KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri paid his last respects to former defence minister Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail during the burial ceremony at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery here.

       Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen, who was also a former Umno disciplinary board chairman and a member of the supreme council, passed away at his residence in Jalan Duta here at 8.43pm on Friday (April 29) aged 94.

       "I feel sad over the passing of Allahyarham who was also a respected leader not only in the government but also as a politician.

       "In Umno, the highest position held by the deceased was vice-president, and he had led many ministries to which his contributions continued until this day,” said the Prime Minister on Saturday (April 30).

       Ismail Sabri said he was appreciative and thankful that the late Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen did many things to strengthen the party.

       Also present was Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

       "He was my cousin and we're quite close but he's from the Pattani side of our family who was very active in sports and a passionate legal professional.

       "He was a good man, had many friends, and appeared at many international forums. He will be remembered," he told The Star.