The office of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced on Monday that his wife, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, had died aged 100. Her funeral will be held this evening and she will be buried in a cemetery in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. Mahathir’s office said in a statement that the funeral procession would take place on Monday evening.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Siti Hasmah would receive a state funeral with full government honours, and offered his condolences on her death. Anwar said in a statement: “The nation will continue to remember her as a caring mother and appreciate her contributions and service.”
Siti Hasmah’s career in public health
Siti Hasmah was known for her work in public health and her widespread popularity in Malaysia. She was the first woman appointed as a medical officer in Kedah, the state from which her husband Mahathir originates. During her time alongside her husband in political life, she also supported maternal health and family planning, along with a number of other social causes.
Mahathir met Siti Hasmah while they were studying medicine in Singapore in the late 1940s. The couple had seven children, including businessman Mokhzani Mahathir, social activist Marina Mahathir and politician Mukhriz Mahathir.
Mahathir previously described his wife as the mainstay of his success, saying he admired her determination to obtain a university degree at a time when this was rare among Malay women.
Mahathir’s political legacy in Malaysia
Mahathir Mohamad is 101 years old and is widely credited with helping modernise Malaysia. He served as prime minister for two terms totalling more than two decades, making him the country’s longest-serving prime minister.
