KUALA LUMPUR : Endon Mahmood, the wife of Malaysia's prime minister, died on Thursday. She was 64.
Bernama news agency said she died at 7:55am at Sri Perdana, the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
News of her death was conveyed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Bernama chairman Mohd Annuar Zaini.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after her twin sister Noraini contracted the disease in 2002.
Endon had made regular trips to the United States for treatment. She recently returned home from weeks of treatment in Los Angeles.
A spokesman for the prime minister's office said she would be buried later on Thursday in Putrajaya, the country's administrative capital. - CNA
What a shocking news. My condolences.
Wife of M'sian PM dies at 64
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's wife, whom he described as his No. 1 supporter, died on Thursday after a nearly 4-year battle with breast cancer.
Singapore leaders pay last respects to wife of Malaysian PM
SINGAPORE : Singapore leaders have travelled to Kuala Lumpur to pay their last respects to the late Datin Endon Mahmood, wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
They include President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Deputy Prime Minister Professor S. Jayakumar and Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo.
The late Datin Endon died on Thursday, aged 64, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
President Nathan, Mr Lee and Mr Goh have also sent condolence messages to Mr Abdullah and his family.
In his letter, President Nathan said Datin Endon had fought a valiant fight against a grave illness.
He added that she had contributed much to Malaysia and would be fondly remembered for her charity work and her contributions to the development of Malaysia.
In his condolence letter to Mr Abdullah, Mr Lee noted that Datin Endon had touched many lives with her humanity.
And she would be remembered for the charitable works and projects that she inspired, as well as her deep commitment to promoting Malaysian culture.
Mr Lee noted that Datin Endon was a gracious and caring lady, much loved and respected by the people.
Mr Goh said he had only written two days ago to the Malaysian leader to express concern for Datin Endon's health.
Mr Goh said he and his wife did not expect this sudden tragic turn of events.
He noted that Datin Endon was close to Mr Abdullah and a pillar of strength in his life.
Mr Goh has asked Mr Abdullah to take care of his own health. - CNA/de
