Pahang Declares May 23 A State Holiday 40 Day Mourning Period For Sultan Ahmad Shah

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KUANTAN: Pahang has declared a state holiday on Thursday (May 23) to allow the people to pay their last respects to the late Sultan, Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah
State secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak said members of the public could pay their respects at the Balairung Seri of Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan from Wednesday (May 22) night until 9am Thursday (May 23) while members of royal families, ministers and dignitaries would be allowed to do so beginning 11am Thursday
He said those taking part in the ceremony must dress appropriately, with black baju Melayu with black sampin and songkok with white band for Muslim men and black baju kurung with tudung for Muslim women
The remains of Sultan Ahmad Shah is expected to arrive at the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Kuantan air base at about 5pm Wednesady before being taken to Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan.

Dr Sallehuddin added that the late Ruler's remains would be buried at the royal burial grounds next to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque in the town after Zohor prayers on Thursday.

Sultan Ahmad Shah died at the National Heart Institute at about 8.50am Wednesday (May 22). He was 88.Dr Sallehuddin also said a 40-day mourning period for the public had been declared while it would be 100 days for the royal family
For three days beginning Wednesday, all entertainment outlets would not be operating and within the state government, there would be no official functions
All mosques and suraus in the state will also hold nightly tahlil prayers
Dr Sallehuddin said as a mark of respect, all parties should abide by the ruling
"Pahang flags will fly at half-mast from today (May 22) for 40 days as a mark of respect for the late Ruler. No entertainment events or programmes will be held in Pahang between noon today and noon Saturday (three days) as a mark of respect," he said at a press conference Wednesday
Also present were Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman and Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) deputy president Datuk Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan.- Star

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