KUALA LUMPUR: A sense of sadness has spread across the nation following news of the passing of Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.
Tuanku Abdul Halim passed away at 2:30pm at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Star, Kedah today. He was 89.
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, the royal family and Kedah people.
“May Allah bless his soul," Mohamad told reporters after opening a community centre.
Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob expressed his condolences to the family of the late sultan.
Ahmad said the sultan was a fair and just leader to his people while safeguarding 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,” he said in a statement.
Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman described the Sultan of Kedah as a ruler whose heart lay with the people.
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.
“Almarhum Tuanku was a state’s ruler who was friendly, people-oriented and caring. We share the sorrows and mourn with the state government and people of Kedah.
“We pray that Allah will bless his soul,” Musa said in a statement.
The passing of Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah is a great loss to the state and nation.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the sultan was caring and kind towards his subjects.
Describing the sultan as a humble person and easy to approach, Bashah said the ruler was compassionate about the welfare of the people.
"I knew about his passing at 2.30pm upon arriving at the airport here after performing the haj pilgrimage.
"The last time I met him was several days before I flew to Mecca," he said after officially announcing the sultan’s demise today.
Meanwhile, Sultan of Kedah senior private secretary Datuk Elmi Yusof said Sultan Abdul Halim was a dedicated ruler.
Elmi, who has served under Sultan Abdul Halim since 2002, said he had many fond memories with the sultan.
"I will remember that Sultan Abdul Halim was always punctual. He was always dedicated and compassionate on matters about his subjects.
"I followed him to Istana Negara when he was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the second time.
"He had good administrative skills and was always concerned with the wellbeing of the people," he said.