PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 — The remains of the late Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali have been laid to rest at the National Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya.

The burial was witnessed by droves of supporters, as well as family members and friends who gathered to pay their final respects.

Mourners gathered around the grave as Dr Hasmah’s remains were lowered into the grave, followed by the recitation of the talqin, a traditional Islamic rite that reminds the deceased of the tenets of faith, and prayers led by Masjid Putra Grand Imam Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali.

The state funeral procession continued with the sprinkling of fragrant flower petals and leaves, known as bunga rampai, and rose water by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Dr Hasmah’s husband, followed by their children and other family members.

Later, the immediate family was presented with the Jalur Gemilang by Official Government Ceremonies Committee chairman Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood.

Apart from family members, close friends and political leaders from across the political divide, members of the public, including families, also attended the state funeral to pay their final respects to Dr Hasmah.

Among those who came to pay their final respects was 77-year-old retired engineer Ismail, who arrived at the Mausoleum grounds at about 3.30pm carrying only an umbrella.

He said he also wanted to offer his condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir, whom he described, together with Dr Hasmah, as leaders who understood the rakyat.

“I used to go against them back when I was young however now that I’m in my 70s, I started to realise how forward minded their vision was.

“They were over ten steps ahead of us and I just realised that recently,” he said.

Retired government servant Datuk Zainal Ayub, 65, meanwhile recalled one of Dr Hasmah’s contributions while she was stationed at the General Hospital in Alor Setar in the 1960s.

He said his late father, who was the Grand Imam in Alor Setar at the time, had been approached by Dr Hasmah to help persuade villagers to give birth at the hospital, as many women then preferred home births and newborn mortality was high.

“Back in those days, a lot of locals preferred to give birth at home and the mortality rate for newborns were high.

“So Tun actually met with my father to ask for his help in advising the villagers there to give birth at the hospital.

“And my father help(ed) her out and he would advise villagers every time during his sermons,” he said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia student Ainol Azril Ainol Zaffery, 24, who had never met Dr Hasmah, said he nevertheless regarded her as a national hero for her contributions to the country’s healthcare sector.

He said he was shocked to learn of her death this morning and decided to come to the Mausoleum to pay his respects after finding out the location online.

“I can’t share any personal memories of Tun because I never had the opportunity to meet her.

“But I was amazed about her when I read all the things she did in history books.

“She was one of the First Lady of Malaysia to contribute her medical expertise to the country and I really find that fascinating,” he said.

Meanwhile, 48-year-old Fauzi Sulaiman travelled from Banting with his family to witness the funeral procession.

He said he admired the relationship between Dr Hasmah and Dr Mahathir, describing her as a humble and loyal wife.

“She always kept a low profile despite her great contributions and what I love about her is that she never interfere with her husband works and stayed loyal to him.

“She truly is the backbone of her husband and we’re truly saddened by the news of her passing,” he said.

Although most of the crowd had dispersed by 7pm, a few mourners remained at the Mausoleum to pay their respects.

Dr Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur this morning at the age of 100.