His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday attended the royal burial rites of Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail.

His Majesty arrived at the Istana Besar, Johor Bahru yesterday afternoon to pay his last respects to Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, according to a HMO (palace) press release.

The monarch also attended the funeral ceremony of Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail at the Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum. Also there to pay their last respects were other Malaysian kings, as well as Malaysian and foreign state dignitaries.

Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail was born in Istana Semayam, Johor Bahru on April 8, 1932, and was proclaimed the Sultan of Johor Darul Takzim on May 11, 1981. Three years later, the late Sultan was appointed as the 8th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

In accordance to the passing of Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj on Friday, 6th of Safar, 1431, corresponding with January 22, 2010, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam sent a message of condolence to His Royal Highness Tunku Ibrahim Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Acting Sultan of Johor Darul Takzim.

In the condolence message, His Majesty and the royal family, as well as people of Brunei Darussalam expressed their sincerest sympathies and condolences to His Royal Highness Tunku Ibrahim Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Acting Sultan of Johor Darul Takzim and the royal family of Johor Darul Takzim on the passing of the late Sultan.

In the message, His Majesty also prayed to Allah the Al-Mighty would bless Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakal Allallah Sultan Iskandar Alhaj in the hereafter. - Borneo Bulletin (24th January 2010)