Pahang in 40 days of mourning
State declares holiday today for royal burial – flags fly at half mast
KUANTAN: Pahang has declared 40 days of mourning for the public following the passing of former Sultan of Pahang, Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.
State secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak said the mourning period for the royal family was 100 days.
Meanwhile, for three days beginning yesterday, all entertainment outlets would not be operating and within the state government, there would be no official functions.
All mosques and suraus in the state would also hold tahlil prayers every night.
Dr Sallehuddin said all parties have to abide by the ruling.
“Pahang flags will fly at half-mast from today for 40 days as a mark of respect for the late Ruler. No entertainment events or programmes will be held in Pahang between noon today and noon Saturday (three days) as a mark of respect,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Also present were Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman and Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) deputy president Datuk Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan.
Dr Sallehuddin also said today has been declared a state holiday so that the people could take the opportunity to pay their last respects to the former Sultan.
He said members of the public could pay their respects at the Balairung Seri of Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan until 9am, today while members of royal families, ministers and dignitaries would be allowed to do so beginning 11am.
He said those taking part in the ceremony have to dress appropriately, including black baju Melayu with black sampin and songkok with white band for Muslim men and black baju kurung with tudung for Muslim women.
Dr Sallehuddin added that the late Ruler’s remains would be buried at the royal burial grounds next to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque in the town after Zohor prayers today.