Bangsa Malaysia scene at Hasmah’s burial captures Malaysians’ hearts

The grief that swept across Malaysia following the passing of Dr Hasmah Ali, wife of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was nothing short of extraordinary.

It was a heartfelt farewell befitting the nation’s most beloved First Lady — a woman whose unwavering presence beside her husband was a story of devotion in itself.

And the tributes have not stopped. From Malaysians of every race, every creed, every walk of life, the outpouring has been relentless — a rare sight that has moved many to tears. Even days after her final bow, the love remains.

But it was a scene in Hasmah’s final send-off that will forever be etched in the hearts of Malaysians yearning for unity. A scene that spoke louder than any policy or speech.

There was Mahathir, at 101 years old, in his wheelchair, tears streaming down his face as he bade farewell to his partner of a lifetime.

And standing behind him, in a silent show of solidarity, were three individuals: a Malay doctor, an Indian nurse, and a Chinese physiotherapist. The physiotherapist, himself fighting back tears, gently held tissues to wipe away the former PM’s tears, ensuring he was okay.

It was a fleeting moment, but it said everything.

This was the dream. This was the “Bangsa Malaysia” that Mahathir envisioned when he launched Vision 2020 back in 1991. Sadly, it never fully materialised even though he returned for a second stint in office in 2020.

But here, inadvertently and coincidentally, at the most vulnerable moment of his life, the nation watched it unfold “live”.

It was a powerful reminder that Malaysia cannot survive, cannot thrive, without all its citizens — each playing their part, especially when times are tough.

This was how the older generations lived. This was how they built the nation. Race and religion were afterthoughts; what mattered was the Malaysian standing before them, bringing glory to the nation, regardless of skin colour.

And then there were the pictures.

Two photographs posted by badminton legend Lee Chong Wei in his tear-jerking tribute to Hasmah — whom he lovingly called a motherly figure to him and his wife. As patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia during Chong Wei’s glorious reign, she was more than a figurehead; she was family.

In the first photo, Chong Wei is seen walking forward, hand outstretched in greeting. But what happened next took everyone’s breath away. Hasmah, instead of a formal handshake, opened her arms wide and pulled him into a warm, enveloping hug.

It was a simple gesture. But in that embrace, she showed Malaysians something profound: that despite our different colours and creeds, we are, and always will be, one race. The human race.

There is so much for Malaysian politicians to learn from this episode.

There were more instances that showed the Malaysian in Hasmah but you need to write a book to document everything.

Rest in peace, Hasmah. You taught us how to live, how to love, and in your passing, how to unite.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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