Public can pay last respects to Pak Lah at Masjid Negara tomorrow - Khairy

Members of the public who wish to pay their last respects to the country’s fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi can do so from 11am to 1pm during the lying-in-state at Masjid Negara (National Mosque) tomorrow.

According to his son-in-law, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the lying-in-state would take place at the main prayer hall of the mosque before the remains of the statesperson are taken to the Heroes’ Mausoleum for the burial ceremony.

“(Later today), his remains will be taken first to his residence in the capital and Masjid Negara tomorrow morning.

“Those who wish to pay their last respects to Pak Lah can come to Masjid Negara,” he told a press conference after claiming Abdullah’s remains at the National Heart Institute (IJN) tonight.

Also present were Abdullah’s son Kamaluddin Abdullah, and daughter, Nori.

Abdullah breathed his last at IJN at 7.10pm today, surrounded by family members. He was 85.

However, Khairy said non-Muslims, however, are advised to wear appropriate clothing to enter the mosque’s prayer hall.

“The funeral prayer for Pak Lah will be held after the Zohor prayers.

“We would like to thank Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the permission granted for Pak Lah to be laid to rest at the Heroes’ Mausoleum near Masjid Negara,” said Khairy.

Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah helmed the country’s premiership from Oct 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009.

- Bernama

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