Seven Decades Together, Tun M’s Tears Mark Tun Dr Hasmah’s Final Journey
KUALA LUMPUR: After seven decades of sharing their lives together, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today faced one of his most difficult moments as he accompanied his beloved wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, on her final journey.
Dr Mahathir, using an electric wheelchair and an oxygen tube, remained by the side of the woman who had been his life companion for seven decades, accompanying her on her final journey to her resting place together with their children and close family members.
A sombre atmosphere surrounded the late Dr Hasmah’s final journey, beginning at the family residence where final respects were paid, followed by funeral prayers at the mosque, before proceeding to Pusara Negara in Precinct 20, Putrajaya.
Looking grief-stricken, the former Prime Minister was seen sitting quietly for a moment as he gazed at Dr Hasmah’s remains while paying his final respects at Masjid As-Syarif in Taman Sungai Besi Indah here.
He also joined thousands of worshippers in performing the funeral prayers.
Upon arriving at Pusara Negara, Dr Mahathir accompanied his wife’s remains to the burial site together with their children and close family members before she was laid to rest.
From his electric wheelchair, he watched the burial ceremony in solemn silence, with his children and family members by his side.
Dr Mahathir’s grief was evident as tears streamed down his face while he sat beside his wife’s grave, in an emotional moment as he bid farewell to the woman who had faithfully stood by his side throughout their lives together.
For Malaysians, Dr Mahathir and Dr Hasmah were more than just a former Prime Minister and his wife. Their spontaneous displays of affection in public over the years also endeared them to many.
Whether at official functions or during more relaxed appearances, Dr Hasmah was rarely far from her husband’s side, serving as his companion and one of the important pillars behind his long journey through life and Malaysian politics.
Their easy-going nature, reflected through their jokes, playful exchanges and warm interactions, often drew public attention and offered a glimpse into the personal side of two figures who spent most of their lives together.
Dr Mahathir and Dr Hasmah married on Aug 5, 1956, and this year marked their 70th wedding anniversary.
Throughout their seven decades together, Dr Hasmah was not only a wife and mother to their seven children but also remained by Dr Mahathir’s side through various phases of life and his long political career.
Dr Hasmah passed away at the National Heart Institute this morning at the age of 100.
Bernama