Former Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad visited the grave of his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, in Putrajaya on Thursday, three days after her death at the age of 100.
Mahathir, 101, arrived at Pusara Negara in Precinct 20 at about 11.05am accompanied by family members. He spent around 15 minutes at the cemetery, where he prayed beside Hasmah’s grave and scattered rose petals. He was seen shedding tears during the visit.
The visit came after Mahathir had undergone routine treatment at the National Heart Institute. His press secretary said he had been tired and had slept little following his wife’s death.
Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute at about 9.20am on Sept. 28. She was accorded a state funeral and buried at Pusara Negara later that day, with Mahathir, their children and other family members in attendance.
Mahathir was also seen in tears during the funeral as he accompanied his wife of 70 years to her final resting place. The couple married in 1956 after meeting while studying medicine in Singapore.
Before her death, Hasmah had been known for her work in public health, particularly maternal and child health, family planning and community welfare. She became one of Malaysia’s pioneering women doctors and held senior roles in the government health service.
Her death has drawn tributes from Malaysians and public figures, with visitors continuing to arrive at her gravesite to offer prayers and pay their respects.
The couple had marked their 70th wedding anniversary in August. Throughout their marriage, Hasmah remained a prominent public figure in her own right while accompanying Mahathir through his years in Malaysian public life.
Mahathir’s latest visit came as family members and members of the public continued to mourn Hasmah and remember her contributions to healthcare, women’s welfare and community development.
