“The subsequent years were filled with much respect for the FAM president as he was ever ready to engage with the press, never once showing displeasure in spite of stinging criticism against the national team and unpopular decisions of the council.

“For Sultan Ahmad Shah, respect must not only be earned but also given as he showed a lot of passion and compassion. He was the gentleman that he had always been while occupying one of the hottest seats in sports.”

Indeed, Sultan Ahmad never demanded respect. Something Tony Mariadass could attest to. “He was sultan and king, but to the sportswriters, he was a friend and one we could criticise if need be, talk to, and discuss with. He always had an ear for sportswriters’ views.

“What touched me most was he would discard protocol and walk out of his formal walk — be it entrance or exit of a function — to have a word, ask about your well-being, or give a word of advice whenever he spots you. It happened to me on numerous occasions.

“I recall in March 1985, when he was the king and as FAM president, he invited a group of sportswriters to fly in the official government jet to watch and cover Malaysia’s 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification — AFC first round match against Nepal at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.

“His Royal Highness made us feel at home and made our trip and short stay so comfortable and memorable.”

But above all, Sultan Ahmad Shah was a dear friend.

Said Fauzi Omar: “He may have been king at one time. Ruled the state of Pahang for almost 45 years. He may belong to one of the oldest royal families in the country. But to us, Sultan Ahmad Shah was, above all, a very good man and a dear friend.

“Yes, so down-to-earth was His Royal Highness that we dare refer to him as a dear friend.

“I’ve known him for over 30 years. And Sultan Ahmad Shah has always been the same man. No matter what the event, he would always break protocol to chat with us.

“He would ask how we were. How was the family. Have we eaten? If we hadn’t, he would instruct those on duty to take care of us. That’s what friends do.

“On other private occasions, he would invite us for meals or coffee and then we would talk about his favourite subject — football.

“When I was working as a correspondent at the New Straits Times’ London office, the sultan would contact me through his aide whenever he was in town. Knowing my love for the shows at London West End, the sultan would always send me tickets.

“On other occasions, he would invite me to his posh London home to share delicacies that his entourage had brought from Malaysia. Only good friends do that.

“Being such a humble man, the late sultan would always appreciate and show respect for our profession. Some officials would bark at us if they didn’t like what we wrote about them. But not the sultan. ‘Good criticism,’ was what he would say.

“Some of us even called for his resignation as president of FAM. Still there wasn’t a nasty word that came from his mouth. To us that was how he understood and respected our profession as sportswriters. And you could imagine how we in turn admire and respect him until today for all those wonderful qualities.

“That is why my biggest regret is that I did not have the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to him. I’ve not seen him since he fell ill a few years back. So for what it’s worth, goodbye, Tuanku. I know you’ll be placed among the righteous.”

And as George Das aptly puts it: “To the sultan of sports, you have left us, but you will not be forgotten. For the footprints you leave behind in football, and in our lives, will live through time.”

Farewell, our dear former king, sultan, friend and legend. We stand in respect and in admiration of Your Highness.

------------------------------------------------------------

He was Sultan and King, but to the sportswriters, he was a friend and one we could criticise if need be, talk to him, discuss and always had an ear for the sportswriters’ views.           

What touched me most was he would discard protocol and walk out of his formal walk - be it entrance or exit of a function - to have a word and ask about your well-being and always had a word of advice whenever he spots you.  It has happened to be on numerous occasions.                 

To underline HRH’s down to earthiness, I recall when Almarhum was the King and as FAM President, invited a group of sportswriters in March 1985, to fly in the official Government jet to watch and cover Malaysia 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round match against Nepal at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu. HRH made us feel so comfortable despite flying with the King and made our trip and short stay so comfortable and memorable. For the record Malaysia drew 0-0 in Kathmandu, but in return leg at Stadium Merdeka, Malaysia won 5-0.

For Malaysian football, despite the many criticisms, HRH only did his best with passion and dedication, but only if the affiliates had the same degree of passion, interest and devotion and carried out the various programmes diligently, football in Malaysia would have been higher grounds by now.   

Rest in peace Your Highness.

HRH meeting the sportswriters (from left NST's Vijesh Rai, scribe - Malay Mail - and Amran Mulup (Utusan) outside Wisma FAM after a FAM Council meeting.

A brief on his HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah Al Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar,

Sultan Ahmad Shah Al Musta'in Billah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, reigned as the fifth Sultan of Pahang for almost 45 years.

His eldest son, Tengku Abdullah, was announced as his successor on s Saturday (Jan 12).

The announcement naming Tengku Abdullah as the new Sultan of Pahang was read out by Deputy Chairman of the Pahang Royal Council, Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan.

Tengku Abdullah's proclamation as the new Sultan of Pahang was on Jan 15.

Sultan Abdullah was proclaimed the nation's new king on January 30.

Sultan Ahmad Shah, 88, was proclaimed as the fifth Sultan of Pahang on May 7, 1974 following the death of his father, Sultan Abu Bakar and the coronation ceremony was held at Balairong Seri, Istana Abu Bakar, Pekan on May 8, 1975.

Born at Istana Mangga Tunggal in Pekan on Oct 24, 1930, Sultan Ahmad Shah was the third child and only son of Sultan Abu Bakar and his consort Raja Ampuan Fatimah Sultan Iskandar Shah.

He was appointed Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) Pahang in 1944, when he was just 14 years old.

Sultan Ahmad Shah was elected as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Sept 21, 1975 and later became the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong from April 26, 1979 to April 25, 1984.

After his tenure as head of state, he returned to Pahang.

As his health declined, he appointed Tengku Abdullah as the Regent of Pahang on Dec 28, 2016.

Sultan Ahmad Shah received his early education at the Malay School in Pekan and continued his secondary education at Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak.

There was a temporary disruption in his formal education during the Second World War, but he took the opportunity to learn Japanese during the occupation of the Japanese army in Malaya.

When the Second World War ended, he continued his studies at the Clifford School in Kuala Lipis and lived with other students at the school's hostel.

In 1948, Sultan Ahmad Shah pursued his higher education in public administration at Worcester College, Oxford University, and Exeter University, Devon, in the United Kingdom.

He also underwent practical training at the Sidmouth Urban District Council for three years.

At age 35, he served as Chief of Staff of the Federal Army's Infantry Battalion based at the Batu 5 Camp, in Mentakab, Pahang.

Sultan Ahmad Shah married Tengku Hajah Afzan Tengku Muhammad on April 22, 1954 and was blessed with two sons and five daughters, namely, Tengku Tan Sri Meriam, Tengku Datuk Seri Muhaini, Tengku Datuk Seri Aishah Marcella, Tengku Abdullah, Tengku Abdul Rahman, Tengku Datuk Nong Fatimah and Tengku Datuk Shahariah.

After the death of Tengku Afzan on June 29, 1988, Sultan Ahmad Shah married Sultanah Hajah Kalsom on March 14, 1991, and was blessed with another son, Tengku Fahd Mu'adzam Shah.

The Sultan has been the constitutional head of the International Islamic University (IIUM) since July 1, 1983, and the president of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) since 2011 until recently.

He has also held posts as the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) from 1984 to 2014, and president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from 1994 to 2002.

Sultan Ahmad Shah has always been the people's ruler, with a down-to-earth personality, often ignoring protocol during his visits to the districts of Pahang, especially during floods, to help his subjects.

His main concern is the well being of the people in the state, and he has not shied away from voicing out his views when a certain project is deemed to be detrimental to the public.

He was also loved by the media due to his casual nature, and never declined an interview when met during events