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Farewell to a much-loved First Lady
Published:  Oct 20, 2005 9:02 PM
Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM

Endon Mahmood was laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Precint 20, Putrajaya at about 5pm today.

Earlier, thousands of people joined in the funeral prayers for Endon, held at 4.35pm after the Asar prayers, at the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya.

Abdullah, flanked by his son Kamaluddin and son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, were seen in the front row of the congregration.

Endon's remains were then taken to the cemetery, where hundreds of people, including cabinet ministers, VIPs and members of the public, have been waiting since noon.

The recital of the talkin started at 5.51pm, during which Abdullah, flanked by Kamaluddin, daughter Nori and Khairy as well as his grandchildren and other close family members, were seen to be holding back tears.

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo (right) made a lightning visit to Malaysia to attend Endon's funeral. She arrived at the burial ground at about 5.00pm and stayed until the funeral was over.

The other prominent foreign dignitary present at the funeral was the Crown Prince of Brunei who represented his father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Earlier, President SR Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong (left)of Singapore offered their condolences to Pak Lah and his family members at Sri Perdana. They were accompanied by several cabinet ministers including Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Foreign Minister George Yeo was seen at the funeral in the late afternoon.

In Kepala Batas, Pak Lah's hometown, there was an all round gloom as news of his wife's death quickly spread among locals.

As fate would have it, Abdullah was to have arrived here this evening for a number of scheduled functions.

He was supposed to officiate the Al-Hidayah mosque in Kuala Muda before joining the people and community leaders for a berbuka puasa function. After that he was supposed to attend a Quran recital programme.

Following Endon's passing today, prayers are expected to be offered for her at mosques, temples and churches in the coming days.

From the huge crowds present at the funeral, it is clear that Malaysians are grieving with their prime minister who had just suffered an irreplaceable loss - that of the wife whom he loves so much.

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