Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Passes Away

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail, 77, died at the Puteri Specialist Hospital at 7.15pm after being admitted last night following an illness.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in announcing the Sultan's demise said that his remains would be buried at the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum at 2pm today.
"The Sultan of Johor was very much respected and loved," he said when reading the statement to announce the death of the Sultan at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim, here last night.
He said the proclamation of the new Sultan of Johor would be made today at Istana Besar before the funeral.

Earlier yesterday, Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Sultan Iskandar was appointed the Regent of Johor in a ceremony at the Istana Besar.
When asked by journalists on the cause of death, Abdul Ghani declined to elaborate.
"May Allah bless the soul of the late sultan," he said at a media conference which was also attended by State Secretary Datuk Abdul Latif Yusof, the Secretary of the Johor Royal Council Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli, and Johor Police Chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff.
The Menteri Besar said the Sultan's remains would be taken to the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum beginning at 1.30pm today.

He said the people of Johor could pay their last respects to the Sultan at Istana Besar beginning at 9am today while state dignitaries could pay their last respects between 11am and 12.30 noon.
Meanwhile, Abdul Ghani called on the people of Johor to mourn the ruler's death for seven days beginning today.

As for members of the royal family, he said the period of mourning would be 40 days beginning today.
Abdul Ghani said the state flag would be flown at half mast for seven days beginning last night and all forms of entertainment and games would be cancelled throughout the royal funeral.
He also directed all mosques and surau in the state to hold 'tahlil' sessions and special prayers after the Maghrib prayers for seven days beginning today.
Meanwhile, Sultan Iskandar's remains were seen being brought to the Istana Besar at 11.22pm last night.

The van ferrying the Sultan's remains was seen leaving the Puteri Specialists Hospital, escorted by scores of police outriders, vehicles carrying the Johor royal families, Johor state executive councillors and the Johor Military Force (JMF) vehicles.
Police personnel, JMF as well as Rela members maintained tight security at the hospital compound following the large presence of media representatives including those from Singapore as well as the general public.

Sultan Iskandar had been admitted to the hospital yesterday.
The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah were among the early visitors who paid their respects.

"SEMOGA ROH ALMARHUM BAGINDA SULTAN ISKANDAR DICUCURI RAHMAT OLEH NYA...AL-FATIHAH..."