Dr Siti Hasmah dies at 100
Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has died at the age of 100.
Her death at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, on Monday (28 Sept).
She reportedly died at about 9.25am.
She spent decades working in public health
Born on 12 July 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Dr Siti Hasmah was among Malaysia’s earliest Malay women doctors.
Over several decades, she made significant contributions to medicine, public health and social work.
Source: @tunsitihasmahofficial on Instagram
She earned her medical degree at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore after graduating in 1955.
Upon joining Malaysia’s health ministry, she served as a medical officer in various regions, including Kedah, focusing on public health, maternal care, and child welfare.
She married Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1956 and had seven children.
Career in public service and social causes
During Dr Mahathir’s terms as Malaysia’s prime minister, Dr Siti Hasmah played an active role in driving health, women’s welfare and social initiatives.
She served in leadership roles with organisations including the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and the Kedah Family Health Association, and advanced causes tied to family welfare, women’s development, and drug abuse prevention.
Source: @tunsitihasmahofficial on Instagram
Even after Dr Mahathir retired from office, she continued to maintain a high-profile public presence alongside him.
In August, the couple were recognised by for becoming the world’s first former head of government and spouse to both become living centenarians.
Malaysia’s King and Queen paid tributes
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah expressed their condolences following her passing.
Shared on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, the statement noted that Their Majesties prayed for Dr Siti Hasmah’s soul to be showered with blessings and placed among the righteous and faithful.
Source: Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Facebook
They also conveyed their condolences to the Mahathir family and wished them strength, fortitude, and patience during their bereavement.
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Sheng Siong founders’ mother dies at the age of 91, leaves behind almost 100 family members
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Featured image adapted from Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on Facebook and @tunsitihasmahofficial on Instagram.
