KUALA LUMPUR: A visit by legendary singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, better known as Cat Stevens, to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad following the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, has touched Malaysians, with many praising the musician for offering comfort during a difficult time.
Yusuf shared that he had visited Dr Mahathir, whose wife died recently after 70 years of marriage.
"Today I visited Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former prime minister of Malaysia, whose wife, Dr Hasmah, just passed away and read Al-Fatihah. They were married for 70 years. He is 101 years old, by God's grace," he wrote in a Facebook post.
The post featured a photograph of Yusuf sitting beside Dr Mahathir, with the two men engaged in conversation in what appeared to be a quiet, personal moment.
The visit drew an emotional response from Malaysians and other social media users, many of whom thanked the singer for taking the time to visit the veteran statesman as he mourned the loss of his wife.
Among those who commented was Diana Able, who thanked Yusuf for visiting Dr Mahathir during his time of grief.
"Thank you for taking the time to visit this individual who is experiencing extreme grief due to the loss of his wife," she wrote.
"Sitting beside someone during grief is the greatest gift we can give to them."
Another commenter, Hamzah Mat Isa, described Dr Mahathir as a politician who had helped build Malaysia through years of challenges. He added that the veteran leader would appreciate the visit, having grown up listening to Yusuf's music.
"You are quite famous in Malaysia too," he added.
The photograph also struck an emotional chord with social media user Zul Daud, who said he was deeply moved by the gesture.
"Thank you, Cat Stevens, for taking the time to meet with our country's great leader. I do not know why, but tears welled up in my eyes after writing this post," he wrote.
Others offered prayers and expressed appreciation for Yusuf's kindness, while some reflected on the significance of the encounter between the internationally renowned musician and Malaysia's veteran leader.
One commenter also praised the visit as a reminder of the importance of companionship and compassion for elderly people, particularly those grieving the loss of a lifelong partner.
"Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah were married for 70 years, making their relationship one of Malaysia's most enduring public partnerships," the commenter wrote.
Yusuf, 78, rose to international fame in the 1960s and 1970s under the name Cat Stevens, with songs such as 'Father and Son', 'Wild World' and 'Morning Has Broken'.
He later embraced Islam and adopted the name Yusuf Islam in 1977.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd