Fazley Yaakob Recalls Tun Hasmah's Maternal Nature, Describing How She Asked Staff, 'Are You Okay? Are You Hurt?

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Tun Hasmah’s Legacy of Humility and Compassion: A Final Tribute from Those Who Served Her

Her final hours were marked by the same quiet dignity she embodied throughout a life dedicated to service—so much so that even in her last moments, she left an indelible impression on those around her. Among the many who will remember her is Datuk Fazley Yaakob, a veteran performer and former executive director of Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), who shared a poignant memory of her compassion that encapsulates the essence of her character.

Fazley’s recollection of Tun Hasmah’s kindness offers a rare glimpse into the personal side of a woman whose public contributions—from pioneering medical research to her unwavering support for social causes—earned her widespread admiration. For Fazley, who worked closely with her over a decade, Tun Hasmah’s humanity was her most defining trait. “She spoke with such grace, like a mother to anyone who met her, regardless of status or background,” he reflected.

Her ability to connect with staff at PWTC, where Fazley served as executive director, was not merely professional courtesy but a reflection of a deeply empathetic nature. “Her words were always measured, her demeanor warm and inclusive,” he noted, underscoring how she treated every individual with the same respect and care.

The most vivid memory Fazley shared was an incident that unfolded in the bustling environment of PWTC. A female staff member, caught off guard, accidentally spilled a glass of water—belonging to Tun Hasmah—after tripping over a carpet. In that moment, Fazley recounted, Tun Hasmah’s instinctive reaction was not one of irritation but of concern. “She immediately sprang up, helped the staff member, and asked, ‘Are you okay? Are you hurt?’” Fazley recalled.

“Her own blouse was already damp from the spill, yet she didn’t hesitate.” The staff member, initially flustered, burst into tears—not from distress, but from the overwhelming emotion of being treated with such genuine care. “She kept apologizing repeatedly, but Tun Hasmah’s kindness left her utterly moved,” Fazley said. This small yet telling moment, he added, became one of the most meaningful memories of his time interacting with her.

“Her heart was so pure, her maternal instinct so profound,” he wrote in a post. “Thank you for always being our strength and source of inspiration. We will miss you.”

Tun Hasmah’s death marks the end of an era for Malaysia, as she was not only the wife of the nation’s fourth prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, but also a trailblazer in her own right. A medical doctor by training, she dedicated her career to advancing healthcare in Malaysia, particularly in the field of cardiology, and was instrumental in establishing the National Heart Institute.

Her philanthropic efforts extended beyond medicine, encompassing education, women’s empowerment, and community development. Her legacy is one of quiet influence, where her contributions often operated behind the scenes but left an enduring mark on the nation’s social fabric.

The outpouring of tributes since her passing has highlighted her dual role as both a public figure and a private woman of deep compassion. Fazley’s account, while personal, resonates with broader narratives of her life—one where her professional acumen was matched by an unshakable commitment to human dignity. “She was a woman of few words but infinite kindness,” Fazley observed, a sentiment echoed by many who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her passing leaves a void not just in the political and medical spheres but in the collective memory of Malaysia as a symbol of grace under pressure and an unyielding dedication to service.

As the nation mourns, Tun Hasmah’s final act—of reaching out to a stranger in need—serves as a fitting epitaph. It was a reminder that her greatest legacy may not be the institutions she helped build, but the lives she touched with her presence.

Her seven children, including Mokhzani and other prominent figures like Tun Dr. Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak’s widow, Rosmah Mansor, will carry forward her memory, but for many like Fazley, it is the small, human moments that will endure. “We will miss you,” he wrote, a sentiment that encapsulates the depth of admiration and affection she inspired in those who knew her best.

Related: National Heart Institute (IJN) · Fazley Yaakob · Kuala Lumpur