KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thanked the public for their continued prayers for his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, saying he was deeply touched by the support amid his grief.

In a statement today, the former prime minister also thanked those who helped with the funeral arrangements.

"I am also deeply touched by the continuous prayers offered for my wife, Hasmah, to this day, whether at her grave or from wherever people may be," he said.

Dr Mahathir said he had tried to return to his office over the past day or two but was not yet strong enough.