In a statement issued through Istana Negara’s Facebook page, the King and Queen said Queen Elizabeth will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth, of which Malaysia is a proud member, and her efforts to promote stronger ties between the UK and Malaysia.
“Queen Elizabeth II will also be remembered for her dedication to the people and the government of the United Kingdom as well as for her deep concern for the welfare and well-being of the people.
“Their Majesties’ thoughts are with the bereaved members of the royal family and the British people in this moment of sadness and sorrow as they come together to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. May God bless her soul,” the statement said.
The King and Queen also reminisced about a courtesy visit to Buckingham Palace in London on Dec 13, 2019, where they attended a luncheon with Queen Elizabeth.
The courtesy visit and the luncheon were in conjunction with a seven-day special visit to England.
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth visited Malaysia three times – on an official visit in 1972, for the 11th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1989, and finally, for the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died at the age of 96 at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland yesterday. She celebrated the 70th anniversary of her coronation this year.
Meanwhile, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Permaisuri, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, also expressed their sadness over the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
In a Facebook post, they too conveyed their condolences to the British royal family and the British people.
“We’re deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our heartfelt and deep sympathies to the royal family and the people of Great Britain,” Sultan Ibrahim said, according to the Royal Press Office.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob also expressed his condolences and sadness to the royal family, government and people of the United Kingdom on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
He described the passing of the British monarch as a truly irreparable loss to the Commonwealth and the world.