KUANTAN — “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
With those words, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah reflected on the deeper meaning of motherhood and the responsibilities she carries not only as a parent, but also as a royal figure entrusted with the welfare of the people of Pahang.
In a heartfelt reflection, Tunku Azizah said the role of a mother extends far beyond raising children within the walls of a home.
Mothers, she said, play a vital role in nurturing hearts, strengthening families and shaping society through compassion, care and sacrifice.
“As a mother, my love and responsibilities are not limited only to my own children,” she said to Sinar Daily.
“As Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, I also carry a greater amanah — to be a mother to the people of Pahang as a whole.”
Tunku Azizah said she hoped to be a source of comfort and reassurance to the people of the state, regardless of age or background.
“To the men and women of this beloved state, to the young and the old, to those in the villages and those in the cities, I hope to be a place where they may seek comfort, find shelter and feel the warmth of a mother’s care,” she said.
The Tengku Ampuan also emphasised that leadership must be rooted in compassion and sincerity, noting that a mother’s role is not merely to care for her own family, but also to safeguard the well-being of society.
She said her prayers were never confined solely to her own children, but extended to all the people of Pahang.
“May Allah always protect them, ease their burdens, bless them with sustenance, health, peace and happiness, and continue to shower this state with His mercy and blessings,” she said.
Describing motherhood as both a gift and a sacred responsibility, Tunku Azizah said being regarded as a “mother” to an entire state carried a profound amanah before Allah.
“And for as long as I am given life, I will strive to carry that responsibility with love, humility, sincerity and devotion,” she said.