Malaysia lost one of its most beloved and respected women today (Sept 28), following the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur at 9.20 am.
The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, who was 100 years old, is survived by seven children. Her passing was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, when contacted by Bernama this morning.
To many Malaysians, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was never simply known as the wife of a former prime minister — she was a pioneering doctor, a public figure, a champion of women's and children's health, and someone regarded, quite simply, as a mother to the nation.
Born on 12 July 1926, she was among the earliest Malay women to pursue medical studies at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore — a decision that laid the foundation for a lifelong crusade for maternal health, family planning, literacy, drug-abuse prevention and mental health in Malaysia.
Over the course of her life, she served two terms as the Prime Minister's wife alongside Tun Dr Mahathir — from 1981 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020 — making her one of the longest-serving figures alongside the nation's leadership. Only this past July, she celebrated her 100th birthday, and in August she was recognised by ASEAN Records as the oldest living spouse of a former prime minister.
In the highest mark of national honour, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah would be accorded the status of a State Funeral, instructing the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Chief of Defence Force to assist in managing the arrangements.
"I have instructed the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Chief of Defence Force to assist in the arrangements and to accord Istiadat Pengebumian Pembesar Negara status to the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah," he said in a media statement, adding, "The nation continues to honour her motherly presence and cherishes her service." As a mark of respect, all television and radio stations were asked to observe a more sombre tone in their broadcasts throughout the day.
A Husband's Simple Prayer
In a social media post, Tun Dr Mahathir himself marked the passing of his beloved wife of more than six decades with a prayer that was simple, yet moved the whole of Malaysia:
"Ya Allah, forgive her. Have mercy on her. Grant her peace. Pardon her."
The post drew an outpouring of grief and condolences from Malaysians nationwide, while the official announcement of her passing on Tun Dr Mahathir's Instagram account, @chedetofficial, was reported to have gathered more than 124,000 likes and 8,000 comments by midday.
A Nation's Institutions in Mourning
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah conveyed their condolences via their official Facebook page, praying that the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah be granted Allah's mercy and placed among the faithful and righteous, while also praying for strength for the family she leaves behind.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, together with his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, expressed their deep sorrow, describing the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah as a gentle yet resilient figure they knew affectionately as "Kak Hasmah."
"Today, the nation has lost a motherly figure who was close to the hearts of the people," Anwar said in a Facebook post.
He also offered his condolences in person shortly before delivering his opening remarks at the International Future Conference 2026 at ISTAC-IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, inviting conference participants to join him in reciting Surah Al-Fatihah for the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
"We extend our sympathies to Tun Mahathir's family. We also remember her service and contributions to the nation," he told reporters.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil described the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah as a woman who stood steadfastly by Tun Dr Mahathir's side throughout his struggles, and a figure who remained close to the people's hearts.
"The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah contributed greatly to the nation, and was often seen as someone who was close to the people," he said.
Condolences from Across the Nation
Tributes poured in from across state lines and political divides. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described her passing as a profound loss felt not only by Tun Dr Mahathir and his family, but by all Malaysians.
In Sarawak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, paid tribute to her immense contributions to medicine and public health, particularly maternal and child healthcare and service to rural communities, while praying for strength for Tun Dr Mahathir and his family in facing this loss.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also conveyed his deep condolences. "The passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and be remembered by generations to come," Chow said.
Meanwhile, PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari described her passing as a loss of a woman respected across political lines. "The nation has lost a woman who was respected by all," he said, offering the prayer: "May Allah SWT forgive all of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's sins, grant her His mercy, accept all her good deeds, and place her among His righteous servants."
More Personal Memories
Former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman shared a more personal recollection, recalling his last meeting with the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, one filled with laughter and warmth.
"Nothing that day felt like a farewell. Had I known it would be our last meeting, I would have wished those two hours could have lasted forever," Syed Saddiq wrote on X. "Tun laughed together with us."
National songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin described the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's passing as a great loss for all Malaysians, citing her immense contributions to healthcare, welfare and the advancement of women throughout her life.
"She was a woman who was deeply caring and gentle, with a strong motherly spirit," Siti Nurhaliza wrote, adding, "I also pray that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the entire family are granted fortitude, patience and strength in facing this difficult moment."
Good News from Southeast Asia: A Doctor, A Mother, A Legend
For Good News from Southeast Asia, the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah is not merely the loss of a former prime minister's wife, but the loss of a figure who shaped what true service to a nation can look like — a woman who chose to become a doctor at a time when space for Malay women in medicine was vanishingly scarce, and who spent the rest of her life using that space to fight for the health of mothers, children and communities too often left behind.
Her more than 100 years of life tell a story of loyalty, resilience and tireless service — from a young doctor in Singapore, to a wife who stood beside a husband leading the nation for two decades, to a "mother" figure mourned by Malaysians of every background and political persuasion.
Her legacy is not confined to history books; it lives on in every public health policy, every woman inspired to pursue a career in medicine, and every family that has benefited from her lifelong advocacy.
Rest well, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. Thank you for a lifetime of immeasurable service to your nation and its people. Al-Fatihah.
Sources: Bernama, RTM News Portal, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Free Malaysia Today, The Star, Malay Mail, Sarawak Tribune, Malaysia Gazette, The Sun
