LETTER | Whatever we think of Mahathir, this loss is heartbreaking

LETTER | Dr Mahathir Mohamad may have his fair share of critics. To some, he is a hero; to others, the archetypal political villain, a man whose long career came to embody the Machiavellian side of power and politics.

But there is one thing few, if any, could fault him for – his devotion to his wife, Dr Hasmah Ali. There was little doubt that their love was deep and enduring.

For seven decades, she was not merely his wife. She was his constant companion and pillar of support through an extraordinary political journey, during which he dismantled careers, unseated his own successors and pulled off the improbable feat of becoming prime minister for a second time at the ripe old age of 92.

Mahathir could be a formidable and often uncompromising figure in public. Some would even consider him ruthless. But Hasmah was almost invariably seen in a very different light. She was known as a warm, gracious and kind soul.

Regardless of what our opinion of Mahathir may be, it is heartbreaking to think that after a lifetime spent by her side, he must now face the days without her.

Yet perhaps Mahathir can find some solace in knowing that few couples are blessed with what they had – seven decades of companionship and shared memories.

They grew old together. They raised a family together. They endured the pressures and privileges of public life together.

Through all the turbulence, triumphs and trials of an extraordinary life, they had each other.

My heart goes out to him. I hope that, amid the grief and loneliness that must now surround him, he finds some comfort in a lifetime of memories.

The writer is a member of the Malaysiakini team.

Condolences pour in for Dr Hasmah, to be accorded state funeral

Dr Hasmah passes away at age 100