KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed his condolences to the entire family of Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens, who passed away on Monday (March 14).

       Also extending her condolences was the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

       In an Istana Negara Facebook post, the royal couple was saddened by the demise of Rahimah and hoped her family would patient and strong over their loss.

       "Their Majesties also prayed that the soul of the Allahyarhamah be showered with blessings by Allah SWT and be placed with the righteous," according to post.

       Toh Puan Rahimah, 91, was the widow of the first Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens.

       The late Toh Puan, who was born in Beaufort, had served as the elected representative for Kiulu and was also the state’s former Welfare Minister, as well as being the first woman to be appointed as a minister in the Sabah government.

       Earlier, she was appointed as United National Kadazan Organisation (Unko) women’s chief in 1961 before the organisation was rebranded as United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko). - Bernama