Endon’s humility, kindness, graciousness and quiet courage to stand up for what is right,  true and noble should be an example and inspiration to all Malaysians, in particular political leaders from both sides of the political divide

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Media Statement
by Lim Kit Siang  
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(Parliament, Tuesday): I rise to support the motion by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak to record the grief of Parliament and the nation on the passing of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, wife of the Prime Minister, and to convey the deepest condolence of MPs from all political parties and the Malaysian people of all races, religions, languages and cultures to the Prime Minister and his family.

Endon’s death  on Thursday morning came as a shock to all Malaysians as it was only on Tuesday that they read in the newspapers that she had been discharged from hospital after showing good signs of recovery.  For two years, Malaysians had followed with concern and  admiration the battle she had waged against breast cancer, and although all knew that she was  up against great odds, all prayed and hoped that she could fight the killer disease to a remission.

Although Endon had been the “first lady” as the Prime Minister’s wife just short of two years, unable to make many public appearances because of her health, she had won a special place in the hearts of Malaysians because of her kindness, graciousness, consideration, humility and courage not to succumb to the killer disease, encouraging women with breast cancer not to give up the fight – an  inspiration to  Malaysians.

That Endon had carved out a special place in the hearts of Malaysians was amply borne out by the national outpouring of grief regardless of race, religion, territory or political affiliation with her  sad and tragic demise.

As I said to the grieving Prime Minister when I paid my last respects to Endon at Sri Perdana on Thursday morning: “Be strong. Endon will want you to be strong. You have my full support”

The best way to remember Endon is for all Malaysians, in particular political leaders from both sides of the political divide, to emulate her humility, kindness, graciousness and quiet courage to stand up for what is right,  true and noble.

Let us all dedicate ourselves to honour Endon’s memory  and uphold her legacy by bringing to fruition her Malaysian  dream of a  clean, incorruptible, just, open, accountable and  transparent Malaysia where  the words  “cemerlang, gemilang,  terbilang” are not mere slogans but daily living experiences of all Malaysians.  God bless her soul.

 
(25/10/2005)