Political leaders and non-govermental organisations agree that the demise of first lady, Endon Mahmood, is a great loss to the nation.

Najib Abdul Razak, deputy premier

I spoke to the premier last night and there was no indication (of anything serious). I will extend my full support to the prime minister during this difficult period.

Nazri Abdul Aziz, minister in the prime minister's department

I hope the prime minister will recover and we will give our full support in the running of the country.

Ong Ka Ting, housing and local government minister and MCA president

MCA and I express our deepest sympathy on the passing of our nation's first lady.

We are extremely saddened by her demise. She was a hard worker and caring person. Despite her battle with cancer, she put others ahead of her own hardship. She is greatly loved and admired by the people.

To Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family who would be in great need of love, strength and understanding at this moment in life, we are encouraged to know that he is a man of great faith and has the inner vigour to overcome the loss.

Endon had throughout her life served the people, working quietly but effectively alongside with her beloved husband.

And as the country's first lady, her contributions reached beyond the boundaries of Malaysia, working for the betterment of the less fortunate and needy, regardless of their race and religion.

S Samy Vellu, works minister and MIC president

The demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is a great loss to the prime minister and all Malaysians and we are saddened by her death.

She was a very fine lady, very polished, polite and pleasant, and always had a soft spot for the poor.

She had on several occasions organised and raised funds for the poor.

As chairperson of Bakti (a social welfare organisation comprising the wives of ministers and deputy ministers), she had led the organisation well by providing foodstuff for the needy and poor.

In all my conversations with her she had demonstrated her kindness and respectfulness.

S Subramaniam, MIC deputy president

We are saddened and pray that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family will be blessed with courage to tide over this difficult moment.

My wife and I had always found Datin Paduka Seri Endon to be friendly, pleasant and compassionate.

We pray that her soul will rest in peace.

M Kayveas, deputy minister in the prime minister's department and PPP president

On behalf of PPP and my family, I wish to extend my condolences to the prime minister and his family.

Although we cannot imagine the sadness and loss felt by our prime minister, we will go through all sadness and difficulties with him.

All PPP members, my family and I will feel the loss for a long time. May God bless her soul.

Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy premier

I, (his wife) (Dr Wan) Azizah (Wan Ismail) and family sympathise on her demise this morning.

My family, particularly Azizah, will not forget Endon's friendship and kindness.

Lim Kit Siang, opposition leader

Although she is short of two years as the prime minister's wife, she had a special place in the hearts of the people with her kindness, warmth and courage.

Her courage in fighting her sickness shall be an inspiration for all.

Lim Guan Eng, DAP secretary-general

DAP expresses its deepest condolences to the prime minister and his family. Datin Seri Endon will always be remembered as a first lady with compassion, dignity and indomitable spirit who accompanied and steadfastly supported her husband through the ups and downs of his political life.

She will be remembered for her courage and dignity whilst suffering from cancer, by refusing to let cancern overwhelm her, giving hope and encouragement to other cancer patients to fight on.

Even though she carried on the traditional role of centering on her family, she put the interests of the nation at heart. Despite her illness, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi carried on with his duties as prime minister, a tribute to her sense of duty to the country.

Kamaruddin Jaffar, PAS secretary-general

On behalf of the leadership, we offer our condolences on the demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood. Her death is a great loss to the nation.

I would also like to convey the condolences of party president Abdul Hadi Awang, who is in Mecca right now.

Salahuddin Ayub, PAS Youth chief

We hope the prime minister and his family will be strong and patient in facing the hardship. Her demise was a great loss to the country.

Shamsul Iskandar, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy Youth chief

PKR Youth wishes to convey its condolences to the prime minister and his family. We hope they will be patient and accept this as fate determined by God for all humans.

P Ramakrishnan, Aliran president

Aliran is saddened to hear the sudden demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood. We respetfully convey our heartfelt condolences to the premier and his family.

Her demise was unexpected as it was untimely. Together with other Malaysians, we in Aliran had very much hoped that her treatment was progressing well.

We shall remember her not only for having borne her illness with admirable fortitude but also for having carried out her responsibilities as the wife of the prime minister most graciously despite her difficult condition.

We shall also remember her indomitable courage in going public when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She used her condition to spread awareness of breast cancer and educate the public.

We share the prime minister's loss, sorrow and pain. May Allah bless her.

Joint Action Group Against Violence Against Women (JAG)

It is with great sadness that JAG expresses its deepest condolences to our prime minister and his family.

Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood has been a pillar of strength and made a great impact on our lives, especially women and children. She supported our work for gender equality and justice. She was committed to help improve the lives of women and children.

As the beloved wife of our prime minister, she worked hand in hand with her husband and was exemplary of a wonderful supportive husband and wife team. Malaysians have always been touched by the love that they shared.

She will be dearly missed and remembered.

Yusri Mohamad, Islamic Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president

We hope the prime minister will be strong during this difficult phase upon the deaths of two people dear to him, his mother and his beloved wife.

(Abdullah's mother Kailan Hassan passed away last February).

RN Rajah, Police Watch and Human Rights Committee chairperson

It is with deep sorrow that we express our condolence to the premier and his family on their bereavement. May God bless her soul.

Balachandran Gopal Krishnan, Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim) deputy chair

We express our condolence to the premier and his family on the demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.

Lok Yim Pheng, National Union of Teachers Profession (NUTP) secretary-general

NUTP and its members are deeply saddened by the demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.

Although her death was untimely, her policies were public spirited and the people should follow her ways.