July 11, 2019 @ 7:39pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali received a pleasant surprise when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong threw an impromptu birthday party for both of them at the Istana Negara here today.

The special moment came following the presentation of the Darjah Yang Maha Utama Darjah Kerabat Diraja Malaysia (D.K.M) to Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Dr Mahathir appeared to be genuinely caught offguard when the special cake along with a pulut kuning dish were brought into the room to mark his 94th birthday, which was yesterday. Dr Siti Hasmah celebrates her 92nd birthday tomorrow.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan Raja Permaisuri Agong berkenan membuat kejutan sambutan hari lahir PM bersama isteri beliau di Istana Negara

The royal couple joined in when those present began to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song at the cake-cutting ceremony.

The piano-shaped cake in black and white was decorated with flowers, a miniature violin, a piece of musical note and books — perhaps a reflection of Dr Mahathir’s well-known love for reading and Dr Siti Hasmah’s passion for music.

The prime minister and his wife of 63 years then fed each other with a slice of the cake, the happy moment witnessed by Sultan Abdullah and the Queen.

The ceremony was also witnessed by the Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. — Bernama