PEKAN: Thousands of people from all walks of life made their way to Istana Abu Bakar here to pay their final respects to Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah.
Dignitaries, as well as members of the public, came to the palace as early as 8am on Thursday to mourn the passing of the former Pahang Sultan.
Members of the public were allowed to visit the palace from 11pm on Wednesday night (May 22).
People came dressed in black, and many men wore songkok adorned with a white band.
Among the early arrivals were Council of Eminent Persons chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin and the Pahang football team, led by head coach Dollah Salleh.
Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman arrived at 9.30am and greeted the people as they conveyed their condolences to him.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the other federal leaders are expected to arrive later in the morning to pay their respects.
Sultan Ahmad Shah died at the National Heart Institute at about 8.50am on Wednesday.
His remains will be buried at the royal burial grounds next to the Sultan Ahmad Shah mosque in the royal town after Zohor prayers.
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