POLITICIANS have paid tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali following her death at the age of 100 today, extending condolences to her husband, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and their family.
Dr Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) this morning. Her death was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu remembered Siti Hasmah as a calm and modest person who stood by Mahathir throughout his political career and years in government.
He said she had remained alongside Mahathir through the challenges of public life and prayed for strength for the family.
Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Siti Hasmah would be remembered both for her years alongside Mahathir and for her own career as a doctor.
He also paid tribute to her concern for public welfare and described her as a gentle, simple and steadfast figure.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek described Siti Hasmah as an inspiration to many Malaysian women, while noting her work in healthcare and community welfare.
Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli also expressed his condolences to the family, praying that Siti Hasmah’s soul would be blessed and placed among the righteous.
Nurul Izzah Anwar described Siti Hasmah as a pioneer for Malaysian women and among the country’s early Malay doctors.
In her tribute, Nurul Izzah also recalled Siti Hasmah’s former roles as president of BAKTI and the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, as well as her involvement with various health organisations.
DAP Malaysia said her work in healthcare and community welfare would continue to be remembered, while MCA described her death as a loss to both her family and the country.
A more personal tribute came from Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who recently met Siti Hasmah with his fiancée, Bella Astillah.
Syed Saddiq said the two-hour meeting had not felt like a final farewell. He recalled Siti Hasmah laughing and joking with them, sharing stories and offering advice on marriage, family and life.
“She was kind, funny, warm and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of love, sacrifice and experience,” he wrote.
Syed Saddiq said he was particularly saddened that Siti Hasmah would not be able to attend his wedding as she had hoped.
He said, however, that the advice she gave him and Bella would stay with them as they begin their married life.
Siti Hasmah, born on July 12, 1926, was among Malaysia’s earliest Malay women doctors and spent much of her professional career in public health.
She married Mahathir in 1956 and they had seven children.
Her work in medicine, public health and community organisations kept her in public life for decades, including throughout Mahathir’s years as prime minister. - September 28, 2026
