Dr Siti Hasmah: The dignity she carried like a crown — Vasanthi Ramachandran
SEPTEMBER 28 — For almost eight decades, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali shared a marri...
On September 28, the enduring marriage of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, which spanned nearly eighty years, was celebrated as a unique partnership. Their relationship, marked by trust and companionship, transcended the demands of public life and the weight of political power. Siti Hasmah, who entered medicine as one of the earliest Malay women to do so, supported her husband throughout his political career, yet never lost her own individuality.
Even as her husband became Prime Minister, she pursued her own interests, teaching part-time at the University of Malaya's Faculty of Dentistry. Her greatest contribution was in championing causes close to her heart, including women's health, family planning, maternal and child welfare, and mental health. Despite the glamour of her position, Siti Hasmah remained warm and approachable, often offering chocolates to journalists waiting outside the Prime Minister's Office.
Her philosophy was simple: one could carry dignity without creating distance. She remained Mahathir's constant companion, whether he was in power or not, demonstrating the beauty of a marriage that retained individuality while remaining deeply connected.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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