[Top: PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi offering his condolences to the Tuanku Ampuan Negri Sembilan Tuanku Najihah Tunku Besar Burhanuddin.]

By : Dharshini Balan

KUALA PILAH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah yesterday paid their last respects to the late Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti here. Abdullah, who was also accompanied by his son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, described Tuanku Ja'afar as a sincere and friendly ruler who was loved by the people.

"Tuanku was a ruler who had the well-being of the people at heart and always gave importance to the development of the state, including federal projects."

The prime minister said Tuanku Ja'afar was an ardent sportsman and contributed immensely to sports in the country,

"Tuanku was active in sports and the people knew more about him through the various activities he was involved in.

"Tuanku displayed true sportsmanship and this was evident during our golfing days when Tuanku was the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and was not particular about his status as a king and was always friendly when playing the game."