Malaysians gather to pay their last respects

A crowd assembled at Kuala Lumpur's National Cemetery on the day after the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali to lay her to rest. Among them was Flight attendant Mohamad Nur Firdaus Mansor, 41, who had served as a special officer to her family while she resided in Langkawi. Firdaus fondly remembered her as warm and motherly, offering guidance on everyday matters, much like a mother would. He learned of her death while on duty in China and promptly returned to her final resting place upon his return to Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors from all walks of life poured into the cemetery, offering prayers under tents set up for the occasion. Senior citizen Che Ah Mahat, 77, who came with a friend, recounted her acquaintance with Dr Siti Hasmah as the wife of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. She described her as a kind and gentle soul, and expressed her deep sorrow at the loss.