Dr M, Hasmah set Asean records as centenarian couple

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Dr Hasmah Ali, have shattered records by becoming the oldest living former head of government and spouse in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The remarkable centenarian couple were honoured at a ceremony at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, receiving three official recognitions from Asean Records.

Mahathir, who turned 101 on July 10, is now recognized as the region's oldest living former prime minister. Hasmah, 100 as of July 12, proudly holds the title of the oldest living spouse of a former Asean prime minister. Additionally, they were jointly acknowledged as the first former head of government and spouse to simultaneously reach the milestone of 100 years.

The couple's historic achievement comes in the midst of several personal milestones. Mahathir's 70th wedding anniversary with Hasmah is celebrated on August 5, marking a century of togetherness. After meticulously verifying their records, Asean Records noted that no similar achievement has been documented in other Asean countries or major Asian markets.

The history-making couple first crossed paths in 1947 while pursuing medical studies at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. Mahathir served as Malaysian Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, followed by another term from 2018 to 2020, totaling over 22 years in office. Meanwhile, Hasmah, through her role as the wife of a prime minister, actively promoted maternal health, family planning, literacy, drug abuse prevention, and mental health initiatives.