‘Sultan Ahmad Shah has left us with a lot of fond memories’

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, yesterday extended their condolences to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Pahang royal family over the passing of former sultan of Pahang Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Sultan Abu Bakar.

“May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also extended her condolences via Twitter.

The Jalur Gemilang will be flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of respect.

Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar said: “We extend our condolences to all Pahang royalty over the passing of Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Sultan Abu Bakar.

“In respect of his Royal Highness, the Malaysian flag would be flown at half-mast on Wednesday and Thursday.”

The flags of Selangor and Perak will also be flown at half- mast.

“Our deepest condolences to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the people of Pahang over the passing of Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah,” said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

He said Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had ordered all state flags to be flown at half-mast for two days (Wednesday and Thursday) as a mark of respect for the passing of the former Pahang ruler.

In Ipoh, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has ordered that all state flags be flown at half-mast until the end of Sultan Ahmad Shah’s funeral today.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said Sultan Ahmad Shah had left a legacy of good deeds and services to the nation, state and people in his capacity as the fifth sultan of Pahang and the seventh Yang diPertuan Agong.

Known for his popular expression “nothing separates the ruler and his people” (Raja dan rakyat berpisah tiada), the late sultan had left his mark in many aspects, including religion, administration, military, education, culture, welfare and sports.

In Johor Baru, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar expressed condolences over the passing of Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, in her Instagram post, described the late ruler as one who cared for the people (berjiwa rakyat).

“The passing of Sultan Ahmad Shah is sad news for the people of Pahang and Malaysians, including myself. He was caring, approachable and liked by many.

“As someone from Pahang, I had the opportunity to perform for Almarhum Tuanku since my primary school days until I became an artiste.

“There are many meaningful memories of him that I will cherish forever.”

In Kuantan, people mourned the passing of their former ruler.

Felda Bukit Goh resident Mat Zahari Deraman, 69, said he received news that the former ruler had passed away about 10am through a WhatsApp message. Since there was no confirmation, he dismissed it as rumours.

“When I heard the official announcement, I was sad. The former sultan had served the people of Pahang for a very long time. Many have fond memories of meeting him during his visits.

“Young and old, adults and children alike loved his presence and gentle character.”

The former Felda Bukit Goh village headman said Sultan Ahmad Shah used to visit the settlers and listen to their problems.

Sometimes, he instructed officials to take action and resolve their issues.

Former journalist Diana Surya Abd Wahab, 38, said she was shocked to hear the news as the former ruler was approachable and never declined an interview when met during events.

“When he saw reporters waiting at an event, the former sultan would acknowledge us and ask if there were any questions for him.

“He would always provide concrete answers to our questions and gave us good stories.”

Cleaner A. Shanti, 50, described the former sultan as caring as he went down to the ground to meet the rakyat, especially during disasters and floods.

“I remember him visiting flood relief centres in the state during the floods in his rubber boots and thick jacket. He was very friendly towards the children. He will be missed.”

Football fan Abdullah Mamat, 40, said football and the former sultan were inseparable.

He said Sultan Ahmad Shah would drop by at Darul Makmur Stadium to watch matches between state teams and also greet the fans.

“I remember him coming to the stadium in a wheelchair and later going near the tracks to greet fans. He has left us with a lot of fond memories.”