PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali today extended their condolences to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the entire Pahang royal family for the passing of former Sultan of Pahang, Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah.
"May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous," said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.
Sultan Ahmad Shah died at 8.50am today at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. He was 88.
News of his passing was confirmed by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Sultan Ahmad Shah was reported ill and abdicated the throne after reigning for nearly 45 years. He was succeeded by Al-Sultan Abdullah on Jan 15 this year, as the sixth Sultan of Pahang.
Members of the public can pay their final respects to the former Pahang ruler at the Balairung Seri of Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan from tonight until 9am tomorrow.
Members of royal families, ministers and dignitaries will be able to pay their last respects, beginning 11am tomorrow.
The remains of Sultan Ahmad Shah is scheduled to arrive at the RMAF Kuantan air base at about 5pm today before being taken to Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan.
He will be buried at the royal burial grounds next to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque after the zohor prayers tomorrow.