Three weeks after the passing of his wife Dr Hasmah Ali, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed deep gratitude for their 70-year marriage while thanking the public for their continuous outpouring of condolences and prayers.

Addressing the overwhelming support, Mahathir offered a heartfelt apology for being unable to respond to everyone individually.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise if, during this period, there were greetings I did not return, waves I failed to acknowledge, or condolences I have yet to answer,” he said in a statement today.

Hasmah passed away on Sept 28 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, at the age of 100.