KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed his condolences to the family of former Dewan Negara Speaker and (former) Perlis mentri besar Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Pawanteh who died this evening.
Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also conveyed her condolences to the family of the deceased.
The Istana Negara in a Facebook post tonight announced that the King and Queen both expressed sadness at the passing of Abdul Hamid and hoped his family would persevere in the face of his demise.
“Their Majesties also pray that the soul of the deceased be granted mercy by Allah SWT and be placed among the pious.
“Both Seri Paduka praised the deceased for his services, dedication and devotion to the community and described Abdul Hamid’s passing as a great loss to the nation,” the message added.
Abdul Hamid in his lifetime was appointed as the 14th Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat from 2003 to 2009 and was also Deputy Speaker.
He was mentri besar of Perlis from 1986 to 1995 and served as a Member of Parliament for Arau from 1982 to 1986 and became Kangar MP from 1999 to 2003.
He also held the position of Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for 12 years from 2003.
Reportedly, Abdul Hamid, 78, breathed his last at 3.15pm today at his residence in Arau and is understood to have suffered from a kidney ailment for the past five years. — Bernama
