KUALA LANGSAR, 19 May: An atmosphere of grief was clearly felt today when the people visited the remains of the late Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, at Istana Iskandariah.
People of various backgrounds were seen arriving at Istana Iskandariah as early as 8.30 am and were allowed into Balairung Seri half an hour later to pay their last respects.
The paying of last respects from 9 am to 11.30 am was confined to members of the public. Dignitaries, ministers, deputy ministers, menteris besar, chief ministers and representatives of foreign missions paid their last respects between 11.45 am and 1.15 pm.
Bernama reported the Malay rulers, Yang Dipertuas Negeri and national leaders paid their last respects between 1.30 pm and 2.15 pm.
It was a melancholic situation at the Balairong Seri, as students, mosque officials and officers from the Perak Islamic Religious Department read verses from the Holy Qu’ran.
Earlier, the Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun; the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah; Raja Puan Besar, Tuanku Zara and royalties arrived at Balairung Seri.
Also present was the Chief Minister of Perak, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and state dignitaries.
People from all walks of life, mostly dressed in black as a sign of mourning, then proceeded to the throne room where the casket of the late Sultan was laid to rest and prayers were lifted up, according their respective religious believes, before leaving the Balairung Seri.