PM Transcripts

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FOR MEDIA 3 APRIL 1979
CONDOLENCE MOTION: YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG OF MALAYSIA
It is my said duty to inform the House that His Majesty,
the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia died suddenly during the
afternoon of 29 March.
Honourable Members will be aware of the unique provisions
in the Malaysian constitution for the rotation of this
office among the nine rulers of States within the Federation
of Malaysia. The Paramount Ruler the Head of State of
Malaysia is elected by his fellow rulers for a
five-year term, after which he resumes his position as a
ruler in his home State.
Australia's ties with Malaysia have been particularly
friendly as befits those with a fellow member of the
Commonwealth in our region. Therefore, it is with special
sadness that we note in this Chamber the passing of this
distinguished Head of State.
His late Majesty was Sultan of the State of Kelantan
before he was sworn in as the sixth paramount ruler
on 21 September 1975. His Majesty was born on 10 December, 1917,
and studied in Kelantan and Penang before undertaking
further studies in England. He returned to Kelantan in
1939 and served in the Kelantan Civil Service as private
secretary to his father the then Sultan of Kelantan.
His Majesty served in a number of posts in Kelantan until he
became Sultan in July 1960, on the death of his father.
As Sultan of Kelantan, His Majesty took an active interest
in the advancement of his State and his wide experience
ably equipped him for election to the office of Paramount Ruler.
I should like to record the deep sympathy of the House for
the sad loss sustained by the Government and people of
Malaysia in the sudden death of His Majesty. I also ask
that you arrange to inform His Excellency, the High Commissioner
for Malaysia of the views expressed in this House today.
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