The friendliness of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim, towards the people of Johor and neighbouring Singapore has been deeply etched in their memories, so much so many of them made in a point to be present to pay their last respects to the people-centric prince.
Among those feeling his loss is cancer patient Low Mui Cheng, 60, who views highly the late Tunku Laksamana Johor for inspiring her to face her illness.
Her husband Fong Kee Hui, 65, said the prince had inspired his wife to face any eventuality after she was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma cancer, one year ago.
"Personally, my wife and I got to know the late Tunku Abdul Jalil through his official Facebook page. As we understand the suffering of cancer patients, my wife and I wanted to pay our last respects," he told reporters outside the gateway of Istana Besar, Johor Baru, today.
Fong said he somewhat felt the pain faced by cancer patients, as he always accompanied his wife to undergo chemotherapy at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).
A Singaporean known as Nora said she, along with her husband and daughter felt it was worth it to go through the traffic congestion on the Johor Causeway from as early as 6.30am to pay their last respects to the deceased.
"To me, Tunku Abdul Jalil deserves the honour. The prince was known as someone who was people-oriented, always doing charitable activities and visiting cancer patients," she said.
Meanwhile, a mother of two, Wan Baizura Mior Abdul Salim from Ulu Tiram, Johor said the late Tunku Abdul Jalil was close to the people's heart due to his warmth and friendliness.
Tunku Abdul Jalil died at HSA yesterday at 7.11pm, and was laid to rest at Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum this afternoon.
- Bernama
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