Dr Siti Hasmah (File Photo)
KUCHING: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali says she was overcome with emotions when Pakatan Harapan announced her husband, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as its prime minister candidate if they win the 14th general election (GE14).
In a video interview with Oriental Daily News, Dr Siti Hasmah said she felt sad because Mahathir was no longer 56, which he was when he became prime minister in 1981.
“I was emotional because he is going for second round at this age. We are not 56 and 55 years old as when he first became prime minister (in 1981), but we are now 93 and 92.
“He (Dr Mahathir) said it is his responsibility to bring this nation of all races back to the age of unity, development and peace. He said he will only be there for a while, before handing it over to someone else.
“We are now over 90 years old. We wake up every day thanking God we are still alive. It’s a bonus, maybe there’s a purpose. We believe in that,” she said in the interview which can be viewed on Oriental Daily News’ Facebook page.
Dr Mahathir was announced as PH’s candidate for Prime Minister if it wins the 14th general election, at the PH Convention in Shah Alam, Selangor on Jan 7.
During the announcement, Dr Siti Hasmah could be seen tearing up as she sat next to Pakatan Harapan president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
In the interview, she also said she has maintained good relations with Dr Wan Azizah despite the strong animosity between their husbands when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was expelled from the government some 20 years ago.
She said both Dr Mahathir and Anwar have reconciled and would work together in the opposition.
She also hoped that Pakatan Harapan members would work together to help Dr Mahathir and not rely on him alone to deliver.
She then joked about how Dr Mahathir’s horse had ‘retired’ but her husband continued to remain active in politics.
She quipped that she calls her own ‘cabinet meeting’ every Wednesday to scrutinise Dr Mahathir’s schedule to ensure he is not overburdened.
On why she still accompanied Dr Mahathir to numerous functions, she said this was because she wanted to give him courage and support.
“All communities like to see good united couple. I don’t take part in politics. I can join a party, but no posts. For the image, people want to see you with your husband. I’m there for him to give him courage and support,” she said.