Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s death as a profound loss felt not only by Dr Mahathir and their family but by Malaysians across the country.
“She was a highly respected figure who inspired Malaysians through her service, contributions and dedication to the country,” he said in a statement.
Hajiji expressed hope that her contributions and service would continue to be remembered and inspire future generations.
HajijiHe also prayed that Allah would bestow His mercy upon her soul, forgive her shortcomings and place her among the righteous.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) Monday morning at the age of 100. She is survived by her husband and seven children.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s service and devotion to the nation deserve to be remembered, particularly her contributions to charity work and her concern for the people’s struggles.
He said the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was known as an active statesman who carried out charitable work and showed deep concern for the people’s issues during her husband Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure as Prime Minister.
“We sympathise with Tun Mahathir and family. We will always remember her service and devotion to the nation.
“Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was active during her time as the Prime Minister’s wife, with charity work and concern for the people’s problems. Thank you for that service,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, tributes from across the political and social spectrum have poured in following the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
Following formal condolences from the King and Queen of Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, prominent public figures, former ministers and civil servants have taken to social media to mourn a woman widely revered as the “Ibu Negara”.
The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was laid to rest at Pusara Negara, Precinct 20, Kuala Lumpur, at 6.20pm Monday, with her husband Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, their children and family members present.
The state funeral was held as a final tribute to the wife of the former Prime Minister.
Earlier, her remains were carried by eight officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), led by Captain Ahmad Saufi Md Isa from Army Headquarters.
Her remains were buried beside the grave of the late Tun Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Earlier, Dr Siti Hasmah’s remains were taken to Masjid As-Syarif in Taman Sungai Besi Indah for bathing and funeral prayers before being brought to Pusara Negara, Precinct 20, for burial.
Born on July 12, 1926, Dr Siti Hasmah was the sixth of 10 children of Mohd Ali Taib and Siti Khadijah Ahmad.
She is survived by her husband, Dr Mahathir, and seven children.
