Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 100. She was a public health activist and a prominent figure in Malaysian society. According to Mahathir's office, a funeral ceremony was held in the evening, and she was buried in an Islamic cemetery in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.
Mahathir, 101, is credited with transforming Malaysia into one of the "Asian tigers" during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. He often referred to Siti Hasmah as the backbone of his success. The couple met while studying medicine in Singapore in the late 1940s and were married for over 70 years, having seven children together.
Siti Hasmah was a popular figure in her own right, known for her humility and sense of humor, which contrasted with her husband's straightforward and sharp style. She was the first woman to be appointed as a medical officer in the state of Kedah, her husband's hometown. As the wife of a political leader, she advocated for maternal health, family planning, and other social issues.
Siti Hasmah was also a pioneer in her field, being one of the first Malaysian women to graduate in medicine from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. She was a breast cancer survivor and had spoken publicly about her experience with the disease. In 2019, she shared her story during a breast cancer awareness campaign, revealing that she had discovered a lump in her breast during a mammogram and biopsy.
The couple's relationship spanned over seven decades, and Siti Hasmah was often seen accompanying Mahathir to public events. She was also a skilled musician and played the violin in her youth, taking it up again in her 80s. Her life and legacy have been celebrated in various forms of media, including theater productions, documentaries, and films.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim paid tribute to Siti Hasmah, describing her as a person who embodied the spirit of motherhood and would be remembered for her contributions to the country. He announced that she would receive a state funeral, with full honors.
Siti Hasmah's passing marks the end of an era in Malaysian politics and society. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in medicine and a dedicated public figure will continue to inspire future generations. Her husband, Mahathir, expressed his admiration for her determination to pursue a university degree, a rare achievement for women of her time.
Key points
- Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has died at the age of 100.
- She was a public health activist and a prominent figure in Malaysian society, known for her humility and sense of humor.
- Siti Hasmah was a pioneer in her field, being one of the first Malaysian women to graduate in medicine from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore.
