Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s Grave Continues to Draw Visitors

PUTRAJAYA: A sombre atmosphere continues to surround Pusara Negara in Precinct 20 here as members of the public continue to visit the grave of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali today.

As early as 8am, visitors began arriving with a sense of grief and sorrow to pay their respects to a figure who contributed significantly to the nation.

In the solemn atmosphere, visitors recited Surah Yasin beside her grave and sprinkled rose water as a gesture of affection, respect and prayer for the departed.

Some stood silently with their hands raised in prayer, while others spent time reciting verses from the Quran beside the grave.

The steady stream of visitors continued this morning, reflecting the profound sense of loss and deep respect for the late Dr Siti Hasmah, who was laid to rest at Pusara Negara.

Dr Siti Hasmah, the wife of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) two days ago.

She died at the age of 100 and is survived by seven children.

Dr Siti Hasmah was among the earliest Malay women to qualify as a medical doctor before dedicating her career to the country’s public health sector.

Born in Kampung Jawa, Klang, Selangor, in 1926, she pursued her medical studies at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore on a government scholarship and was the only Malay female student in her cohort.

It was there that she met Dr Mahathir before they married in 1956.

She was known not only as Dr Mahathir’s steadfast companion but also for her significant contributions through various initiatives to advance maternal and child health as well as community wellbeing.

Berita Harian