NU expresses condolences on Saudi King's death

Jakarta, NU Online
"The entire extended family of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) expressed condolences over the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who is a moderate Muslim," the Secretary-General of NU, KH Marsudi Syuhud, torld reporters here on Friday (23/01).<>

Syuhud also advised all members of the royal family to carry out 'legacies' having been made by King Abdullah, saying that the king who had come to power since 2005, had been widely known as a moderate figure for actively taking favorable efforts to foster religious harmony.

"He once set up an institution for religious harmony. In addition, the king also made new brilliant policies on education," he said.

King Abdullah died early on Friday and his brother Salman became king, the royal court in the world's top oil exporter said in a statement.

Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection.

His 79-year-old half-brother, Salman, has been confirmed as the new king.

Within hours of his accession to the throne of the oil-rich kingdom, King Salman vowed to maintain the same policies as his predecessors.

"We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment," he said in a speech broadcast on state television.

Abdullah had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years, and King Salman had recently taken on the ailing monarch's responsibilities.

Prior to announcing Abdullah's death, Saudi television cut to Koranic verses, which often signifies the passing of a senior royal.

A statement said Abdullah had died at 01:00 (22:00 GMT Thursday).

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq