HOW DO YOU SEND A LETTER TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS (IN MALAYSIA CONTEXT)

 When it comes to matters of Royal etiquette and protocol, I know that many have voiced their unease with me. Nevertheless, I feel it is necessary for me to make a small note of advice.

Once, a relative of mine sought my assistance in drafting a letter to His Royal Highness the Sultan of one particular state, inviting His Majesty to grace an event with his presence.

Before I agreed to assist in drafting the letter, I first contacted the Protocol Division of the Sultan’s Office of that state, to seek advice on etiquette and protocol particularly with respect to the proper form of address to His Royal Highness through HH’s Private Secretary.

I also sought a second opinion from members of the Royal household through the State’s Royal Association. At the same time, I took the initiative to download gazettes, bulletins, circulars, and any available documents on etiquette and protocol, especially on the correct use of Royal language.

Thank God, the letter I assisted in drafting received a positive response from the Palace esp HRH The Sultan, who graciously sent his representatives, the Honourable YM Tengku Dato’......, at time the President of the State’s Royal Association.

When the Royal delegation arrived, the Honourable Tengku, Secretary of the Association, asked: “Who wrote this letter?” The Managing Director then pointed towards me and introduced me, as I was also present as a guest at the ceremony. At that moment, I was filled with nervousness, worried lest there had been any breach of protocol.

The Honourable YM Tengku Secretary then asked me:

"Nik, are you the Secretary of any Royal Association?"

I shook my head and replied:

"No, Tengku. This (patik) humble self merely assisted in drafting the letter."

Upon hearing this, the Honourable YM Tengku Dato’, President of the State Royal Association, remarked to the Managing Director that individuals like me should rightly be the point of reference when sending formal letters or invitations to members of the Royal household especially to HRH the Sultan. I felt deeply honoured.

I hope that this short note of mine may serve as some form of guidance. I am not of Royal blood, but I take pride in the fact that my parents instilled in me sufficient training and understanding of court customs, etiquette, and protocol concerning the Royal household, nobility, and dignitaries of the State.