GMA off to KL for funeral of Badawi’s wife

President Arroyo flew to Kuala Lumpur yesterday to attend the funeral of Endon Mahmood, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s wife who succumbed to breast cancer earlier yesterday.

The President canceled her scheduled trip to Leyte for the 58th anniversary celebration of Ormoc City in order to go to the funeral.

Mrs. Arroyo left around noontime and was expected to return last night. She was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Malacañang protocol chief Linglingay Lacanlale.

Mrs. Arroyo joined other heads of states and governments who went to Malaysia to condole with the family of Badawi.

Reports said Mahmood passed away at the family’s official residence. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, shortly after her twin sister received the same diagnosis.

Badawi’s wife recently underwent weeks of treatment in the United States and was actively involved in breast cancer education and awareness events in Malaysia.

Malacañang said the President would have to rush to Kuala Lumpur since the remains of Mahmood, under the Muslim tradition, will be interred within 24 hours after death. — Aurea Calica