PRIME Minister Najib Razak has expressed sadness and conveyed his condolences over the death of Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah today.

The ruler died at 2.30pm at Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Star. He was 89.

In posts on Twitter and Facebook, Najib said he had a close and cordial relationship with Tuanku Abdul Halim in both an official and a personal capacity.

“Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun. I am most saddened by the news of the demise of Tuanku a while ago,” he said.

“In my personal capacity and on behalf of the federal government, with grief, I convey my condolences to the royal family of Kedah.

“May the Almighty bless his soul and place him among the righteous. Al-Fatihah.”

He said Tuanku Abdul Halim was held in high esteem as the ruler of Kedah and during his two terms as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Najib said the sultan was a friendly and prudent ruler beloved by the people.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also conveyed his condolences to the royal family and people of Kedah.

“May the soul of Tuanku be blessed by the Almighty. Al-Fatihah,” he said on Twitter.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak, too, expressed his condolences.

“May the soul of Tuanku be blessed by the Almighty. Al-Fatihah,” he tweeted. – Bernama, September 11, 2017.