Thousands bid farewell as Dr Hasmah laid to rest
PUTRAJAYA: The late Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was laid to rest at Pusara Negara, Presint 20, here today.
Thousands of mourners, family members, friends and members of the public gathered at Masjid As-Syarif, Taman Sungai Besi Indah, to pay their last respects and attend the funeral prayers.
Mourners began arriving at the mosque as early as 2pm, ahead of the arrival of Dr Hasmah’s remains.
Among those present were Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, wife of Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah; Raja Muda Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah ibni Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin; and Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
Several serving and former Cabinet ministers were also present to pay their respects.
Following the funeral prayers, Dr Hasmah’s remains were taken to Pusara Negara, arriving at about 5.50pm, accompanied by Mahathir and family members.
She was subsequently laid to rest at the national heroes’ burial ground.
Dr Hasmah’s grave is located next to the burial site of the late Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, wife of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Dr Hasmah, 100, died at 9.20am today at the National Heart Institute (IJN).
She is survived by seven children — Marina, Mirzan, Melinda, Mokhzani, Mukhriz, Maizura and Mazhar.
Born on July 12, 1926, Dr Hasmah was a prominent Malaysian figure whose career spanned medicine, public service and community welfare.
She married Dr Mahathir in 1956, and the couple were married for 70 years.
