Tunku Ismail: I forgive him

KUANTAN: “I forgive him for what he did as we both loved him very much.”  

Tunku Datuk Ismail Tunku Sulaiman said this when asked how he felt about the tragic incident that had befallen his family. 

When met by The Star at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital yesterday, Tunku Ismail said he was fully aware of what had taken place. 

“Only Allah knows the suffering and pain I am going through without my beloved wife by my side,” he said with tears brimming in his eyes. 

On Monday, Tunku Ismail’s son Tunku Rizal Shahzan had attacked him for no apparent reason. 

When his wife Tengku Datuk Puteri Kamariah Sultan Abu Bakar went to his aid, their son stabbed her in the back, killing her. 

About six hours later, Tunku Rizal Shahzan died in the hospital of a drug overdose. 

The royal couple, married for more than 40 years, had eight children, including twins Tunku Rizal Shahzan and Tunku Rizal Ramadan, both 21. 

Tunku Ismail, 69, could only find comfort now from looking at his daughters, who all bear an uncanny resemblance to their late mother Tengku Puteri Kamariah. 

He maintained that he bore no hatred against Tunku Rizal Shahzan but was still puzzled why his son suddenly turned violent and attacked him. 

Despite still feeling weak from the five-hour operation to stitch up the wounds on his chest and abdomen, he managed to smile wanly to his visitors. 

Meanwhile, prayers were being held nightly at the couple’s Villa Ismaputri, attended mainly by relatives and friends.  

Several tents have been erected across the road to accommodate visitors and well-wishers calling to offer prayers for Tengku Puteri Kamariah and Tunku Rizal Shahzan.