PUTRAJAYA: Three days after the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, her resting place at the Presint 20 Muslim cemetery continues to see a steady stream of visitors, offering prayers and expressions of gratitude.
While some knew the late Tun personally and others knew her only through stories and her contributions to the nation, the sentiment shared by those visiting the grave remained the same: people from diverse backgrounds and generations paid their respects to a figure who had become an integral part of the country's history.
A Bernama survey found that visitors, including those from the surrounding areas of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, began arriving as early as noon to spend time in quiet reflection and offer prayers for the late Dr Siti Hasmah.
Muslim visitors took the opportunity to recite the Surah Yasin and pray by the graveside, while visitors of various ethnicities also came to pay their last respects.
The atmosphere at the gravesite was emotional, with some visitors unable to hold back their tears while praying, and others wept during interviews with Bernama, despite never having met the deceased in person.
For several medical officers from the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, the visit held special significance, as they had grown up during the era of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
Among them, Dr Chandravany Supramaniam, 50, said the discipline, punctuality, and family values instilled in her life were influenced by the couple, whom she regards as role models for her own family.
"I was born and raised during the era of Tun (Dr) M and (Tun Dr) Siti Hasmah. The upbringing I received from my father also reflected the values of that era... discipline, punctuality -- everything came from both of them. Regarding family unity, they served as role models for me and my family," she said.
Also taking the opportunity amidst a busy schedule was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. She noted that memories of the late Tun remain vivid among the journalists who covered her activities since the early days of their careers.
Nur-ul Afida, who began covering the late Tun's activities between 1984 and 1986, said that Dr Siti Hasmah always treated journalists and photographers warmly, including during events at the Prime Minister's official residence.
She said the late Tun never allowed her position as the Prime Minister's wife to create a barrier when interacting with guests or media personnel.
"The treatment extended to us - journalists and photographers - at that time was incredibly warm. We were invited to eat and drink, just like the other distinguished guests.
"From that, we could see another side of her; she did not stand on ceremony regarding her status as the Prime Minister's wife, but instead treated everyone present at the official residence as her personal guests," she said.
According to her, two issues the late Tun frequently emphasised during media interviews were children's education and women's welfare.
She noted that her words and views on the importance of education and women's efforts to advance themselves served as a source of inspiration for many, including herself.
"Even simple words or expressions can serve as a great source of inspiration for many," she said.
Meanwhile, national school teacher Wan Mohd Khairi Wan Hassan took the opportunity to bring a group of students to visit the Dr Siti Hasmah's grave, even though the visit was not part of their original itinerary for the trip to Putrajaya.
He said the group comprising 40 students and seven teachers had originally scheduled a tour of Putrajaya but seized the opportunity to visit the grave after a request was made.
A Bernama survey also indicated that the number of visitors is expected to rise towards the end of the week, as members of the public continue to take the opportunity to pay their respects to Dr Siti Hasmah.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, 100, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on the morning of Sept 28 and, following a state funeral, was laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Precinct 20, Putrajaya, on the same day. - Bernama
