KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Former world No. 1 men's singles shuttler Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei described the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as a “warrior” and a maternal figure who brought together national badminton players.
He said the affection shown by the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad united the national players and served as a strong pillar for Malaysian badminton.
“Throughout my nearly 20-year badminton career, from a young boy who had just joined the national squad to competing on the world stage, Tun was always there. Whether we won or lost, Tun's support and affection never ceased.
“Tun treated all of us like her own children. Whenever there were disagreements within the team, Tun was the one who brought us together with her gentleness and wisdom,” Lee said in a Facebook post today.
The three-time Olympic men's singles silver medallist also said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) patron this morning.
“I immediately remembered the Malaysia Open earlier this year. When I spoke to Tun, she was so excited and said she wanted to come to the stadium to support our players.
“Tun's spirit and love for badminton never faded. I never imagined that would be the last time we spoke,” he said, expressing his appreciation for her services and contributions to Malaysian badminton.
Lee added that the late Dr Siti's smile and warmth would always remain etched in the badminton courts and the hearts of Malaysians.
“Rest peacefully, Tun. We will always miss you,” he said.
Dr Siti served as BAM patron for more than two decades until 2007, including during Malaysia's historic Thomas Cup triumph over traditional rivals Indonesia, winning 3-2 in the 1992 edition at Stadium Negara here.
She passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at 9.20am today at the age of 100, leaving behind her husband and seven children.
