Mahathir visits Hasmah’s grave at Pusara Negara

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad paid a visit to the grave of his wife, Dr Hasmah Ali, at Pusara Negara in Putrajaya today. The visit followed her death by four days, and he was accompanied by family members. Upon arrival, Mahathir, aged 94, was met by about 200 visitors who came to pay their respects. He spent around 20 minutes at the grave, visibly moved by the experience and weeping as he remembered his wife of over seven decades.

Marina Mahathir, their eldest child, also visited the grave. Other mourners included Lee Chong Wei, a former national badminton star, singer Ramli Sarip, and Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin. During a press conference, Lee Chong Wei shared his memories of Hasmah, highlighting her unwavering support for athletes. She provided words of encouragement after defeats, even when they needed it most.

She would congratulate them on their efforts and, when they lost, she would call or send messages saying, 'It's okay, you've tried your best, you played very well, don't give up, keep going.' This level of support, Chong Wei stressed, is something he will never forget.