KUANTAN: A public holiday has been declared in Pahang on Thursday (May 23) following the death of former Sultan of Pahang, Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah.
The announcement was made by state secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak, who also said the state would observe a mourning period of 40 days to mark the death of the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The Pahang flag, he added, will fly at half-mast from today for 40 days as a mark of respect for the late ruler.
"No entertainment events will be held in Pahang between 12 noon today and 12 noon Saturday (three days) as a mark of respect for the passing of the former sultan," said Sallehuddin during a press conference at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
Sultan Ahmad Shah breathed his last at 8.50am today at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. He was 88.
News of his passing was announced by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
His son Al-Sultan Abdullah succeeded Sultan Ahmad Shah as the sixth Sultan of Pahang on Jan 15 this year after the latter, who was reported to be ill, abdicated the throne after reigning for nearly 45 years.
Members of the public can pay their final respects to the former Pahang ruler at the Balairung Seri of Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan from tonight until 9am tomorrow (May 23).
Members of royal families, ministers and dignitaries will be allowed to pay their last respects beginning 11am tomorrow, said Sallehuddin.
The remains of Sultan Ahmad Shah will arrive at the RMAF Kuantan air base at about 5pm today before being taken to Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan.
He will be buried at the royal burial grounds next to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque after Zohor prayers tomorrow.