Dr M sebak ziarah pusara Hasmah

Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, appeared pale and teary-eyed as he visited his wife's grave at the National Monument in Putrajaya this morning. (Photo Bernama) The former premier paid his respects to Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali at the National Monument at 11:05 AM, four days after her passing. His presence, accompanied by family members, drew the attention of many onlookers gathered in the vicinity of the National Monument to pay their respects to Hasmah.

He spent about 20 minutes at Hasmah's grave before leaving quietly, enveloped in solemnity and emotion. Dr Mahathir was also visibly pale and had watery eyes. Many present at the grave shared their grief, showing compassion and honor towards him. Approximately 200 people gathered at the National Monument today to pay their respects and honor Hasmah, including family members, friends, and the general public.

Earlier, Hasmah's eldest son, Marina Mahathir, visited her wife's grave around 10 AM. Meanwhile, former national badminton chief Lee Chong Wei, singer Ramli Sarip, and Malaysia's Parliament member Radzi Jidin also joined in the mourning. Lee shared with the media that one of the most indelible memories for him is Hasmah's constant connection with athletes, especially following them after their competitions.

"Whenever she met us at the stadium, she would ask each one of us, 'How are you? She remembered the needs of each athlete. She always took care of us. That is something we missed, a person so close to badminton," he said. Lee noted that Hasmah also provided words of encouragement when athletes faced defeat while consistently supporting them regardless of the outcome.

"When we won, she would send messages to us...and when we lost, she was there to provide support more than ever, never giving up on us. She would call or send messages saying, 'It's okay, you tried your best, you played very well'. Don't give up, keep trying," he recalled. He received the news of Hasmah's passing while in Nagoya, Japan, after concluding a tournament in the Philippines.

"I feel the entire badminton team is also saddened by the news. We can only offer our condolences," he said. Lee said upon arriving in Malaysia, he and his wife, who is also a former national badminton player, Wong Mew Choo, continued to pay their respects to Hasmah as a final act of honor.