DPM: I will uphold peace, as Sultan Abdul Halim wished

ALOR STAR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will fulfil the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah’s wish to assist Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to uphold the country’s peace and security.

He said the late Kedah ruler’s wish was conveyed to him in December during an official sending-off ceremony in Kuala Lumpur when the sultan and Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Haminah Hamidun completed their term as Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong.

“In his last words to me at the ceremony, Sultan Abdul Halim told me to help the prime minister and ensure that peace and security are always safeguarded,” he said after paying his last respects at Istana Anak Bukit here yesterday.

Zahid, who is also home minister, represented Najib on behalf of the Federal Government. He spent about 10 minutes reciting prayers for the late sultan.

He said Sultanah Haminah had expressed her wish for all leaders to emulate Sultan Abdul Halim’s discipline and punctuality.

“Sultanah Haminah wishes all leaders to emulate the late sultan’s principles so that they can be good examples to the people.”

Zahid said he knew Sultan Abdul Halim since 2009, when he was defence minister handling the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition.

“We developed a good rapport since then.”

He said the relationship was strengthened when he accompanied the late sultan to official events when he was the king.

“Sultan Abdul Halim was a true people’s leader, very disciplined and punctual. No matter how busy he was, he would meet the rakyat and shook their hands when they welcomed him.”