Wah lieu. So sudden, just like *snap*
Happy birthday to dynast_harmonia But also...er...
I've basically been sleeping, eating and playing Pokemon Crystal all day, but when I went down to get a drink of water and caught what was on the TV, i think I paused mid-gulp.
I expected it was the funeral of some other politician, not Datin Endon.
PM's wife dies after bout with breast cancer
PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood died at
7.55 am today at the Prime Minister's official residence here after fighting a
long battle with cancer.
Endon, 64, breathed her last about 18 days after returning from treatment for
breast cancer in Los Angeles, United States.
She is survived by two children.
Thousands of Malaysians started paying their last respects at Seri Perdana,
the prime minister's official residence, from 11am.
VIPs and foreign dignitaries started to pay their last respects at at 9.30
am.
Among the earliest to arrive were Foreign
Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
Endon's remains will be brought to the Putrajaya Mosque for funeral prayers
during Asar, before being laid to rest at the Muslim burial grounds at Precinct
20, Putrajaya.
Abdullah and his son Kamaluddin,daughter Nori, daughter and son-in-laws,
Azrene Abdullah and Khairy Jamaluddin respectively, the premier's four
grandchildren who are Kamaluddin's children, were by Endon's side before she
breathed her last.
Endon's mother Datin Mariam Abdullah was also present.
As a mark of respect, several Cabinet Ministers including Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul
Kadir Sheikh Fadzir cancelled all their official functions.
Among others, the official launch of the national jersey for the SEA Games,
scheduled to be officiated by the deputy premier, was called off.
News of Endon's sudden death at the break of dawn shocked the nation, with
Malaysians from all walks of life mourning the loss of the premier's wife.
Reflecting the atmosphere of grief and sorrow, the weather in the Klang
Valley also greeted the day with gloom.
Radio and television stations switched to low gear by broadcasting songs
which depicted the sombre mood and verses from the holy Quran.
Muslim radio deejays also called on listeners to offer the Al-Fatihah verse
to Endon.
Senior government officers, including secretaries general and directors
general, based in Putrajaya also rushed to Seri Perdana to pay their last
respects.
Members of the public started converging on Seri Perdana ahead of visiting
hours at 11 am.
Also present were Minister of Agriculture and AgroBased Industry Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Abdul Aziz
Shamsuddin, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim,
Minister of Higher Education Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Salleh and former Deputy Prime
Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri
Rosmah Mansor were seen arriving at Seri Perdana at about 10.30 am.
Shortly after, the Prime Minister, who appeared in blue Malay traditional
dress, was seen receiving visitors who came to pay their last respects at the
premier's official residence.
Abdullah, who appeared composed at first, could not hold back his tears when
several visitors expressed their heartfelt condolences by lending their
shoulders to the bereaved premier.
He was later seen conversing with Najib and Syed Hamid.
According to one of his aides, Abdullah who was by his wife's side, appeared
calm when Endon breathed her last.
Immediately, the premier began making preparations for her burial.
At the Parliament building, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib
announced Endon's death at the start of today's sitting at 10 am before
adjourning the meeting to Monday.
Here are some immediate reactions:
MIC President Datuk Seri S.Samy
Vellu
The demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is a great loss to the Prime
Minister and all Malaysians and we are saddened by her death. She is a very fine
lady, very polished, polite and pleasant, and always had a soft heart for the
poor.
She had on several occasions organised and raised funds for the poor. As
chairman of Bakti, she has led the organisation well by providing foodstuff for
the needy and poor.
In all my conversations with her she has demonstrated her kindness and
respectfulness.
Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad
She was the pillar
of support for the Prime Minister. It must have been a huge impact on him.
We, MPs, are very saddened by her death.
PAS secretary - general Kamaruddin Jaffar
We hope the Prime
Minister and his family will take her passing as a fate from God. On behalf of
PAS, I extend my condelonces to them.
PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub
On behalf of the leadership and
members of PAS Youth central committee, I would like to extend my condolences to
the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the passing of his wife.
We believe her passing is a great loss to the country and we pray that
Abdullah and his family will be strong and patient in facing this test.
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang
It has come as a shock because we
believed she was recovering. In the short period as First Lady, she has managed
to establish a fond place in the hearts of Malaysians because of her kindness,
humility, consideration and courage fighting the killer disease.
She did not give up without a battle and for encouraging other women who are
suffering from breast cancer.
Former first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali
I received the sad
news early in the morning through the short messaging system (SMS). I felt so
sad when I heard the news as I have known Allahyarham for a long time, as friend
and also colleague in Bakti.
I am really saddened by her death and I regret the fact that I could not
visit her while she was in the hospital.
Endon's death - which comes less than two months after she and Abdullah
marked their 40th wedding anniversary - is the biggest personal blow to the
Malaysian leader since he took office in October 2003 following the retirement
of his predecessor, longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad, the AP meanwhile
reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said Abdullah has accepted his wife's
death, even though the family was surprised when Endon's condition worsened
suddenly early Thursday.
"He was very calm, he is very religious, he has come to terms with it,''
Najib said.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf
Kalla and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai were among foreign
dignitaries flying in for Endon's funeral later Thursday.
Thousands of people filed past Endon's body, which lay in state wrapped in
white linen on a table while Muslim clerics recited verses from the Quran.
Abdullah, Malaysia's fifth prime minister since the country achieved
independence from Britain in 1957, had been married to Endon since Sept. 4,
1965.
Abdullah has often called Endon his "No. 1 supporter.''
When his mother died of natural causes in February 2004, Abdullah telephoned
Endon in the United States, where she was undergoing treatment.
She later told reporters that he said: "I've lost my mother and I don't want
to lose you too.''
Endon was respected for her humble, unassuming personality.
She was popularly referred to as "Kak Endon,'' or "Elder Sister Endon.''
Abdullah and Endon often showed public displays of affection, including hugs
and kisses on each other's cheeks.
Endon discovered she had cancer in 2002 after her twin sister, Noraini, was
earlier diagnosed with the disease. Noraini died in 2003.
Endon had a breast removed and traveled to the United States regularly for
treatment.
She returned to Malaysia from Los Angeles on Oct. 1 after five rounds of
chemotherapy since July.
Agus Yusuff, a political scientist at the National University of Malaysia,
expressed confidence that Abdullah would "not let his personal loss affect his
responsibilities.''
"He has been mentally prepared for Endon's death for some time,'' Agus said.
"He will bounce back and carry out his work as prime minister with his usual
zest.''
Endon met Abdullah while both were working at the Public Services Department
in the 1960s. Since retiring in 1976, she has mainly been involved in charity
work, and has spearheaded efforts to assist children in North Korea,
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Endon has insisted she was never passionate about politics, and that she had
to "slowly accept it'' when Abdullah became much busier after he was elected a
member of Parliament in 1978.
"I must be supportive and understanding of his duties,'' Endon told The Star
in a 2003 interview.
"I always compliment him. He will always phone when he is away and we always
tell each other we love each other.''
Endon had been deeply involved in awareness programs for breast cancer, the
main cause of illness-related fatalities for Malaysian women.
She has said she refused to feel sorry for herself, and felt fortunate she
could obtain the best medical treatment.
...Wow. I mean, she just returned from the US less than three weeks ago. Rest in peace. v_v
...I'm still going back to sleep, though I haven't had a bath in more than 24 hours.
Kirieloid, RUN, Kay is inserting you in the next instalment of his wtf Ultraman fic! This is Not A Good Thing!
I've basically been sleeping, eating and playing Pokemon Crystal all day, but when I went down to get a drink of water and caught what was on the TV, i think I paused mid-gulp.
I expected it was the funeral of some other politician, not Datin Endon.
PM's wife dies after bout with breast cancer
PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood died at
7.55 am today at the Prime Minister's official residence here after fighting a
long battle with cancer.
Endon, 64, breathed her last about 18 days after returning from treatment for
breast cancer in Los Angeles, United States.
She is survived by two children.
Thousands of Malaysians started paying their last respects at Seri Perdana,
the prime minister's official residence, from 11am.
VIPs and foreign dignitaries started to pay their last respects at at 9.30
am.
Among the earliest to arrive were Foreign
Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
Endon's remains will be brought to the Putrajaya Mosque for funeral prayers
during Asar, before being laid to rest at the Muslim burial grounds at Precinct
20, Putrajaya.
Abdullah and his son Kamaluddin,daughter Nori, daughter and son-in-laws,
Azrene Abdullah and Khairy Jamaluddin respectively, the premier's four
grandchildren who are Kamaluddin's children, were by Endon's side before she
breathed her last.
Endon's mother Datin Mariam Abdullah was also present.
As a mark of respect, several Cabinet Ministers including Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul
Kadir Sheikh Fadzir cancelled all their official functions.
Among others, the official launch of the national jersey for the SEA Games,
scheduled to be officiated by the deputy premier, was called off.
News of Endon's sudden death at the break of dawn shocked the nation, with
Malaysians from all walks of life mourning the loss of the premier's wife.
Reflecting the atmosphere of grief and sorrow, the weather in the Klang
Valley also greeted the day with gloom.
Radio and television stations switched to low gear by broadcasting songs
which depicted the sombre mood and verses from the holy Quran.
Muslim radio deejays also called on listeners to offer the Al-Fatihah verse
to Endon.
Senior government officers, including secretaries general and directors
general, based in Putrajaya also rushed to Seri Perdana to pay their last
respects.
Members of the public started converging on Seri Perdana ahead of visiting
hours at 11 am.
Also present were Minister of Agriculture and AgroBased Industry Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Abdul Aziz
Shamsuddin, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim,
Minister of Higher Education Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Salleh and former Deputy Prime
Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri
Rosmah Mansor were seen arriving at Seri Perdana at about 10.30 am.
Shortly after, the Prime Minister, who appeared in blue Malay traditional
dress, was seen receiving visitors who came to pay their last respects at the
premier's official residence.
Abdullah, who appeared composed at first, could not hold back his tears when
several visitors expressed their heartfelt condolences by lending their
shoulders to the bereaved premier.
He was later seen conversing with Najib and Syed Hamid.
According to one of his aides, Abdullah who was by his wife's side, appeared
calm when Endon breathed her last.
Immediately, the premier began making preparations for her burial.
At the Parliament building, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib
announced Endon's death at the start of today's sitting at 10 am before
adjourning the meeting to Monday.
Here are some immediate reactions:
MIC President Datuk Seri S.Samy
Vellu
The demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is a great loss to the Prime
Minister and all Malaysians and we are saddened by her death. She is a very fine
lady, very polished, polite and pleasant, and always had a soft heart for the
poor.
She had on several occasions organised and raised funds for the poor. As
chairman of Bakti, she has led the organisation well by providing foodstuff for
the needy and poor.
In all my conversations with her she has demonstrated her kindness and
respectfulness.
Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad
She was the pillar
of support for the Prime Minister. It must have been a huge impact on him.
We, MPs, are very saddened by her death.
PAS secretary - general Kamaruddin Jaffar
We hope the Prime
Minister and his family will take her passing as a fate from God. On behalf of
PAS, I extend my condelonces to them.
PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub
On behalf of the leadership and
members of PAS Youth central committee, I would like to extend my condolences to
the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the passing of his wife.
We believe her passing is a great loss to the country and we pray that
Abdullah and his family will be strong and patient in facing this test.
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang
It has come as a shock because we
believed she was recovering. In the short period as First Lady, she has managed
to establish a fond place in the hearts of Malaysians because of her kindness,
humility, consideration and courage fighting the killer disease.
She did not give up without a battle and for encouraging other women who are
suffering from breast cancer.
Former first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali
I received the sad
news early in the morning through the short messaging system (SMS). I felt so
sad when I heard the news as I have known Allahyarham for a long time, as friend
and also colleague in Bakti.
I am really saddened by her death and I regret the fact that I could not
visit her while she was in the hospital.
Endon's death - which comes less than two months after she and Abdullah
marked their 40th wedding anniversary - is the biggest personal blow to the
Malaysian leader since he took office in October 2003 following the retirement
of his predecessor, longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad, the AP meanwhile
reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said Abdullah has accepted his wife's
death, even though the family was surprised when Endon's condition worsened
suddenly early Thursday.
"He was very calm, he is very religious, he has come to terms with it,''
Najib said.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf
Kalla and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai were among foreign
dignitaries flying in for Endon's funeral later Thursday.
Thousands of people filed past Endon's body, which lay in state wrapped in
white linen on a table while Muslim clerics recited verses from the Quran.
Abdullah, Malaysia's fifth prime minister since the country achieved
independence from Britain in 1957, had been married to Endon since Sept. 4,
1965.
Abdullah has often called Endon his "No. 1 supporter.''
When his mother died of natural causes in February 2004, Abdullah telephoned
Endon in the United States, where she was undergoing treatment.
She later told reporters that he said: "I've lost my mother and I don't want
to lose you too.''
Endon was respected for her humble, unassuming personality.
She was popularly referred to as "Kak Endon,'' or "Elder Sister Endon.''
Abdullah and Endon often showed public displays of affection, including hugs
and kisses on each other's cheeks.
Endon discovered she had cancer in 2002 after her twin sister, Noraini, was
earlier diagnosed with the disease. Noraini died in 2003.
Endon had a breast removed and traveled to the United States regularly for
treatment.
She returned to Malaysia from Los Angeles on Oct. 1 after five rounds of
chemotherapy since July.
Agus Yusuff, a political scientist at the National University of Malaysia,
expressed confidence that Abdullah would "not let his personal loss affect his
responsibilities.''
"He has been mentally prepared for Endon's death for some time,'' Agus said.
"He will bounce back and carry out his work as prime minister with his usual
zest.''
Endon met Abdullah while both were working at the Public Services Department
in the 1960s. Since retiring in 1976, she has mainly been involved in charity
work, and has spearheaded efforts to assist children in North Korea,
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Endon has insisted she was never passionate about politics, and that she had
to "slowly accept it'' when Abdullah became much busier after he was elected a
member of Parliament in 1978.
"I must be supportive and understanding of his duties,'' Endon told The Star
in a 2003 interview.
"I always compliment him. He will always phone when he is away and we always
tell each other we love each other.''
Endon had been deeply involved in awareness programs for breast cancer, the
main cause of illness-related fatalities for Malaysian women.
She has said she refused to feel sorry for herself, and felt fortunate she
could obtain the best medical treatment.
...Wow. I mean, she just returned from the US less than three weeks ago. Rest in peace. v_v
...I'm still going back to sleep, though I haven't had a bath in more than 24 hours.
Kirieloid, RUN, Kay is inserting you in the next instalment of his wtf Ultraman fic! This is Not A Good Thing!