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JOHOR, Malaysia: Hundreds of ordinary Malaysians and leaders from the region turned up to pay respects as the late Johor Sultan was laid to rest on Saturday.
Sultan Iskandar Ismail died on Friday at the age of 77.
Johoreans lined the pathway to the Istana Besar from 9am to pay respects as the body of the late ruler laid in state.
From 11am, the crowd gave way to a wave of dignitaries. From Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife expressed their condolences to the late Sultan's widow and son, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, who has now been proclaimed as the new Sultan of Johor.
In his condolence letter to the late Sultan's wife and son, Mr Lee said the late leader paid a pivotal role in fostering good relations between the two countries.
He added that the late ruler had extended a warm hand of friendship and believed that as two neighbours, both sides would gain from strong ties and close cooperation.
Mr Lee also wrote of how the late Sultan had become frail but was still in good spirits when he came to Singapore in April 2007 to receive an honorary degree from the National University of Singapore, in recognition of his contribution to bilateral ties.
President S R Nathan also sent condolences on behalf of the nation and spoke of how the late Sultan's efforts helped promote stability, security and growth for both Johor and Singapore.
Also present in Johor was Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is reported to have cut short a state visit to India to fly back for the funeral.
He spoke with other Singapore leaders present like Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and other Cabinet Ministers.
Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad and other rulers like the Pahang Sultan also paid their respects, as did leaders from the region such as Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The late Sultan Iskandar Ismail was King of Malaysia for a period of five years from 1984-1989. Under Malaysia's system of a rotating monarchy, state rulers take turns to be king of the country for a period of five years.
A seven-day period of mourning has been declared for the people of Johor and 40 days for the royal family. - CNA/ms
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