London, United Kingdom (CU)_ Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Malaysian prime minister, recalled a time when the late Queen Elizabeth laughed at one of the jokes he made during his 2002 BBC-broadcast address commemorating the Queen’s golden jubilee. Following the Queen’s death, the 97-year-old leader wrote in his Facebook page, “She was only one year younger than me”.
Dr Mahathir stated, “In Zimbabwe, I made a speech in which I pointed out that what is said in English is not what is meant. Thus the presiding officer in Parliament is called Mr Speaker, but he may not speak. The Malay sultans are called the rulers but they may not rule. The British adviser ruled. Then there is the British Commonwealth where wealth is not common. The Queen laughed”.
The former prime minister stated that he did not anticipate the Queen’s death so soon. Dr. Mahathir stated that he still remembers his conversations with the late Queen, particularly during British Commonwealth summits. Furthermore, he stated that the Queen visited Malaysia twice during his tenure as prime minister. He added, “Once when we hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and once during the Commonwealth Games. The Queen was always gracious and hosting her was a pleasure”.
Dr. Mahathir expressed his sorrow at the demise of the Queen, stating that she was an excellent model of a constitutional ruler. He stated, “Her passing away is a loss not just to the British but to people who believe in the rule of law. May she rest in peace”. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British queen, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, at the age of 96.