King, Queen, Prime Minister: Ali Hamsa's passing is a great loss to the country

SHAH ALAM - The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their condolences to the entire family of former Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa who passed away earlier today.

In a post on the Istana Negara’s official Facebook page, their Majesties said they were saddened by the death of Ali and hoped that his family would remain patient and strong in facing this difficult time.

“Their Majesties greatly appreciated and praised Ali's devotion, service, and sacrifice to the civil service and the country, and his passing is a great loss.

“Their Majesties prayed that for his soul to be blessed by Allah and placed among the righteous," the statement said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has also expressed his condolences to Ali’s family on his passing through postings on Facebook and Twitter.

"Representing the Malaysian family, I would like to extend my condolences to the family and pray that they will be patient and strong in facing this challenge.

"He had shown his devotion during his tenure and his passing is a great loss for the country,” he said.

When the news broke this morning, condolences came pouring in on social media. Ministers and other prominent figures have expressed their condolences to the family members, including International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

"My condolences to the family of the former Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN), Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa. His passing is a great loss to the country," Azmin said through his Twitter account.

"I was shocked and saddened by the news that former Chief Secretary of the Government who is also a good, respected friend has passed away. A great loss to the country. Condolences to the whole family,” Hishammuddin tweeted.

Alexander and Syed Saddiq also expressed their condolences through social media postings and said that Ali’s service to the nation will always be remembered.

Ali passed away at the Dublin Hospital in Ireland earlier today. He was 67.

He had joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Services in 1981 and throughout his tenure in the civil services, Ali served several departments and ministries, including the International Trade and Industry Ministry, Transport Ministry, Economic Planning Unit, the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), Public Services Department, Public-Private Partnership Unit as well as the Prime Minister's Department.

He was the Chief Secretary to the Government between 2012 and 2018.