King and queen pay their last respects to Sultan Ismail Petra

KOTA BARU: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah paid his last respects to the late Sultan Ismail Petra at Istana Balai Besar here yesterday.

The king, accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, arrived at the palace at 3.20pm.

Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The king and queen had earlier expressed their condolences to Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, and the Kelantan royal family over the death of Sultan Ismail Petra.

Sultan Abdullah had decreed that all flags in Pahang be flown at half-mast for three days, starting today.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was saddened by the news of Sultan Ismail Petra’s passing.

“When he was the ruler, we had a good relationship. He was easy to work with. I send my condolences to the Kelantan royal family,” he said at a press conference with Malaysian media in New York.

Members of other royal families also offered their condolences over the death of Sultan Ismail Petra.

Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, in a statement issued by his private secretary, Mohd Sofwan Mohd Khatib, offered condolences to the family of the former sultan of Kelantan.

The acting ruler of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Tunku Mahkota of Johor, extended his condolences to Sultan Muhammad V and the Kelantan royal family.

Meanwhile, condolatory messages also came in from senior government officials.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador prayed that Sultan Ismail Petra’s soul would be blessed by Allah and placed among martyrs and believers.

“The police will provide the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth funeral ceremony.”