PETALING JAYA: Condolences begin to pour in following the passing of former chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa on Thursday (April 21).

       Among those who extended their condolences to the family of Ali were the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah.

       "The King and Queen both express their sadness at his passing (Ali Hamsa) and expressed their hope that his entire family remain patient and steadfast in facing the hardships, including the sense of grief and sadness," the statement from Istana Negara read on Thursday.

       Both the King and Queen expressed gratitude towards the service and sacrifices made by Ali when serving the nation.

       "The King and Queen also consider his passing as a great loss to the civil service and country," added the statement.

       Also extending his condolences to the family was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who expressed his sadness when learning of Ali's death.

       "As a representative of the Malaysian Family, I extend my condolences to his entire family and pray that they remain patient and steadfast in facing this hardship," Ismail Sabri said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

       He said that Ali was prominent administrator when serving the civil service and was held in high regard and well respected during his tenure.

       Ismail said that Ali was devoted in his service throughout his tenure and his death was great loss to the nation.

       Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali had confirmed in a statement on Ali had passed away at the Dublin Hospital in Ireland on Thursday.