SHAH ALAM - The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah extends his condolences to the entire family of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who passed away earlier today.
In a statement posted on the Istana Negara's official Facebook page, His Majesty said he was saddened by the passing of Sheikh Khalifa and hoped that his family would remain patient and strong in facing this difficult time.
His Majesty had personally contacted the Crown Prince of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to convey his condolences.
On a personal invitation by Sheikh Mohamed, His Majesty would leave for Abu Dhabi on Sunday to join other Heads of State and Government to pay their last respects to Sheikh Khalifa.
The statement said that His Majesty and Sheikh Mohamed were friends in college at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1978 and 1979 and they remained close friends until today.
Tributes poured in from around the world after UAE made the announcement of Sheikh Khalifa's passing.
Malaysian Ministers have also expressed their condolences to the family members, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Senior Minister and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Saifuddin conveyed his heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Rulers, the Emirates and its citizen on behalf of Malaysia.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
"May Allah accept and bless him with His Jannah," he said in a Facebook posting.
Meanwhile, Azmin said Sheikh Khalifa was a great man who took UAE to the heights of achievement
"It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of Sheikh Khalifa, President of the United Arab Emirates.
"My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the late President as well as to the people of UAE," Azmin said through his Twitter account.
Hishammuddin also extended his deepest condolences to the people of the UAE over the passing of its President.
"Gone a visionary leader - insyaAllah, his legacy will continue to benefit in shaping a good future for years to come," Hishammuddin said in a Facebook post.
AFP reported that United State President Joe Biden had also paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa's family, saying he "was a true partner and friend of the United States."
"We will honour his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates," Biden said.
Sheikh Khalifa, 73, passed away today due to illness.
The president of the oil-rich Gulf state, who was rarely seen in public, is likely to be replaced by his half-brother, Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who was already seen as the UAE's de facto ruler.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has declared 40 days of mourning. Flags would fly at half-mast beginning today, and ministries, departments, federal, and municipal institutions would be closed.
Three days of mourning would be observed in the private sector.