Many seek out grand old statesman of Asean

All smiles: Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali posing for a photo with Putin in Singapore.

AT the end of his visit after attending a series of meetings at the 33rd Asean Summit in Singapore, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was casually asked how he managed to cope with the punishing two-day schedule.

“I don’t know how I managed. I always attend meetings. It’s my duty. If I can, I will. If I am sick, I won’t go,” he replied.