Getting to Know the Last Raja Bendahara of Perak
His Royal Highness Raja Bendahara of Perak, the late Raja Abdul Rashid ibni Sultan Idris Murshidul 'azam Shah I. For the information of our loyal readers at orangperak.com, the late Raja Abdul Rashid was the last Raja Bendahara of Perak.
The late Raja Abdul Rashid was born on 12 July 1889 in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, to his mother, Che Ngah Uteh Mariah. The late Raja Abdul Rashid was appointed as Raja Kecil Tengah on 10 May 1934, elevated to Raja Di Hilir on 1 October 1939, and subsequently became Raja Bendahara on 15 July 1948. For the information of our loyal readers at orangperak.com, the late Raja Abdul Rashid was married 8 times, and the following is the list of his wives:
- First wife: Raja Lun Zubaidah bt Raja Ahmad
- Second wife: Che Rafidah bt Uda Maa'mor
- Third wife: Che Maheran bt Abdullah
- Fourth wife: Raja Kimas bt Raja Sir Chulan
- Fifth wife: Raja Halimah
- Sixth wife: Cik Aminah bt Awang
- Seventh wife: Sharifah Rokiah bt Syed Kassim
- Eighth wife: Raja Puan Kecil Raja Aishah bt Raja Saidin
Raja Abdul Rashid eventually passed away on 24 November 1958 and was laid to rest at the Kuala Kangsar Royal Mausoleum, known today as the Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum, with full Perak royal honors befitting a titled Prince.
The remains of Raja Abdul Rashid were brought down from the residence of Sharifah Rokiah, his seventh wife, before being taken to the royal burial grounds. Following the passing of Raja Abdul Rashid in 1958, the Sultan of Perak at the time, the late Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah, abolished the title of Raja Bendahara.
At that time, the holder of the Raja Bendahara title was the second in line to the Perak throne after the Raja Muda. This title, which had been held by the Perak royal family for 200 years, was finally returned to the commoners, as it was originally intended.
Today, the title is better known as Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja. Al-Fatihah, and may the soul of Raja Abdul Rashid ibni Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah be placed among the faithful and the righteous.
Source: tengkusyah.blogspot.my and images from sembangkuala
