SHAH ALAM - Almost seven weeks after the death of his beloved wife, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad made a return to the political stage by attending the 2026 Annual General Assembly of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) Shah Alam today.
The 101-year-old statesman arrived at 11.37am, drawing the attention of delegates and political observers attending the assembly.
Dr Mahathir, who was in a wheelchair, took time to exchange greetings and mingle with PN leaders and delegates at the gathering.
Prior to the event, Dr Mahathir was believed to have visited the grave of his late wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, at the National Heroes Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya.
The Pejuang founder's attendance had been anticipated following the death of his wife, who died on Sept 28.
The passing of Tun Hasmah, 100, at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur, marked the loss of Dr Mahathir's life partner of 70 years. The couple married on Aug 5, 1956.
Following her death, Dr Mahathir was also admitted to IJN for observation.
On Oct 26, he was unable to attend the SG4 2026 Business and Economic Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) due to his health condition.
His son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, had said at the time that his father had made efforts to prepare his speech and intended to deliver it personally but was unable to do so due to his recent health condition.
Mokhzani subsequently delivered the speech on his father's behalf at the forum.
Dr Mahathir's appearance at Pejuang's assembly has therefore drawn added attention, as it marks one of his public appearances at a party event since Tun Hasmah's passing.