KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed gratitude for the many years he shared with his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, but said he remains too weak to resume his usual duties three weeks after her death.
In a statement today, Dr Mahathir, who turned 101 in July this year, said he had tried returning to his office over the past two days but had yet to regain sufficient physical strength.
“I have tried going to the office over the past day or two, but I am still not quite strong enough,” he said.
Reflecting on the prayers offered for Siti Hasmah, Dr Mahathir said they reminded him to be grateful to Allah SWT for the years he had spent with her, even as he mourned her loss.
“The prayers remind me, amid such painful grief, to remain grateful to Allah SWT for having lent me Hasmah for so many years, until I have reached an age at which only a little of my own life remains,” he said.
He also thanked those who had helped with the funeral arrangements and members of the public who continued to visit his wife’s grave to offer prayers.
Dr Mahathir said he was deeply touched by the support and prayers from people near and far following her death.
He apologised to those whose greetings he had been unable to acknowledge, whose waves he had not returned and whose messages of condolence he had yet to answer during this difficult period.
Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on September 28 at the age of 100, leaving behind seven children.
She was laid to rest on the same day at the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya, with her funeral accorded state dignitary honours. – October 19, 2026