Tributes keep pouring in from diplomats and politicians

KUALA LUMPUR: Condolences keep pouring in from foreign diplomatic missions, political leaders from both sides of the divide and many common people who have been touched by the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

The missions conveyed their condolences to the Kedah royal family, state government and Kedahans through Facebook and Twitter.

The US Embassy and British High Commission posted their condolences on FB and Twitter. The embassies of Finland and Hungary also posted comforting words on FB.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Malaysia, Olexander Nechytaylo, tweeted: “He is the person I presented my credentials to and I still vividly remember his warm attitude. When I introduced myself, he expressed wide interests about Ukraine and for that, I appreciate his personality.”

“I believe he had won the hearts of all Malaysians,” said Nechytaylo, who presented his credentials to the late Sultan last year.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the late Sultan was a highly respected Ruler during the two terms that he reigned as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as well as the Sultan of Kedah.

MCA said “the late Sultan will be remembered by all the people of Kedah and Malaysia as a people’s Ruler”.

PAS’ Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang also said the Sultan was loved by the people.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, in a Facebook post, said: “Al-Fatihah. Tuanku was a people-oriented Ruler.”

PKR, in its condolence message, prayed that the Almighty bless Sultan Abdul Halim’s soul and place him among the righteous.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recalled a fond memory with the late Tuanku when they both took the bus from Penang to Kedah.

“I knew him since he was young, and he is one of the most soft-spoken person I have ever known,” he said.

In Alor Setar, the people thronged Istana Anak Bukit to pay their last respects at the lying-in-state at Balai Penghadapan.

Members of the public paid their last respects from 11am to 12.30pm. Dignitaries paid their last respects from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Social media flooded with anecdotes and condolences for the late Kedah Sultan.