NATION MOURNS SULTAN’S DEATH
The passing of Sultan Abdul Halim a loss to nation and state, says Kedah MB
ASENSE of sadness has spread across the nation following news of the passing of Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
Sultan Abdul Halim passed away at 2.30pm at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Star, Kedah, yesterday. He would have been 90 in two months.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the death of the sultan was a great loss to the state and nation.
He said Sultan Abdul Halim was caring and kind to the people.
Describing the sultan as humble and easy to approach, Bashah said the ruler was concerned about the people’s welfare.
“I knew about his passing at 2.30pm upon arriving at the airport here after performing the haj. The last time I met him was several days before I flew to Mecca,” he said after officially announcing the sultan’s demise yesterday.
Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said: “On behalf of the Negri Sembilan government and its people, we would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the Sultan of Kedah to the royal family and Kedah people. May Allah bless his soul.”
Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob also expressed his condolences to the Kedah royal family.
Ahmad said Tuanku Abdul Halim was a fair and just leader to his people who safeguarded the teachings of Islam under his rule.
“I pray that Allah will bless his soul and forgive him, and that he would be placed among the pious.”
Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman described the sultan as a ruler who kept the people close to his heart.
Musa said Sabah people felt the loss just as much as the people and government of Kedah.
“We extend our condolences to the royal family of Kedah on his demise. Tuanku was a friendly, people-oriented and caring ruler. We share the sorrow and mourn with the state government and people of Kedah.
“We pray that Allah will bless his soul,” Musa said.
The Sultan of Kedah’s senior private secretary, Datuk Elmi Yusoff said Tuanku Abdul Halim was a dedicated ruler.
Elmi, who has served under Tuanku Abdul Halim since 2002, said he had many fond memories of the sultan.
“Tuanku Abdul Halim was always punctual. He was always dedicated and compassionate on matters regarding his subjects.
“I followed him to Istana Negara when he was elected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the second time. He had good administrative skills and was always concerned about the people’s wellbeing.”