Najib’s curious connection with Tuanku Abdul Halim

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he had a curious connection with the late Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

Upon reaching Washington, DC, Najib held a press conference to convey his condolences to the Kedah royal family and noted an interesting thing that the late Sultan, who was Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice, told him.

“He said that he first became Yang di-Pertuan Agong when my father was the prime minister and a second time when I was PM.

“According to him, it is unlikely that this will happen again in Malaysia’s history,” Najib said.

He added that Tuanku Abdul Halim first became King when Malaysia was undergoing a “process of democratic recovery” after the May 13 tragedy and the economy was blossoming under the New Economic Policy.

“In his second term, he witnessed ... a modern, dynamic and progressive Malaysia.

“Because of that, his (terms) as Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be recorded in history as a period that was special,” said Najib.

The PM also requested that the Jalur Gemilang be flown at half-mast nationwide for two days from today.

In a Twitter post, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said: “May the soul of Tuanku be blessed by the Almighty. Al-Fatihah.”

Transport Minister and MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, in expressing his condolences to the Kedah royal family, said: “Almarhum Tuanku will always be remembered by all the Kedah people and Malaysians as a King who has the people at heart.”

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak also expressed his condolences in a Twitter post.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun also expressed his condolences to the Kedah royal family. Mohamad Fuzi said in a statement that Tuanku Abdul Halim’s passing was a great loss to the country and its people.

“The Royal Malaysian police will do everything we can to help in the funeral proceedings and make sure everything goes smoothly,” he said.

PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also extended her condolences.

“With a heavy heart and sadness, I, on the behalf of the family of Keadilan and Pakatan Harapan, send my condolences to the Kedah Sultanah Tuanku Haminah, the children, the royal family, and the people of Kedah,” she said in a statement.