Journey home: The van with Sultan Azlan Shah’s body leaving the National Heart Institute back to Kuala Kangsar yesterday. — Bernama
IPOH: Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak has passed away at the age of 86.
He died at 1.30pm yesterday at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur and will be laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum in Kuala Kangsar after Asar prayers today.
The proclamation of the new Sultan will be made at 2.30pm before the funeral procession begins.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir announced “with deep sorrow the passing of our beloved Sultan” in a live telecast over RTM.
He said the national flag will be flown at half-mast in Perak for seven days from yesterday, and the state flag for 100 days.
All forms of celebration and entertainment are disallowed during the seven days.
Dr Zambry said the public could pay their last respects from 9am to 11.30am at the Balairong Seri, Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar, followed by ministers and state dignitaries from 11.45pm to 1.15pm.
The King, members of royal families and national dignitaries will pay their respects between 1.30pm and 2.15pm.
Today is a public holiday in Perak.
Raja Azlan Shah ascended to the throne on Dec 9, 1985. He leaves behind his consort, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, their children Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, 56, Datuk Seri Raja Azureen, 55, Raja Eleena, 53, and Raja Yong Sofia, 52, and grandchildren.
Their other son Raja Kecil Sulong Datuk Seri Raja Ashman Shah died at the age of 54 on March 30, 2012.
The remains of the Ruler were taken from IJN, the National Heart Institute, at 5.08pm yesterday.
They were carried in a Defence Ministry hearse, accompanied by members of the Perak royal family and escorted by police outriders.
Grieving prince: Raja Nazrin at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Among the royals in the 13-vehicle convoy were Tuanku Bainun and Raja Eleena.
Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and his wife Tuanku Zara Salim were seen at IJN in the afternoon.
IJN staff said the Sultan had been treated at the institute over the past two years.
– The Star
