PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali was far more than a patron to Malaysia’s badminton players, with national legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei remembering her as a "hero" who treated athletes like her own children.
Recalling their last conversation at the Malaysia Open earlier this year, Lee said Dr Siti Hasmah enthusiastically shared her desire to attend the stadium and cheer for the local players.
"Her spirit and love for badminton never faded," Lee said in a heartfelt tribute on Monday (Sept 28) following her passing.
"I never thought that would be the last time we spoke."
Lee noted that while many recognised her as the former prime minister's wife, she held a unique place in the hearts of the national squad.
"To outsiders, she was the wife of a former prime minister," he said.
"But to me and the entire national badminton squad, Tun was a hero, the person we respected most and someone from whom we received so much love."
He recalled how senior players often spoke of the 1992 Thomas Cup victory, where Dr Siti Hasmah served as patron.
"Whenever she spoke about that success, tears would always well up in her eyes," he said.
"Whenever there were disagreements within the team, she was the one who brought us together with her gentleness and wisdom."
Lee, a three-time Olympic silver medallist and former world number one, noted that Dr Siti Hasmah remained a constant source of encouragement throughout his long career.
"Win or lose, her support and love never stopped," Lee said, adding that she continued playing the sport herself until the age of 75.
