PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today visited the grave of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, at Pusara Negara, four days after her death.
Tun Dr Mahathir, accompanied by family members, arrived at 11.05 am, drawing the attention of about 200 visitors who were also there to pay their respects.
He spent about 20 minutes at the grave before leaving, as those present gave him space and privacy.
Tun Dr Mahathir appeared overcome with emotion and shed tears as he remembered his wife of more than seven decades.
Earlier, the couple’s eldest child, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, also visited her mother’s grave.
Among those spotted paying their respects were former national badminton ace Datuk Seri Dr Lee Chong Wei, singer Datuk Ramli Sarip and Putrajaya Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.
Speaking to reporters, Chong Wei recalled Siti Hasmah’s concern for athletes, her words of encouragement after their defeats and her continued support regardless of their results.
“When we won, she would send us congratulatory messages. But when we lost and needed support even more, and she never gave up on us. She would call or send a message saying that “It’s okay, you’ve tried your best, you played very well, don’t give up, keep going”. That is something I will never forget,” he said.
-- BERNAMA