Sikhs pay last respects to Johor ruler’s mother

A delegation of Sikhs in Johor paid their last respects and prayer for the state ruler’s mother Enche Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah at a solemn ceremony at the Istana Besar in Johor Baru today morning (6 June).

Accompanied by the granthi sahib from Gurdwara Sahib Johor Baru (GSJB), the small delegation offered prayers for Hajah Khalsom, 83, who died at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on June 1.

Her remains were buried at the Royal Mausoleum located less than 3km from the palace.

“It was a very solemn quiet affair and well organised, being steeped in Johor’s rich Royal tradition. There was a large crowd of visitors and subjects streaming past to pay their last respects,” Dr Harjit Singh, who was part of the delegation, told Asia Samachar.

Also in the delegation were GSJB former committee president Manjeet Singh, GSJB current president Manjit Singh and Gurdwara Sahib Muar president Baldev Singh Randhawa.

“Considering the fact that it was an intensely hot working day in this fasting month, people braved the odds to attend,” added Dr Harjit, a medical practitioner and president of the Johor Cricket Council since 1987.

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail and other members of the royal family had joined in the procession as the casket left the palace.

[ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs in Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. We have a Facebook page, do give it a LIKE. Follow us on Twitter. Visit our website: www.asiasamachar.com] 18832

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