KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will miss Azah Aziz, an icon and authority on the country's culture after she passed away at the age of 84 on Monday evening after suffering a stroke. Those who knew her praised her efforts to promote Malaysia both locally and internationally. Online, activists and others came together to make tributes to the woman who had inspired so many. “She was a wonderful woman. We didn't have to like everything, but she was influential and a symbol,” said one user on the micro-blogging site Twitter. She was the mother of Bank Negara Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz and wife of Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid. She was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery after Asar prayers. Among those present at the funeral were former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Hasmah Mohd Ali, Azah's family members and close friends. She left behind grandchildren Alif and Aziz Tawfiq and great grandchildren. “The renowned and respected Malay culture expert will be fondly remembered by the people for her contributions in uplifting the status of Malay arts and culture,” Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement of condolences to the family. Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the country had lost a budayawan (cultural icon). “We will not forget her contributions in promoting culture, Bahasa Melayu and embroidery,” he said. AsiaOne.com delivered a striking portrayal of her life: She will be missed by many in Malaysia.
