[Breaking News]

KUALA LUMPUR — Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and one of Malaysia’s pioneer female Malay medical practitioners, passed away on Monday morning at the National Heart Institute (IJN). She was 100.

Her passing was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir. According to official family statements, she breathed her last at 9:20 AM at the medical center.

Funeral proceedings

Funeral prayers (solat jenazah) will be held following the Asar prayer today at the As-Syarif Mosque in Taman Sungai Besi Indah, Kuala Lumpur.

Following the prayers, her remains will be brought to the Precinct 20 Islamic Cemetery in Putrajaya for burial.

Pioneer in public health and women’s welfare

Born on July 12, 1926, Dr Siti Hasmah made history as one of the earliest Malay women to graduate as a medical doctor from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore (now the National University of Singapore).

Throughout her career in public healthcare, she served extensively in rural health clinics, pioneering maternal and child health programs across the country.

Beyond serving as the steadfast companion to Dr Mahathir throughout his tenure as prime minister, Dr Siti Hasmah actively championed women’s health initiatives, family development programs, and the preservation of Malaysian traditional performing arts.

Her passing brings widespread grief across the nation, with citizens and leaders hailing her lifetime of dedication to public health, social welfare, and national service.

— The Malaysia Times