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

Condolences are pouring in after Dr Hasmah Ali passed away this morning.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong prayed that Hasmah would be counted among the faithful.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, announced that the centenarian would be accorded a state funeral.

Hasmah will be laid to rest this evening in Putrajaya.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said Hasmah played a key role in uplifting Malaysian women in various fields, including health, education, and the economy when her husband, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, served as prime minister.

Takiyuddin (above) also hailed her as a mother to the nation.

Meanwhile, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and his fiancée Bella Astilah shared that they had just met with Hasmah and Mahathir days ago.

"She was kind, funny, warm and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of love, sacrifice and experience," Syed Saddiq said in an Instagram post, recalling those final moments together.

Syed Saddiq also expressed sadness that Hasmah would not be at their wedding next month, but vowed that the advice she passed on will remain with them forever.

"We will carry it into our marriage, into our home, and insyaAllah, for the rest of our lives," he said.

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim also shared his condolence message on his X account, accompanied by a picture of Hasmah.

Loss to country's badminton family

National badminton legend Razif Sidek described the passing of Hasmah as a great loss to the country’s badminton family, particularly the 1992 Thomas Cup squad which made history by lifting the prestigious trophy 34 years ago.

Razif, who captained the squad, said that Hasmah, as patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), had not only supported the team but was also regarded as a mother figure by the players.

“She was always close to the players and took a keen interest in their preparations,” he said.

“We regarded her as the mother of the Thomas Cup squad at the time. Sometimes, she would come during training, meet and speak with us, and offer a few words to lift our spirits.

“We will never forget her contributions when Malaysia won the 1992 Thomas Cup at Stadium Negara (below),” he told Bernama.

National songstress Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin also took to her Instagram account to share her grief.

"I regard the passing of the late Hasmah as a great loss to all Malaysians, given her many services and contributions to healthcare, welfare and the development of women throughout her life.

"I also pray that Mahathir and her entire family are granted the resilience, patience and strength of spirit to face this difficult ordeal. The late Hasmah was a very caring and gentle woman, with a strong maternal instinct," she posted.

Valuable experience

Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong also took to their respective social media accounts to express their condolences.

"My experience of interacting closely with her during Mahathir’s administration from 2018 to 2020 was immensely valuable to me.

"She had lived through so many important phases in our country’s journey, always carrying herself with calmness, humility and dignity, qualities that have always earned the respect of Malaysians," Loke said.

Liew, meanwhile, described Hasmah as caring and "never overbearing yet quietly firm and resolute".

"Hasmah was the role model for millions of Malaysians, especially for women. While solemn and serious in public, I was fortunate to see the playful and cheerful side of hers in more private settings. She was truly a wonderful lady," he said.

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