Malaysia

Politicians pay tribute to Siti Hasmah after her death at 100

Leaders across the divide have paid tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali following her death at 100

Updated 31 minutes ago · Published on 28 Sep 2026 12:03PM

Politicians pay tribute to Siti Hasmah after her death at 100
Dr Siti Hasmah is remembered for her contributions to medicine, public welfare and touching the lives of those around her - September 28, 2026

by Alfian Z.M. Tahir

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

Spotlight

Malaysia

Zahid: BN’s Unity Government pact ends with parliament’s dissolution

Malaysia

IGP: Negeri Sembilan remains calm amid disputed ruler proclamation

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Families seek answers as 55 Malaysians remain missing in Nepal floods

Malaysia

Four foreign men held in raid on KL ‘same-sex’ entertainment centre

Malaysia

PH Melaka keeps eight seats for Amanah as state poll talks near finalisation

World

Bangkok floodwaters recede but heavy rain threat remains

Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines team did not know MH370 had turned back in crucial first hours

Malaysia

Anwar: Respect for King’s decision does not bar legal advice on Najib

World

ICC panel found no misconduct by Karim Khan, report says

You may be interested

Malaysia

Ismail no longer has full control of state administration, says former UMNO leader

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Zahid: BN’s Unity Government pact ends with parliament’s dissolution

Malaysia

The three ‘wild cards’ in the coming general election

Malaysia

Saravanan offers full asset disclosure within 30 days to MACC amid graft probe

Malaysia

PAS Youth demands Marhamah to apologise and resign over JAKIM faith inquiry

Malaysia

Budget 2027 should address stagnant middle-income wages, says Tengku Zafrul

Malaysia

Four foreign men held in raid on KL ‘same-sex’ entertainment centre

Malaysia

Anwar rebukes Islamic groups using hatred, slander as 'weapons'