In a Facebook post, her son, Tengku Fuad Tengku Ahmad Burhanuddin, confirmed that Ariah, known to close friends as Irene Pritchard, died at her residence.

Tengku Fuad said his mother’s life was “characterised as one of distinction and service”. She had captained the Jesselton Athletics Team, was crowned Miss Jesselton in 1956, and worked as a radio announcer and journalist.

Ariah also served as the assemblyman for Kawang between 1986 and 1994, as well as the state social services minister and deputy chief minister.

“But, above all, she was an amazing mother and grandmother whom we all loved and shall miss dearly,” he said.

Ariah will be buried at the Taman Memorial Tun Mustapha in Putatan, Sabah.