By DayakDaily Team
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28: The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali was laid to rest at Pusara Negara, Precinct 20, here at 6.20 pm today, with her husband Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, their children, and family members present.
The state funeral was held as a final tribute to the wife of the former prime minister, who died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 9.20am today at the age of 100.
Earlier, her remains were carried by eight officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), led by Captain Ahmad Saufi Md Isa from Army Headquarters.
The recitation of the talkin was performed by Putra Mosque Grand Imam Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali.
This was followed by the presentation of the Jalur Gemilang by Official Government Ceremonies Committee chairman Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood.
The ceremony also honoured the late Dr Siti Hasmah’s services and contributions to the country, particularly in healthcare, education, and community welfare.
Her remains were buried beside the grave of the late Tun Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was also present to pay her last respects, accompanied by her son, Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah, and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah.
Also present were Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Kedah Regent Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, several Cabinet ministers, foreign diplomatic representatives, community leaders, and members of the public.
Earlier, Dr Siti Hasmah’s remains were taken to Masjid As-Syarif in Taman Sungai Besi Indah for bathing and funeral prayers before being brought to Pusara Negara, Precinct 20, for burial.
Born on July 12, 1926, Dr Siti Hasmah was the sixth of 10 children of Mohd Ali Taib and Siti Khadijah Ahmad.
She received her early education at Kampung Baru Malay School, Methodist Girls School, St Mary’s School and later Pudu English Girls School.
She is survived by her husband, Dr Mahathir, and seven children.
Dr Siti Hasmah was known not only as the wife of the statesman who led the country for more than two decades, but also as a medical doctor and prominent woman figure who contributed extensively to public health and community welfare.
Throughout her life alongside Dr Mahathir, she witnessed key moments in the country’s history and development, while championing issues involving healthcare, welfare, and women’s development.
Her passing marked the end of the life of a prominent woman who stood beside Dr Mahathir for decades through various important phases of the nation’s journey.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the government decided to accord Dr Siti Hasmah a state funeral in recognition of her maternal role and contributions throughout her life. — Bernama
