Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for everyone's prayers and condolences.

He said that they have helped soothe the family's grieving hearts since the passing of his son Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim, who lost his battle with cancer earlier this month.

While this has been a difficult time for the royal family of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim said he hopes the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation set up by his son will benefit many Malaysians battling with cancer.

The fourth child of the Sultan of Johor, Tunku Abdul Jalil, 25, died at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on Dec 5.

He was laid to rest at the Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum in Johor Baru

This is Sultan Ibrahim's full message, as posted on his official Facebook page:

It has been 12 days since my son, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Jalil, Tunku Laksamana Johor, left us.

My family and I would like to express our gratitude to everyone for offering their prayers and their messages of condolence for Almarhum.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and Menjunjung kasih to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan dan Yang di-Pertuan Negeri Pahang Darul Makmur, Sultan Ahmad Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, who was there throughout Almarhum's funeral.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my other brother Rulers for their messages of condolences and to their representatives. Thank you to the executive council members, ministers, foreign dignitaries, relatives, friends, Bangsa Johor, and all Malaysians, who came to pay their last respects to Almarhum.

It has been a very difficult time for us, his family, to cope even as we treasure all the wonderful memories we have of him. The love everyone has shown towards Almarhum has been overwhelming and has helped soothe our grieving hearts.

As a father, the pain of losing a son is unbearable. No parent should bury their child but, Allah, The Most Wise, knows best.

Almarhum was humble, kind and caring, and I am very proud of him. Even during his last moments, when he was enduring a lot of pain, his concern was not about himself but about all of us.

His smiles lit up our world and although he left us before we were ready to let go, he will live on in our hearts forever.

I hope that The Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation which he set up to help those with cancer will benefit many Malaysians, young and old, who are battling the disease.

Lil, my son, you are special and unforgettable. Your mother, your brothers and sister, and I, will remember you for the rest of our lives. Al-Fatihah.