Cat Stevens offers comfort to grieving Dr Mahathir

Legendary singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, widely known as Cat Stevens, recently visited former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad following the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who passed away after a 70-year marriage. The emotional visit, captured in a photograph shared by Yusuf on Facebook, drew praise and gratitude from many Malaysians and social media users.

Dr Mahathir, now 101 years old, was accompanied by Yusuf, who shared that he had visited the former PM to read the opening verse of the Quran, Al-Fatihah. The post showcased the two men engaged in a quiet conversation. Malaysians responded with emotional support for Yusuf and admiration for his compassion during the veteran statesman's time of grief.

Among the comments was Diana Able, who thanked Yusuf for visiting Dr Mahathir during his period of mourning. She emphasized that sitting beside someone during grief is a valuable gift. Hamzah Mat Isa praised Dr Mahathir as a politician who had contributed to Malaysia's growth, explaining that the leader would appreciate Yusuf's visit due to his shared fondness for the singer's music.

Zul Daud expressed deep emotional impact, stating that tears welled up in his eyes as he wrote his post. Others offered prayers and appreciated Yusuf's kindness, with some reflecting on the significance of the encounter between the renowned musician and Malaysia's veteran leader. One commenter highlighted the importance of companionship and compassion for elderly individuals experiencing loss, particularly those who have been married for a lifetime.

Yusuf, 78, gained international fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like "Father and Son," "Wild World," and "Morning Has Broken." He converted to Islam in 1977 and now goes by the name Yusuf Islam.