King, Queen express condolences over passing of Dr Siti Hasmah

KUALA LUMPUR — The remains of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of the late former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, were taken back home today at 10.48am. Son Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir confirmed the information. The remains were said to have been transferred to Dr Siti Hasmah's property at The Mines, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

The National Heart Institute (IJN) has declined to comment on Dr Siti Hasmah's death. Born in 1926 in Kampung Jawa, Klang, Selangor, Dr Siti Hasmah was a trailblazer among Malay women in pursuing a medical career. She was the sole female student in her class at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, funded by the government.

She and Mahathir married in 1956. Dr Siti Hasmah initiated her medical career in the government and became the first female medical officer in the Maternal and Child Health Department in Kedah in 1965. In 1974, she achieved another milestone as the first female Kedah State Maternal and Child Health Officer. She retired from government service in 1979 and later became a part-time lecturer at the University of Malaya's Faculty of Dentistry.

As the wife of Tun Mahathir, Dr Siti Hasmah served as First Lady during his two periods as Prime Minister, from 1981 to 2003 and from 2018 to 2020. She was also actively involved in various charitable, educational, and community organizations, advocating for women's welfare, public health, youth development, and family well-being.

Dr Siti Hasmah and Tun Mahathir had seven children. She was also a talented musician, playing the violin and piano, and remained passionate about music throughout her life.