The Wilful Sunflower

Our Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, passed away early this morning after a four-year battle with cancer.

"He will always phone when he is away and we always tell each other we love each other.''
-- quote from a 2003 interview

They had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary less than two months ago.

When his mother died of natural causes in February 2004, Abdullah telephoned Endon in the United States, where she was undergoing treatment. She later told reporters that he said: "I've lost my mother and I don't want to lose you too.''
-- (same source)

It warms my heart to know that they cared so deeply for each other through 40 years of marriage. I feel so sad for our Prime Minister. Can't imagine the kind of pain & loss he's going through -- and he can't even really grieve properly, coz he still has to lead the country and can't allow himself to fall apart. Praying he will receive strength and comfort at this time.

The whole country mourns together with him.