.png)
SHAH ALAM — National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali, describing her not merely as the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but as a steadfast pillar and a “warrior” for Malaysian badminton.
Dr Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Monday at the age of 100. Following news of her passing, Lee took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute, recalling how her presence and unwavering support shaped his career and the national squad over nearly two decades.
“To outsiders, Tun was the wife of a former Prime Minister. But to me and the entire national badminton squad, Tun was a warrior, a person we respected the most, and a place where we poured our hearts out,” Lee wrote.
Recalling a recent conversation, Lee said that when he contacted her earlier this year ahead of the Malaysia Open, her passion for the sport remained undiminished.
“She was full of energy and said she wanted to come to the stadium to support our players. Never did I think that would be our last conversation,” he wrote.
Dr Hasmah served as patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for more than two decades, until 2007. Her tenure included Malaysia’s historic Thomas Cup triumph over Indonesia at Stadium Negara in 1992.
Lee said senior players often passed down fond memories of that memorable victory, recalling how Dr Hasmah stood firmly by the team as patron and was often moved to tears when recounting their success.
Beyond her ceremonial role, she also served as a maternal figure for the players through both triumphs and difficult periods.
“In my nearly 20-year badminton career — from a blur of a kid newly entering the national squad to competing on the world stage — Tun was always there. Win or lose, Tun’s support and love never broke.
“Tun treated us all like her own children. When there were misunderstandings in the team, Tun was the one who smoothed things over with gentleness and wisdom. Tun’s love united us and became the firmest shield for Malaysian badminton,” he wrote.
Lee also highlighted her lifelong passion for badminton, noting that she continued playing recreationally well into her 70s.
“Tun Dr Hasmah, thank you for everything you gave to Malaysian badminton. Thank you for the love and strength you poured into me all these years.
“Your smile and the warmth of your love will always live on in the arena, and in the hearts of all Malaysians. Rest in peace, Tun. We will always miss you,” Lee wrote, closing with a poignant farewell.
