MFA Press Statement: The Passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Abdul Halim, The Sultan of Kedah, 11 September 2017

          Acting President J. Y. Pillay and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to Her Royal Highness Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Binti Haji Hamidun, the Sultanah of Kedah, to convey their condolences on the passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Abdul Halim, the Sultan of Kedah and the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The text of the letters are appended.

          Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan attended the funeral of His Royal Highness Sultan Abdul Halim in Alor Star, Kedah, this morning.  Minister Balakrishnan conveyed condolences from the Government and the people of Singapore.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

12 SEPTEMBER 2017 

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Letter from Acting President J. Y. Pillay to Kebawah DYMM Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Binti Haji Hamidun, Sultanah of Kedah

12 September 2017

Kebawah DYMM Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Binti Haji Hamidun

Sultanah of Kedah

Malaysia

Your Royal Highness,

          On behalf of the people of Singapore, I express my deep condolence to you and your family on the passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Abdul Halim, the Sultan of Kedah.

          His Royal Highness led a full life. In an extraordinary reign that lasted almost six decades, His Royal Highness demonstrated tremendous care and love for the people of his beloved Kedah. He made history as the first Ruler to have held the post of Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice. As Agong, he was a benevolent and wise ruler who held the welfare of the people of Malaysia above all else. During his two terms as Agong, His Royal Highness introduced many initiatives which helped to improve the lives of all Malaysians. Singaporeans fondly recall His Royal Highness’ State Visit to Singapore in May 2014 which helped to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, and bring the two countries closer together.

          His Royal Highness’ passing is a sad loss and he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

J. Y. PILLAY

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Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Kebawah DYMM Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Binti Haji Hamidun, Sultanah of Kedah

12 September 2017

Your Royal Highness,

            My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Abdul Halim, the Sultan of Kedah. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.

            His Royal Highness was well-loved and respected by the people of Malaysia. During his two terms as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Royal Highness served the nation with selfless dedication. Despite the heavy demands his royal duties placed on him, His Royal Highness conducted himself with humility and was always concerned for the well-being of his people. We had the privilege of calling on His Royal Highness when he made his State Visit to Singapore in May 2014. He was warm and engaging, and I enjoyed my conversation with him very much. 

            His Royal Highness’ passing is a great loss to the people of Malaysia, and he will be dearly missed by everyone.    

Yours sincerely,

Lee Hsien Loong

Kebawah DYMM Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Binti Haji Hamidun

Sultanah of Kedah

Malaysia