Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recalled that the late Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, reminded him to assist the prime minister in maintaining harmony and security in the country.

According to Zahid, Sultan Abdul Halim said this before returning to Istana Anak Bukit, Alor Setar, upon the end of latter’s term as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Dec 2016.

"I got to know Almarhum (late sultan) when I was defence minister. We were holding Lima (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition), and Tuanku told me to provide a lift facility at the exhibition hall as Tuanku could not climb the stairs.

"Almarhum also urged members of the Kedah royalty and state government leaders to visit Lima,” he further recalled when met by reporters after paying his last respects to the late sultan at Istana Anak Bukit today.

Zahid said there were many other pieces of advice from Sultan Abdul Halim that were too personal to be shared.

He said the late sultan was also a very disciplined individual, always punctual when attending ceremonies and always appreciating the rakyat.

“No matter what, Almarhum would always salam with members of the public who lined up to greet him at any event,” he added.

Sultan Abdul Halim passed away at 2.30pm yesterday at Istana Anak Bukit at age 89 after reigning over Kedah for 59 years.

The late sultan will be laid to rest at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum about 4pm today.

- Bernama