Dr M sebak ziarah pusara Hasmah

Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad appeared pale and tearful as he visited his wife Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali at the National Palace in Putrajaya this morning, marking the fourth day since her passing. Accompanied by family members, Mahathir's presence drew the attention of many onlookers gathered at the National Palace to pay their respects to Hasmah.

He spent approximately 20 minutes with Hasmah in a quiet, solemn atmosphere. Mahathir was also observed as being unwell, with his eyes appearing watery. Hundreds of people, including family members, friends, and the general public, attended the National Palace on this day to pay their respects and offer condolences to Hasmah. Earlier, his eldest son Marina Mahathir visited her mother's palace around 10 am.

Among those who paid their respects were former national badminton player Lee Chong Wei, singer Ramli Sarip, and Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin. When speaking to the media, Lee shared some cherished memories of Hasmah. He recalled how Hasmah always took an interest in the athletes she knew, especially after they had competed in a match.

"Whenever she visited us at the stadium, she would ask each athlete individually, 'How are you?' She remembered the needs of every athlete. She cared deeply about us. That's what we have lost - a person so close to badminton," Lee said. He added that Hasmah also provided words of encouragement to athletes during their defeats and continued to support them, no matter the outcome.

"She would send messages when we won, and when we lost, she would be there for us more than ever. She would call or send a message and say, 'It's okay, you tried your best, you played very well.' Don't give up, keep going. That's what I will never forget throughout my athletic career," Lee said. He noted that he received the news of Hasmah's passing while in Nagoya, Japan, following completion of the tournament in the Philippines.

"I feel the entire badminton team is also saddened by the news. We can only pray for her," Lee said. He added that upon returning to Malaysia, he and his wife, former national badminton player Wong Mew Choo, continued to visit Hasmah's palace as a final gesture of respect.