KUALA LUMPUR:Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin have expressed their condolences and sorrow over the passing of Tun Rahah Mohamed Noah.

According to a statement uploaded on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, the Ruler of Selangor said Tun Rahah, whom he had known since 1968, was the best wife a prime minister and politician could ask for and should be emulated.

"His Royal Highness recalled the personality of the late Tun Rahah, who was a friendly person and often smiled, and she was the backbone and motivator for the political career of the late Tun Abdul Razak (second prime minister).

"The Sultan also admired Tun Rahah's perseverance in bringing up her five sons after losing her beloved husband in 1976,” read the post.

It said Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for agreeing to grant a state funeral to Tun Rahah at the Heroes’ Mausoleum at Masjid Negara today, which is considered the highest recognition for her service and dedication.

"They both prayed for her soul to be blessed and placed among the righteous,” the statement said.

Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin paid his last respects to Tun Rahah at the Ar-Rahah Mosque, Kampung Kerinci here today.

Sultan Sharafuddin, accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, was greeted by Tun Rahah’s sons Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datuk Ahmad Johari and Datuk Seri Nazir.

Tun Rahah died yesterday at the Prince Court Medical Centre here, where she was admitted for treatment. She was 87.

-- BERNAMA