Mourners Flock to Pay Respects at Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s Gravesite

Putrajaya:Three days after Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali's passing, her grave at Pusara Negara continues to attract numerous visitors who come to offer prayers and express their gratitude.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a diverse group of mourners, including residents from Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, have been visiting the site since noon each day. The visitors, some of whom knew Tun Dr Siti Hasmah personally while others were familiar only with her legacy, share a common sentiment of respect and admiration for her contributions to the nation.

Many Muslim visitors recited the Surah Yasin at her graveside, while people of various ethnic backgrounds also came to pay their respects. The atmosphere was emotional, with some visitors shedding tears as they prayed and others becoming visibly moved during interviews.

Medical officers from the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, who grew up during the era of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, found the visit particularly meaningful. Dr Chandravany A/P Supramaniam, a 50-year-old medical officer, spoke of the couple's influence on her own values of discipline and family unity.

Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, the CEO of BERNAMA, also visited, recalling the late Tun's warmth and approachability. Having covered Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's activities in the 1980s, Nur-ul Afida remembered her as someone who treated journalists and photographers with genuine hospitality, breaking down barriers typically associated with her status.

Nur-ul Afida also highlighted Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's focus on children's education and women's welfare during her media interactions. Her words often inspired those who listened, reinforcing the importance of education and women's advancement.

In an educational initiative, Wan Mohd Khairi Wan Hassan, a teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan, brought 40 students and seven teachers to the gravesite. Although unplanned, the visit was a valuable experience for the students, who were in Putrajaya for a tour.

A BERNAMA survey suggests that the number of visitors is expected to increase towards the end of the week as more people seek to honor Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's memory. The beloved figure passed away at the age of 100 at the National Heart Institute on September 28, and she was laid to rest the same day following a state funeral.