Dr Zaliha's Mother Halimah Laid To Rest

KULAI, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The mother of former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the late Halimah Yaacob, 77, was laid to rest at the Al-Raudah Muslim Cemetery in Saleng, here, at 8.30 am today.

More than 100 family members and close friends were present at the burial, including the late Halimah’s husband, Mustafa Mohd Salleh, 91.

Also in attendance was Deputy National Unity Minister, R. Yuneswaran.

Dr Zaliha said that her mother had been in and out of hospital over the past three to four months due to several health complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke, with her condition deteriorating in recent weeks.

“Yesterday morning, my mother’s condition became critical. Although the hospital had managed to stabilise her for two to three days earlier, our family decided yesterday to bring her home,” she said.

“When we arrived home shortly before Isyak, my mother’s condition deteriorated. She passed away peacefully after the adhan for the Isyak prayer,” she said when met after the funeral today.

She added that the funeral arrangements proceeded smoothly, from the bathing and shrouding of the body to the funeral prayers, before the remains were brought back to Johor at midnight last night.

Dr Zaliha, the eldest of eight siblings, described the deceased as a loving and caring mother, who successfully raised her children to become individuals who contribute positively to the community and the nation.

Halimah’s remains were transported from Putrajaya to Johor at midnight, after funeral prayers were held at the Mahmoodiah Mosque, Presint 18, Putrajaya.

She breathed her last at her son’s residence in Putrajaya last night.

-- BERNAMA