KUALA LUMPUR: Tributes and condolences poured from sports personalities and entertainers following the passing of Sultan of Pahang Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah.
National youth football coach Ong Kim Swee took to his Twitter page to extend his condolences and express grief over the passing of the late ruler.
“Seven years ago Harimau Muda lost 5-1 to Hungarian side, Ferencvaros Torna Club, and our Football Association of Malaysia president at that time, Sultan Ahmad Shah came to visit.
“He said 'It doesn’t matter if you lose 5-1. This is the kind of game u have to play. Keep doing the right thing'. Thank you for everything. Rest in Peace,” Ong posted.
Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) executive council member Datuk Amarjit Singh thanked the former Sultan for his contribution in the sports arena.
“May God bless Sultan Ahmad Shah’s soul. His immense contribution to the world of sports particularly football will be his greatest legacy and not forgotten,” he posted on his personal Twitter account.
Popular songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin in her Instagram post described the late ruler as a Sultan who cared for the people.
“The news of the passing of Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah is a very sad for all Pahang people and Malaysians, including myself.
“He is someone who is known to be caring, easily approachable and was liked by many.
“As someone from Pahang, I had the opportunity to perform for Almarhum Tuanku since my primary school days until I became an artist.
“There are many meaningful memories that I will cherish forever,” she said, extending condolences to Sultan Ahmad Shah’s son, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his consort, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Pahang royalties.
Popular TV host and actress Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor also offered her condolences on her Twitter page. “Innalillah, my sincere condolences to the Pahang royal family. Al-Fatihah,” she said.
Sultan Ahmad Shah was the Pahang’s fifth ruler and reigned as the country’s seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1979 to 1984. He passed away this morning at the National Heart Institute.