Cik Puan Besar Kalsom

Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom Abdullah, formerly known as Sultanah Kalsom (née Anita; born 12 September 1951 in Taftan, Baluchistan, Dominion of Pakistan) is the former Sultanah consort of Pahang as the 2nd wife of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah.[2] She is of Persian and Pakistani descent. Prior to her marriage, she was an air stewardess for a prominent airline.

Kalsom
Cik Puan Besar of Pahang[1]
Sultanah of Pahang
Tenure30 September 1992 – 11 January 2019
PredecessorTengku Ampuan Afzan (as Tengku Ampuan)
SuccessorTengku Ampuan Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (as Tengku Ampuan)
Cik Puan Besar of Pahang
Tenure15 August 2019 – present
PredecessorTengku Ampuan Besar Fatimah (as Tengku Ampuan Besar)
Born (1951-09-12) 12 September 1951
Taftan, Baluchistan, Dominion of Pakistan
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1991; died 2019)​
IssueTengku Fahad Mu’adzam Shah
ReligionSunni Islam

Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom married Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang on 14 March 1991. She was styled as Her Highness Cik Puan Kalsom Abdullah on the day of her marriage. On 30 September 1992, she was proclaimed the title of Her Royal Highness Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Abdullah.

She and the Sultan have a son together His Highness Tengku Fahad Mu'adzam Shah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, the Tengku Arif Temenggong of Pahang.[2][3]

After her husband's death on 22 May 2019, her stepson Al-Sultan Abdullah bestowed her the title of Her Highness Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom Abdullah on 15 August 2019. The title of Cik Puan Besar (equivalent to Queen Dowager) is for a commoner who becomes the widow of the late Sultan.[4]

Contributions

Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom has been active with social causes and is a patron of numerous organisations, lending her presence to inspire those engaged in managing these organisations.

Yayasan Sri Kencana Kalsom

The Yayasan Sri Kencana Kalsom, named after her, provides shelter for single parents as well as women who have been victims of domestic abuse. The Yayasan helps these women rebuild their lives finding them jobs that enable them to be independent and lead their lives with dignity.

OrphanCARE

She is also Patron of OrphanCARE Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims in getting orphans adopted. OrphanCARE also set up Malaysia's first baby hatch for mothers to anonymously leave their unwanted newborns to be put up for adoption. She has given her full support to the organisation which has the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development as its smart partner.

Soroptimist Club of Kuantan

As Patron of the Soroptimist Club of Kuantan, a gathering of professional women who pool their talents to assist the needy, Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom works closely to guide the movement with her strong views on empowerment. Her concern for women stems from her personal philosophy that dreams must be pursued to the fullest and that women must be given every opportunity to realise their talents.

The Sorority

Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom is also an Honorary Member of The Sorority, an exclusive members-only club for inspiring professional women based in London, is considered an iconic inspirational woman who represents the modern, professional woman who is shaping the future with individual style and expression.

Kiwanis Club of Kuantan

Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom has been the patron of the Kiwanis Club of Kuantan since 2004.[5][6]

Honours and recognitions

For the exceptional work that is inspiring societal advancement the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology awarded Sultanah Kalsom the Honorary Doctorate of Social Development.[7]

Honour of Pahang

Places named after her

Several places were named after her, including:

References
  1. "The Pahang State Secretary's Office today announced new honorifics for the Royal family". The Sun Daily. 18 August 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  2. "Malaysian Monarchy: His and Her Majesty - Yang di-Pertuan Agong VII (The Sultan of Pahang)". Archived from the original on 12 April 2005. Retrieved 28 September 2007.
  3. HighBeam: New Straits Times - Pleasant surprise for Sultan Ahmad Shah
  4. "Pursuant to the announcement, Sultanah Kalsom will be known as Cik Puan Besar Hajjah Kalsom Abdullah". New Straits Times. 18 August 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  5. Mind: Those with Down Syndrome learn to gain employment
  6. "Kiwanis Malaysia: Breaking News - DYMM Sultanah Pahang Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom is the Patron of the Kiwanis Club of Kuantan". Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 29 September 2007.
  7. "DYMM Sultanah Pahang Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom DK | Leaders | Limkokwing University of Creative Technology". Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
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