Yesterday, the entire nation was in deep mourning following the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Political leaders both in Malaysia and from abroad have since offered condolences and paid tribute to Siti Hasmah, who’s fondly remembered as “Ibu Negara” and a loyal companion to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad for 70 years.
Was cheery before demise
Reminiscing on his mother’s final moments at IJN, former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said Siti Hasmah was being treated for another ailment and was visited by the family on Sunday night (Sept 27).
Mukhriz added that his mother remained in good spirits but was fully aware that her time may be up soon.
She was in a good mood…but she told us she was ready to leave us all,” he said as quoted by NST.
At 8am yesterday, Siti Hasmah suffered a heart-related episode and Mukhriz immediately rushed over to IJN, where he saw medical specialists performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on her before she was transferred to the Coronary Care Unit.
An hour later, the family was informed that CPR will continue to be administered for the next 15 minutes before stopping completely if Siti Hasmah’s heart failed to function.
Mukhriz also said Mahathir was in a separate room at IJN the entire time while doctors attempted to save Siti Hasmah’s life.
“Our family was fortunate to have had her for so many years, adding that her longevity was a meaningful blessing for the family and the country.”
‘No one last memory’
Meanwhile, another son of Siti Hasmah, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, said the family is still reeling in shock over her sudden passing.
“We were able to spend considerable time with her in the months, weeks and days leading up to her death. There’s no one last memory. There are millions of memories,” he added.
He also thanked the armed forces, police and Putrajaya officials for ensuring that the entire funeral arrangements were carried out smoothly.
Siti Hasmah was laid to rest with full state honours at the National Cemetery in Presint 20 Muslim Cemetery in Putrajaya, where she was buried next to the grave of the late Tun Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Before her burial, over 2,000 mourners turned up at Masjid As Syarif, Taman Sungai Besi Indah to attend funeral prayers and pay their final respects.
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