PUTRAJAYA, Sept. 29 -- Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is coping with a deep sense of loneliness following the death of his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, whom he shared more than seven decades of marriage with, according to their daughter, Datuk Marina Mahathir.

Berita Harian reported that Marina said her 101-year-old father remains in good health but is grieving the loss of his lifelong companion, who died yesterday at the age of 100.

"Of course he is sad. She was his partner for 70 years. He feels lonely," Marina told reporters after visiting Dr Hasmah's grave at Pusara Negara in Presint 20 today.

She said family members have been taking turns to stay with Dr Mahathir around the clock to ensure he is not left alone duri...