The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah who passed away today at the age of 86, was an educated and people-oriented ruler besides being a respected legal expert.

Perak UMNO information head Datuk Khusairi Abdul Talib said the Sultan's passing was deeply felt by all the people because he was a people-oriented ruler who was concerned about their problems.

"In his lifetime, he would hold a breaking of the fast with the people each year during the month of Ramadan. It was only last year that he could not continue this annual routine due to his poor health," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

According to the Chairman of the State Committee on Rural Development, Plantations, Agriculture, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Saarani Mohammad, during his lifetime, the Sultan had demonstrated strong commitment to the Perak government under his rule.

"The Sultan had provided us shelter and he had given considerable advice to the state government and frequently guided or rebuked the state government when he need arose," he said.

Perak Wanita Umno head Datuk Rusnah Kassim said the late Sultan was a legal expert who was highly respected based on his constructive judgements.

"His Highness was an important figure in the legal fraternity...he was not only a Sultan who loved his subjects dearly but was also a learned Ruler," she said.

Former Director of the Perak Orang Asli Development Department Mohd Zamri Mustajab, who is now serving in the same department in Kuala Lumpur, said he was very close to the hearts of the people, especially the Orang Asli community to the extent that they regarded him as a 'special son'.

"Throughout my service with the department for 10 years until my transfer last September, the department was the closest to the Ruler. The memory when he officially opened the Orang Asli Complex in Sungai Siput in May four years ago is unforgettable," he said.

Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming expressed his condolences and sadness on behalf of the party on the Sultan's demise.

"The Sultan's passing is a significant loss to Perak particularly and the general public throughout the country because he had also been the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The Tuanku's deeds are remembered because of his wisdom, particularly his wise decisions when he was Lord President and involving social justice, human rights and national constitution," he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the Dewan Negara Perak, Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini said Sultan Azlan Shah was a ruler who stood his ground as the Lord President.

"His Highness (Sultan Azlan Shah) showed that he was a Ruler who was highly intellectual and respected. He was also a Ruler who was very thorough, careful in whatever he said and had a good image," he said.

A Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) cameraman, Lam Pau Yin, who had 30 years' experience in the field, said he was shocked when re received news of the Sultan's passing.

"I have more than 30 years' experience recording events attended by His Highness since before his coronation as the Sultan of Perak. In addition, the memory of recording the weddings of the Tuanku's children is unforgettable," he said.

Sultan Azlan Shah, 86, passed away at 1.30pm and his remains would be laid to rest at the Kuala Kangsar Royal Mausoleum after the Asar prayer tomorrow.