Mukhriz Says Mahathir May Be Better Off Staying at IJN While Grieving

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may be better off remaining at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for the time being as he comes to terms with the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

His son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, said returning home could make the grieving process more difficult, as the surroundings would likely remind his father of his late wife.

Mahathir Should Remain at IJN for Now, Says Son Mukhriz

“I think that even if he were to stay at home, everything he sees would probably remind him even more of the late Tun Hasmah,” Mukhriz was quoted as saying.

He said it would therefore be better for Mahathir to remain at IJN until he has fully recovered.

Siti Hasmah died at IJN on Sept 28 at the age of 100 and was later laid to rest at Pusara Negara in Putrajaya. Mahathir attended the funeral alongside their children and other family members.

The couple married on Aug 5, 1956, and marked their 70th wedding anniversary last August. They had seven children.

Mukhriz’s comments come as the family asks Malaysians to give Mahathir time and space to grieve following the loss of his lifelong partner. Recent reports said Mahathir was at IJN for observation and was in stable condition.