Dr Mahathir thanks Malaysians for support after Hasmah’s passing, says strength has yet to fully return

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today thanked Malaysians for their support, prayers and assistance following the death and burial of his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali, while acknowledging that he has yet to fully regain his strength. 

In a Facebook post today, Dr Mahathir said he had attempted to return to his office over the past few days but remained physically weak. 

“Over the last day or two, I tried going to the office but my strength has not yet fully returned,” he said. 

Speaking on behalf of his family, the 101-year-old statesman expressed his gratitude to all those who helped facilitate Hasmah’s funeral arrangements. 

He also said he was deeply touched by the continual prayers offered for his late wife, whether at her gravesite or from elsewhere. 

Dr Mahathir said the outpouring of support reminded him to remain grateful to Allah despite the pain of his loss, saying he had been blessed to share so many years of his life with Hasmah. 

“In the midst of such painful sadness, it reminds me to continue being grateful to Allah for having entrusted Hasmah to me for such a long time, until this stage of my life,” he wrote. 

He also apologised to those whose greetings, waves or condolences he had not been able to acknowledge during the period of mourning. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise if there were greetings I did not respond to, waves I did not return, and messages of condolence that I have yet to answer. Thank you,” he said. 

Hasmah, his wife of more than seven decades, passed away on September 28, 2026.