Our Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, is in mourning. His beloved wife,
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (Reuters) - Malaysia went into mourning on Thursday for Endon Mahmood, well-liked wife of the prime minister, who died after a long battle with breast cancer.
Endon, as she was warmly known, was a well of inspiration for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but family friends sought to dispel any notion that he might now begin to lose his appetite for power.
"I think that this will throw him more into the job now," said a close friend, who described Abdullah as calm in the first hours after her death, just after dawn at their home on Thursday.
"It's a huge loss to Pak Lah," said Abdullah Ahmad, a former newspaper editor and diplomat, using Abdullah's affectionate nickname. Abdullah Ahmad was among thousands of people at the prime minister's official residence to offer his condolences.
"She was everything to Pak Lah. She was a friend and a confidante." But Abdullah Ahmad also doubted that the premier, 65, would lose his drive for politics now that she was gone.
Parliament was adjourned until Monday as a mark of respect, and the government canceled all Thursday's official functions, local media said. All local TV stations broadcast prayers.
Leaders from neighbor Singapore, including the prime minister, were also making their way to Malaysia to pay their respects, Malaysian officials said, in a clear sign of warmer bilateral ties since prime minister Abdullah took power in 2003.
An official spokeswoman said Endon, 64, died at 7:15 a.m. (2315 GMT) at the premier's sprawling hilltop official residence in the leafy new administrative capital of Putrajaya.
The whole family was gathered at Endon's bedside when the end came. The prime minister, a deeply religious man, was serene and comforted his children as they wept, the close friend said.
The son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, told Reuters she had spoken no parting words. "She was in semi-conscious state already," said a tired-looking Kamaluddin, wearing a white linen shirt as he stood at the main door of the residence to receive the condolences of visitors, among them women in the black headscarves of mourning.
"She died peacefully," said her son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin. Endon's mother was also beside her at the time.
Thousands of people, including civil servants from offices nearby, queued in rain outside the turquoise-domed residence, waiting to enter and file past Endon's body, wrapped in white linen. Later on Thursday, her body is to be taken to a mosque for prayers before being buried in a public cemetery in Putrajaya.
The death came in the holy month of Ramadan, during which devout Muslims believe the departed receive special blessings.
The soft-spoken Endon was diagnosed with cancer soon after her twin sister Noraini discovered she had the disease in 2002.
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was among the first visitors to arrive. He went in and read verses from the holy Koran, officials said. Abdullah took power late in 2003, as the chosen successor of Mahathir.
Since 2002, Endon had made regular trips to the United States for treatment. She returned home on October 1 from weeks of treatment in Los Angeles, but immediately went into hospital to guard against secondary infections, on doctors' advice.
(Additional reporting by Mark Bendeich, Clarence Fernandez and Barani Krishnan)
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
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From The Star Newsdesk
Thursday October 20, 2005
PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood died at 7.55 am today at the Prime Minister's official residence here after fighting a long battle with cancer.
Endon, 64, breathed her last about 18 days after returning from treatment for breast cancer in Los Angeles, United States.
She is survived by two children.
Thousands of Malaysians started paying their last respects at Seri Perdana, the prime minister's official residence, from 11am.
VIPs and foreign dignitaries started to pay their last respects at at 9.30 am.
Among the earliest to arrive were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
Endon's remains will be brought to the Putrajaya Mosque for funeral prayers during Asar, before being laid to rest at the Muslim burial grounds at Precinct 20, Putrajaya.
Abdullah and his son Kamaluddin,daughter Nori, daughter and son-in-laws, Azrene Abdullah and Khairy Jamaluddin respectively, the premier's four grandchildren who are Kamaluddin's children, were by Endon's side before she breathed her last.
Endon's mother Datin Mariam Abdullah was also present.
As a mark of respect, several Cabinet Ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir cancelled all their official functions.
Among others, the official launch of the national jersey for the SEA Games, scheduled to be officiated by the deputy premier, was called off.
News of Endon's sudden death at the break of dawn shocked the nation, with Malaysians from all walks of life mourning the loss of the premier's wife.
Reflecting the atmosphere of grief and sorrow, the weather in the Klang Valley also greeted the day with gloom.
Radio and television stations switched to low gear by broadcasting songs which depicted the sombre mood and verses from the holy Quran.
Muslim radio deejays also called on listeners to offer the Al-Fatihah verse to Endon.
Senior government officers, including secretaries general and directors general, based in Putrajaya also rushed to Seri Perdana to pay their last respects.
Members of the public started converging on Seri Perdana ahead of visiting hours at 11 am.
Also present were Minister of Agriculture and AgroBased Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Dr Mohd Shafie Salleh and former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Musa Hitam.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were seen arriving at Seri Perdana at about 10.30 am.
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Thousands of Malaysians, including VIPs, royalties, foreign dignitaries, paying the last respects to Datin Seri Endon Mahmood who passed away Thursday at the Prime Minister's official residence in Putrajaya - Starpic |
Shortly after, the Prime Minister, who appeared in blue Malay traditional dress, was seen receiving visitors who came to pay their last respects at the premier's official residence. Abdullah, who appeared composed at first, could not hold back his tears when several visitors expressed their heartfelt condolences by lending their shoulders to the bereaved premier.
He was later seen conversing with Najib and Syed Hamid.
According to one of his aides, Abdullah who was by his wife's side, appeared calm when Endon breathed her last.
Immediately, the premier began making preparations for her burial.
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The PM's daughter Nori having a last look at her mother Datin Seri Endon Mahmood. |
At the Parliament building, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib announced Endon's death at the start of today's sitting at 10 am before adjourning the meeting to Monday.
Here are some immediate reactions:
MIC President Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu
The demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is a great loss to the Prime Minister and all Malaysians and we are saddened by her death. She is a very fine lady, very polished, polite and pleasant, and always had a soft heart for the poor. She had on several occasions organised and raised funds for the poor. As chairman of Bakti, she has led the organisation well by providing foodstuff for the needy and poor.
In all my conversations with her she has demonstrated her kindness and respectfulness.
Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad
She was the pillar of support for the Prime Minister. It must have been a huge impact on him.
We, MPs, are very saddened by her death.
PAS secretary - general Kamaruddin Jaffar
We hope the Prime Minister and his family will take her passing as a fate from God. On behalf of PAS, I extend my condelonces to them.
PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub
On behalf of the leadership and members of PAS Youth central committee, I would like to extend my condolences to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the passing of his wife.
We believe her passing is a great loss to the country and we pray that Abdullah and his family will be strong and patient in facing this test.
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang
It has come as a shock because we believed she was recovering. In the short period as First Lady, she has managed to establish a fond place in the hearts of Malaysians because of her kindness, humility, consideration and courage fighting the killer disease.
She did not give up without a battle and for encouraging other women who are suffering from breast cancer.
Former first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali
I received the sad news early in the morning through the short messaging system (SMS). I felt so sad when I heard the news as I have known Allahyarham for a long time, as friend and also colleague in Bakti.
I am really saddened by her death and I regret the fact that I could not visit her while she was in the hospital.
Endon's death - which comes less than two months after she and Abdullah marked their 40th wedding anniversary - is the biggest personal blow to the Malaysian leader since he took office in October 2003 following the retirement of his predecessor, longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad, the AP meanwhile reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said Abdullah has accepted his wife's death, even though the family was surprised when Endon's condition worsened suddenly early Thursday.
"He was very calm, he is very religious, he has come to terms with it,'' Najib said.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai were among foreign dignitaries flying in for Endon's funeral later Thursday.
Thousands of people filed past Endon's body, which lay in state wrapped in white linen on a table while Muslim clerics recited verses from the Quran.
Abdullah, Malaysia's fifth prime minister since the country achieved independence from Britain in 1957, had been married to Endon since Sept. 4, 1965.
Abdullah has often called Endon his "No. 1 supporter.''
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.''
Endon was respected for her humble, unassuming personality.
She was popularly referred to as "Kak Endon,'' or "Elder Sister Endon.''
Abdullah and Endon often showed public displays of affection, including hugs and kisses on each other's cheeks.
Endon discovered she had cancer in 2002 after her twin sister, Noraini, was earlier diagnosed with the disease. Noraini died in 2003.
Endon had a breast removed and traveled to the United States regularly for treatment.
She returned to Malaysia from Los Angeles on Oct. 1 after five rounds of chemotherapy since July.
Agus Yusuff, a political scientist at the National University of Malaysia, expressed confidence that Abdullah would "not let his personal loss affect his responsibilities.''
"He has been mentally prepared for Endon's death for some time,'' Agus said.
"He will bounce back and carry out his work as prime minister with his usual zest.''
Endon met Abdullah while both were working at the Public Services Department in the 1960s. Since retiring in 1976, she has mainly been involved in charity work, and has spearheaded efforts to assist children in North Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Endon has insisted she was never passionate about politics, and that she had to "slowly accept it'' when Abdullah became much busier after he was elected a member of Parliament in 1978.
"I must be supportive and understanding of his duties,'' Endon told The Star in a 2003 interview.
"I always compliment him. He will always phone when he is away and we always tell each other we love each other.''
Endon had been deeply involved in awareness programs for breast cancer, the main cause of illness-related fatalities for Malaysian women.
She has said she refused to feel sorry for herself, and felt fortunate she could obtain the best medical treatment.
Ninghua: There is alot more stories at thestar.com.my. Notable ones:
The picture gallery
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MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting:
The party, Malaysian Chinese community and I express our deepest sympathy on the passing of our nation's first lady, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.
We are extremely saddened by her demise. She was a hard worker and caring person. Despite her battle with cancer, she put others ahead of her own hardship. She is greatly loved and admired by the people.
To Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family who would be in great need of love, strength and understanding at this moment in life, we are encouraged to know that he is a man of great faith and has the inner vigour to overcome the loss.
The Chinese community will continue to pray for peace, compassion and strength for the family in their hour of sorrow and also for the nation as Endon's demise is an immense loss to all Malaysians.
Endon had throughout her life served the people, working quietly but effectively alongside with her beloved husband.
And as the country's first lady, her contributions reached beyond the boundaries of Malaysia, working for the betterment of the less fortunate and needy, regardless of their race and religion.
MIC President Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu:
The demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood is a great loss to the Prime Minister and all Malaysians and we are saddened by her death.
She was a very fine lady, very polished, polite and pleasant, and always had a soft spot for the poor.
She had on several occasions organised and raised funds for the poor.
As chairman of Bakti, she had led the organisation well by providing foodstuff for the needy and poor.
In all my conversations with her she had demonstrated her kindness and respectfulness.
Gerakan President Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik:
We are very saddened by her death.
Our deepest condolences to Pak Lah and his family.
MCA Deputy President Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy:
Datuk Seri Endon's demise is a great loss to her family and nation.
We are very saddened and pray for our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family to have the strength to overcome their grief.
MCA Secretary-General Datuk Ong Ka Chuan:
We are very sad over the demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.
She was a brave lady, a pillar of strength for her husband and family and a shining example for all Malaysians.
We pray to God to give our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family the courage and strength to face the loss.
MCA Youth Chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai:
The MCA Youth is very saddened by the demise of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood, We extend our deepest condolences to our Prime Minister and his family.
She was a caring, loving and charitable person and had contributed immensely until her very last days. Her demise is a great loss to all.
Wanita MCA Secretary-General Daruk Yu Chok Tow:
We are very sad and Datin Seri Endon's demise is a great loss to her family and nation.
She was a good example for all women, very strong and caring, and continued to help and think for others though not feeling well at times.
"She was a very good example for all women."
MIC Deputy President Datuk S.Subramaniam:
We are saddened and pray that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family will be blessed with courage to tide over this difficult moment.
My wife and I had always found Datin Paduka Seri Endon to be friendly, pleasant and compassionate.
We pray that her souls will rest in peace.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Talib:
It is a sad loss for the nation. She was a great person, a wonderful woman, caring and understanding.
The most important is she was a good example to a lot of women. She was a strong pillar to the nation.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk Dr M. Kayveas:
On behalf of PPP and my family, I wish to extend my condolence to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family for the passing of his beloved wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.
Although we cannot imagine the sadness and loss felt by our Prime Minister, we will go through all sadness and difficulties with him.
All PPP members, my family and I will feel the loss for a long time. May God bless her soul.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo:
I have called on mosques in Selangor to organise "majlis tahlil" for Kak Endon beginning today. May her soul rest in peace. We have lost a well-loved figure, especially the state, for she was born in Klang.
Kak Endon had given tremendously to the country. For example, her unrelentless passion to revive the popularity of batik.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob:
Datuk Seri has lost a loving wife and good mother to his children.
We hope that the Prime Minister will remain calm. We pray that Endon will be placed among the Good in the afterlife
The entire state is with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the family in sharing the loss of Kak Endon. We will be with them through this journey of grief.
Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad:
She was the pillar of support for the Prime Minister.
It must have been a huge impact on him.
We, MPs, are very saddened by her death.
PAS secretary - general Kamaruddin Jaffar:
We hope the Prime Minister and his family will take her passing as a fate from God.
On behalf of PAS, I extend my condelonces to them.
PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub:
On behalf of the leadership and members of PAS Youth central committee, I would like to extend my condolences to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the passing of his wife.
We believe her passing is a great loss to the country and we pray that Abdullah and his family will be strong and patient in facing this test.
Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang:
It has come as a shock because we believed she was recovering.
In the short period as First Lady, she has managed to establish a fond place in the hearts of Malaysians because of her kindness, humility, consideration and courage fighting the killer disease.
She did not give up without a battle and for encouraging other women who are suffering from breast cancer.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib:
Endon's demise is a big loss to Malaysians. She was a caring person and had a steely spirit to fight breast cancer.
I, my family and the Parliament wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family in this period of bereavement.
We are saddened by the passing of a loving and caring person.
Former first lady Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali:
I received the sad new early in the morning through the short messaging system (SMS).
I felt so sad when I heard the news as I have known Allahyarham for a long time, as friend and also colleague in Bakti.
I am really saddened by her death and I regret the fact that I could not visit her while she was in the hospital.
PENANG Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon:
On behalf of the state government and the people of Penang, I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to the Prime Minister and his family members.
Kak Endon's demise is a great loss as she was a kind, loving and caring person.
Even when she was sick, she would still be showing concern to others.
I treated her like my own sister and was so touched when she called up from United States during the Gerakan general election in August to give me moral support.
MALACCA Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam:
Her demise is a great loss to the country.
Kak Endon is a friendly and caring person, who had initiated lots of programmes involving women.
All mosques in the state will perform doa tahlil for Endon for three consecutive days.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman:
It is a great loss to Malaysians particularly women.
The people of Sabah are sharing the grief of our beloved Prime Minister.
The people will always remember Endon's contribution and sacrifices for the country Musa, who cancelled all scheduled functions yesterday, left for Kuala Lumpur with his wife Faridah and other state leaders to attend the funeral.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud:
My wife and I are deeply saddened by her demise.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a good friend of the family.
I would like to extend our condolences to Pak Lah and all members of his family.
I pray to God that he will bless Endon with eternal peace in heaven.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid:
Datin Seri Endon Mahmood's demise is a loss to the country because Kak Endon was a great pillar behind our Prime Minister.
She was a very strong person, especially in terms of emphasizing the importance of family values.
She had set the benchmark for many things, in terms of the arts and culture
Acting Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Mahdzir Khalid:
Malaysia has lost a caring mother with the demise of Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood.
Endon was a caring First Lady who was full of motherly advice.
I have known her personally when I was working as the Prime Minister’s political secretary. I was among the officers who were close to her.
She was a good soul, full of care and compassion. She always advised me to take good care of my wife and children.
On behalf of Kedahans, I express my condolences to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his family.
Faridah Stephens, former Batik Guild director:
Datin Seri Endon championed Malaysian Arts, crafts and heritage and was especially keen to reach out to the youths as she believed that if they knew their roots, it would help them make their way forward in a richer and steadier manner.
She had a deep appreciation of the creativity, skill and sweat that goes into our arts and crafts, and wanted to ensure we would cherish them.
She was also very aware that some rural poor rely on these skills - such as batik-making - to earn a living and felt she could make a positive difference by highlighting them.
I believe she has achieved that goal with the 'Malaysia Batik - Crafted For the World' movement, which was her brainchild. She will be dreadfully missed.
Jawi State assemblyman Tan Cheng Liang:
It is a well-known fact that Abdullah loved Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood very much.
I hope the public will pray for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to have the strength and peace of mind to run the country.
Seberang Jaya assemblyman Arif Shah Omar Shah:
Endon gave a lot of moral support to Abdullah.
Bagan Jermal assemblyman Ooi Chuan Aik
Her death is particularly a loss to women in the country.
Bukit Tengah assemblyman Ng Siew Lai:
She was a strong advocate of family values.
Machang Bubok assemblyman:
Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon said Endon was a very dedicated wife and mother.
Berapit State assemblyman Lau Chiek Tuan:
We are shocked with her death. In fact, all the executive councillors have signed and sent her a get well card.
Prai assemblyman Datuk Dr K. Rajapathy:
The people should pray for Abdullah to have the courage to continue his work.
<> Ninghua: Its nice to know that people put away political differences in times of grief. May Endon rest in Peace with the prayers of the people,
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2005/10/20 18:07:33
●南洋商报 |
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吉隆坡20日讯-首相夫人拿汀斯里恩顿，今日早上7时55分在位于布城的首相官邸病逝，首相拿督斯里阿都拉是在爱妻去世后，向《马新社》主席拿督莫哈末阿诺亚再尼证实这项消息。
享年64岁的恩顿是因为患乳癌而病逝，她之前曾在美国洛杉矶进行化疗约3个月，直到本月初才回国。
恩顿与阿都拉育有两名子女，她是我国第一位在丈夫担任首相期间去世的首相夫人。
民众往首相官邸致哀
首相署宣布，从今早11时开始，民众可前往首相官邸向恩顿致最后的敬意。
首相夫人的灵柩将于今天下午运往布城回教堂进行葬礼祈祷仪式，过后将下葬于布城第二十分区的回教徒坟场。
阿都拉及其儿子卡玛鲁丁及女儿诺丽、媳妇阿兹琳及女婿凯利，首相的4名孙儿即卡玛鲁丁的孩子，在恩顿弥留之际皆陪伴在侧。
母亲子孙皆陪伴身旁
恩顿的母亲拿汀玛丽安阿都拉也在场。
为示尊重，数名内阁部长包括副首相拿督斯里纳吉、房屋及地方政府部长拿督斯里黄家定、卫生部长拿督蔡细历医生、新闻部长拿督斯里阿都卡迪、外交部长拿督斯里赛哈密等都取消了他们在今天的官方活动。
国会下议院会议取消
其中原定由副首相主持的马来西亚运动员东运会制服推介礼已告取消。
此外，噩耗传出之后，今天的国会下议院会议也宣告取消，以向恩顿致敬。
Ninghua: 为什么华语报纸才写这样少？英文报纸写四五面， 华语报纸才给一小部分。
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Cancer takes Malaysia's first lady
Wednesday, October 19, 2005; Posted: 9:39 p.m. EDT (01:39 GMT)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's wife, whom he described as his No. 1 supporter, died Thursday after a nearly four-year battle with breast cancer. She was 64.
Endon Mahmood's death -- which comes less than two months after she and Abdullah marked their 40th wedding anniversary -- is the biggest personal blow to the Malaysian leader since he took office in October 2003 following the retirement of his predecessor, longtime leader Mahathir Mohamad.
Endon, who recently underwent months of intensive chemotherapy in Los Angeles, passed away at the family's official residence Thursday morning in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital, after being released from a Malaysian hospital Monday, said Abdullah's spokeswoman, Esuriyanti Ahmad.
"The family members were at her side, everybody was there," Esuriyanti said, adding that Endon would be buried in a traditional Muslim funeral later Thursday.
Abdullah, Malaysia's fifth prime minister since the country achieved independence from Britain in 1957, had been married to Endon since September 4, 1965. They have a son, a daughter and four grandchildren.
Abdullah has often publicly called Endon his "No. 1 supporter."
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."
Endon discovered she had breast cancer in 2002 following a checkup after her twin sister, Noraini, was earlier diagnosed with the disease. Noraini died in January 2004.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Ninghua: 还没完！还有很多还没放。Part2 会来。
HAPPY FAMILY: Abdullah and Endon (third and fourth from left) with (from left) Khairy, Nori, Azrene and Kamaluddin.
DOTING GRANDMOTHER: Endon with three of her grandchildren, (from left) Arif Badawi, Endon and Alia.
LOVING COUPLE: Abdullah and Endon's big day on April 19, 1967.