Negri Ruler’s youngest son dies after illness

Farewell to the prince: Tuanku Muhriz performing the final rites for Tunku Alif as members of the royal family look on.

SEREMBAN: Tunku Alif Hussein Saifuddin Al-Amin (pic), the youngest son of Negri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, died at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz in Kuala Lumpur following an illness.

The 31-year-old prince, who died at 11.55am yesterday, was laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum in Istana Besar Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, yesterday evening.

The ceremony was attended by immediate members of the royal family.

Tunku Alif was born on Sept 3, 1984 to Tuanku Muhriz and Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.

The royal couple have two other sons, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin, 38, and Tunku Zain Al-Abidin, 33.

State MCA chief Datuk Seri King Lim conveyed his condolences on behalf of the state MCA to Tuanku Muhriz and the Negri Sembilan royal family.

“We are very saddened to hear of the prince’s passing and our hearts go out to Tuanku and his family.

“Tuanku Muhriz did not forego his duties and presided over the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his birthday on Thursday, despite the fact that his son was ill and in hospital.

“He has our utmost respect and support in this difficult time,” he said.

State MIC chief Datuk L. Manickam also conveyed condolences to the royal family.

“It is a sad day for all of us. We pray that the royal family will remain strong during this trying period,’’ he said.

Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism state chapter head V. Kandasamy said: “We share the royal family’s grief on the loss of the prince.

“The Tuanku has always been supportive of inter faith activities and in promoting racial harmony in the state and country.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family.”