The Royal Funeral of Sultan Azlan Shah, A Symbol of Heritage and Honor of the Malay Sultanate
The Royal Funeral of Sultan Azlan Shah, A Symbol of Heritage and Honor of the Malay Sultanate
On May 28, 2014, Malaysia mourned the passing of the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuff Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah, the 34th Sultan of Perak. He passed away at the age of 86 at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur, and was laid to rest with full royal honors at the Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar.
The funeral ceremony, which took place on May 29, 2014, was not merely a final tribute, but a symbol of the heritage, culture, and nobility of the Perak Malay Sultanate institution.
The ceremony began with a final tribute at the Balairong Seri, Istana Iskandariah, where the late Sultan's remains were laid on a three-tiered dais covered in yellow velvet, surrounded by his royal regalia. Thousands of people from all walks of life attended to pay their final respects, proving their love and respect for a king who was close to the people and a prominent national judicial figure.
At 4:30 PM, the late Sultan's remains were carried from the palace to the Ubudiah Mosque on a special royal carriage known as the “Seraja Diraja”. This carriage was pulled in turns by 40 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police, accompanied by the recitation of the Holy Quran and an 86-gun salute, one for each year of his life. The atmosphere throughout the procession was deeply somber and moving, witnessed by the public who flooded the streets as a sign of their love for the late Sultan.
Upon arrival at the Ubudiah Mosque, the funeral prayer was led by Ustaz Mohd Helmi Ibrahim. Subsequently, the remains were taken to the Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum and buried next to the tomb of Sultan Idris II and the late Sultan's son, Raja Ashman Shah. The talkin was delivered by the Mufti of Perak, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, while the doa selamat was recited by the Orang Kaya-Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan, Datuk Dr Muhammad Afifi Al-Akiti. The ceremony concluded with the sprinkling of rose water and the scattering of flowers as a final mark of respect.
The ceremony, steeped in tradition, was also attended by royal families from across Malaysia, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah; the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah; the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah; the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V; and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz. The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and his family, as well as the royal families of Johor, Terengganu, and Kedah were also present. Notably, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei attended as an international representative to pay his respects, highlighting the close ties between the Malay Rulers.
Also present were the nation's top leaders, including the then-Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who returned early from an official visit to China to attend the ceremony. The Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin; the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; as well as prominent figures from politics, the judiciary, and the civil service also paid their respects.
The funeral of Sultan Azlan Shah was a blend of sorrow, respect, and admiration for a great figure who served as the Chief Justice before ascending the throne of the Perak Sultanate. His reign is remembered for his wisdom, benevolence, and firmness in upholding the constitution and the system of constitutional monarchy.
Overall, this ceremony not only reflected the heritage and dignity of the Perak Sultanate but also showcased the love of the people and the world for a king who was truly for the people. The passing of the late Sultan leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered in the nation's history.
References:
- National Archives of Malaysia, Perak State
- Perak State Museum Board
- Astro Awani, May 29, 2014
- Official website of the Sultan of Perak
