Sultan Nazrin saddened by Pak Lah's passing

Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah, along with the state legislative assembly, has expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences over the passing of fifth prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last night.

The sultan conveyed his condolences when gracing the opening of the Third Session of the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly today.

As a mark of respect and mourning, His Royal Highness has decreed that the state flag of Perak be flown at half-mast today, symbolising the collective grief of the people and the state of Perak.

“Together with the Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, the members of this august house and the people of Perak, we express deep sorrow over the passing of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and extend our condolences to Jeanne Abdullah and the family of the late statesperson.

“May the soul of the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi be blessed with divine mercy and grace and be placed among the righteous,” Sultan Nazrin said.

Abdullah, 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm yesterday.

Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah served as the Kepala Batas MP from 1978 to 2008. He was prime minister from Oct 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, succeeding Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

- Bernama

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