The wife of Malaysia's prime minister died today at the age of 64 following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Malaysia's national news agency quoted Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as saying Endon Mahmood had died at 7.55am at his official residence.
Endon, as she was affectionately known by most Malaysians, was a huge source of inspiration for Mr Abdullah, and many political analysts say she encouraged him to pursue the leadership.
Mr Abdullah (65) took power late in 2003 as the chosen successor of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad.