Malaysia Pays Final Respects to Qatar’s Late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir arrived in Doha early Tuesday morning, representing the Malaysian government to pay final respects to the late Father Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Zambry confirmed his arrival via a Facebook update, stating that he is scheduled to meet the current Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Lusail Palace today to personally convey the nation’s grief.

“Malaysia extends its deepest condolences to the leadership and the people of Qatar for the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Zambry stated.

According to an official announcement from Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the historic leader passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad famously governed the Gulf nation from 1995 until 2013, a transformative era that concluded when he voluntarily abdicated and transferred sovereign authority to his son, Sheikh Tamim.

In the wake of his passing, the Qatari government declared a four-day period of official state mourning across the country, which commenced on Sunday, July 12. As a mark of respect during the mourning period, all federal ministries, government entities, and public institutions throughout Qatar have been ordered to close.

-NMT