Dr Siti Hasmah Ali revealed that she felt sad when Pakatan Harapan announced her husband Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its prime minister candidate.
Perhaps this was the reason for her tearing up when the announcement was made during the opposition coalition's convention in January.
Read more: 'Hidup Tun' and 'Reformasi' ring out as Harapan leaders turn emotional
In an interview with Oriental Daily News, Siti Hasmah said she felt sad because Mahathir was no longer 56, which he was when he became prime minister in 1981.
“I asked him why he is willing to sacrifice to be the prime minister candidate again? (I asked) can you still do it at this age?
“He said he is doing it because he has a responsibility to return the nation back to the age of unity, development and peace. He thinks he can make Malaysia strong again,” she added.
Siti Hasmah said even if Mahathir became the seventh prime minister, the 93-year-old politician would face a tough challenge as the nation is no longer the same as when he first assumed the post.
“Mahathir took over a prosperous Malaysia from Hussein Onn but (Mahathir's successor) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) and (Prime Minister) Najib (Abdul Razak) have created a mess,” she added.
Siti Hasmah hopes that Harapan members would work together to help Mahathir and not rely on him alone to deliver.
Mahathir's horse has 'retired'
Noting that her husband is still in good health, she said Mahathir has been forced to ride a bicycle instead of a horse since the horse has “retired”.
She then joked about how Mahathir's horse had “retired” but her husband continues to remain active in politics.
Siti Hasmah, 92, also revealed that accompanying Mahathir to the numerous functions and events have taken a toll on her.
“I am definitely tired. I lie in bed not wanting to move. I follow him around not because I am good in politics but to take care and support my husband,” she said.
She quipped that she calls her own “cabinet meeting” every Wednesday to scrutinise Mahathir's schedule to ensure he is not overburdened.
