PUTRAJAYA (Oct 1): Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday visited the grave of his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali, at Pusara Negara, three days after her death.

Mahathir, accompanied by family members, arrived at 11.05am, drawing the attention of about 200 visitors who were also there to pay their respects.

He spent about 20 minutes at the grave before leaving, as those present gave him space and privacy.

Mahathir appeared overcome with emotion and shed tears as he remembered his wife of more than seven decades.

Earlier, the couple’s eldest child, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, also visited her mother’s grave.

Among those spotted paying their respects were former national badminton ace Datuk Seri Dr Lee Chong Wei, singer Datuk Ramli Sarip and Putrajaya Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

Speaking to reporters, Chong Wei recalled Hasmah’s concern for athletes, her words of encouragement after their defeats and her continued support regardless of their results.

“When we won, she would send us congratulatory messages. But when we lost and needed support even more, and she never gave up on us. She would call or send a message saying that 'it’s okay, you’ve tried your best, you played very well, don’t give up, keep going'. That is something I will never forget,” he said.

Read also:
Mahathir admitted to IJN for observation, says Mokhzani 
Tun Dr Hasmah, wife of former PM Mahathir, dies at 100

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee