PETALING JAYA: Unbeknownst to them, the three healthcare personnel who were with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali’s funeral had caught the attention of Malaysians.
The three from National Heart Institute have been identified as Dr Iskandar Mirza Amran, a cardiologist, physiotherapist Kevin Choo and chief nurse, identified only as Divya.
Their photograph has gone viral on social media as it showed the three, who are from Malay, Chinese and Indian backgrounds.
Throughout the funeral, they were seen to be caring for Dr Mahathir.
At one point, Choo and Divya were seen attending to the former prime minister, passing tissues and providing hand sanitiser to Dr Mahathir.
Responding to a Facebook post praising their work, Dr Iskandar Mirza said it has always been a collective effort of the team.
“I am truly grateful to be surrounded by a team that is dedicated, passionate and committed to what we do.
“I strongly believe that when people work together with a shared purpose and genuine commitment, even the most challenging goals become achievable,” he said.
Social media was flooded with praises for Dr Iskandar Mirza, Choo and Divya for their service and dedication.
Among them is nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah, who praised the dedication of the multidisciplinary medical team in caring for Dr Mahathir during a difficult period for him.
She said the combined efforts of specialists, nurses and physiotherapists were crucial in providing comprehensive care.
She also highlighted the sacrifices made by members of the medical team, including Dr Iskandar Mirza, who had worked through the night.
Facebook user Kintan Samad wrote: “Thank you Frontline workers,proud of them.”
David KY Chua said what made the image especially meaningful was the connection to Dr Siti Hasmah herself, whose life was devoted to medicine, maternal and child health, rural healthcare and public service.
“On the day Malaysia said goodbye to one pioneering doctor, another generation of Malaysian healthcare workers stood quietly beside her husband; not making speeches or trying to become symbols, but simply doing their jobs.
“Sometimes unity isn’t something we need to announce. Sometimes it looks like different Malaysians standing beside one patient, each doing their part to make sure he is cared for,” he wrote.
Another Facebook user Sunil Velayuthan said: “Passion for being a doctor and doing your responsibility without holding back is what is shown. God bless the three from IJN.”
Former Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah took to social media to praise the trio.
He said as Malaysians worry and pray for Dr Mahathir’s health, three dedicated healthcare workers from IJN, one Malay, one Chinese and one Indian stood by his side.
“They are a powerful reflection of Malaysia’s diversity, united in caring for him. Thank you to our frontline workers,” Dr Noor Hisham said in a Facebook post.
