Ruler of Malaysia's Perlis state dies

Ruler of Malaysia's Perlis state dies

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The ruler of Malaysia's northern Perlis
state passed away on Sunday after being treated for heart
problems, diabetes and kidney complications, the official Bernama
news agency reported.

Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, 79, was in critical condition
last week after being hospitalized in Kuala Lumpur on March 21
and was reported to have been on a life-support system, Bernama
said.

Although his condition improved a few days later, the Perlis
raja (king) succumbed to his illnesses. His remains will be flown
back to his homestate to be buried at the royal mausoleum on
Monday, Bernama said.

Tuanku Syed was Malaysia's third king from 1960 to 1965. Made
the Perlis raja in 1945, he was the world's longest serving ruler
until his death, Bernama added.

Under Malaysia's unique rotating monarchy, the sultans and
rajas serve as titular heads in nine of the country's 13 states
and choose a king among themselves to reign for five years.