By R. Vikneswaran
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The presence of a six-year-old American Shorthair cat named ‘King Oyen’ was among the highlights that captured public attention during the full rehearsal for the 2026 National Day Parade at Dataran Putrajaya today.
Looking dashing in a shirt, a Jalur Gemilang-patterned tanjak and dark sunglasses, King Oyen arrived on his own ‘superbike’ amid thousands of visitors, but he was not there for a leisurely ride.
His owner, Mohd Salleh Zakaria, 54, said the feline was there to show moral support for his ‘youngest sister’, Siti Aleesa Nadia, who is part of the Ministry of National Unity’s contingent for this year’s parade.
Known as ‘Daddy Oyen’, he said King Oyen’s participation in the National Day parade events was nothing new, as this marked the celebrity cat’s fourth year of joining the country’s National Day celebrations.
“King Oyen is accustomed to noisy surroundings and the roar of engines, such as fighter jets, helicopters and heavy machinery. We have trained him to remain calm and not be afraid when he is among crowds.
“At home, he is mischievous like any ordinary cat, but when he is outside, he is very disciplined and follows instructions. We give him simple commands, and if he ‘behaves’, then he is allowed to join us,” he told Bernama when met during the rehearsal.
His wife, or ‘Mummy Oyen’, Siti Zalifah Abd Aziz, 53, who was also present, said King Oyen enjoys watching air shows featuring fighter jets and helicopters, and he is able to follow commands such as shaking hands and giving fist bumps.
She said King Oyen’s presence often brightens the atmosphere and attracts public attention, including from foreign tourists who do not miss the opportunity to take photographs with him.
“Usually, many people want to take pictures with him. We live in Kuala Lumpur and often bring him to KL Car Free Morning and other events.
“We also take him kayaking, horse riding and cycling,” she said, adding that the family has seven other cats at home.
King Oyen’s activities have also attracted the attention of netizens, with his king_oyen2022 account having more than 77,000 followers on TikTok and 24,000 on Instagram.
Meanwhile, visitor Wan Anis Farieha Wan Ahmad Kaspi, 36, who attended the rehearsal with her three children, aged 9, 7 and 5, shared her excitement at meeting King Oyen.
“My children and I were very excited to meet King Oyen, who could be considered a VIP. We managed to take a photograph with Oyen,” said the private-sector employee.
King Oyen will also make an appearance at the 2026 National Day Parade on Monday.
-- BERNAMA