People pay last respects to the late Sultan Azlan Shah

Members of the royalty, dignitaries, representatives of foreign missions and people from all walks of life thronged the grounds of Istana Iskandariah here today to pay their last respects to the late Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

They began arriving at the palace from about 8.30 am and were allowed into the Balairong Seri (Throne Room) 30 minutes later to pay their last respects.

The remains of Sultan Azlan Shah were on a three-tier catafalque, draped in yellow, in front of the throne.

Eleven yellow velvet cushions bearing the late sultan's awards had been placed around the catafalque.

The casket bearing the sultan's remains, draped in royal yellow songket, was brought into the throne room, borne by eight officers from the police, navy, army and air force and placed on the catafalque.

Then, the awards were brought and placed on the cushions by 11 officers.

Thirty-six personnel then brought the royal umbrellas into the throne room.

Several groups comprising students, mosque officials and officers from the Perak Islamic Religious Department read verses from the Quran as an atmosphere of melancholy prevailed.

The Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun; the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah; the Raja Puan Besar, Tuanku Zara Salim and other members of the royal household were present in the throne room.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and state dignitaries.

People in mourning attire kept entering the throne room to pay their last respects.