'Maha' for Mahathir, Hasmah: Alor Setar clinic stands as lasting tribute to late couple
ALOR STAR: Maha Klinik, a fixture here since 1957, stands as a testament to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s enduring love for his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Maha Klinik, a medical clinic in Alor Setar, Malaysia, serves as a lasting tribute to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his late wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. The clinic, which has been serving the community since 1957, bears the unique name "Maha Klinik" - a combination of the couple's names. Administrative assistant Mercy Samuel, who has worked at the clinic for nearly half a century, explained that the name reflects the deep love and respect the Mahathirs held for each other.
Tun Dr Mahathir met Tun Dr Siti Hasmah while they were studying together in Singapore and went on to marry her. After they completed their studies and married, Tun Dr Mahathir decided to leave public service to open his own clinic. As a symbol of his enduring affection for his beloved wife, he had the combination of their names inscribed on the clinic's signboard.
Maha Klinik was originally established in Pekan Melayu in 1957 before moving to its current location on Jalan Sultan Badlishah in 1979. Despite the change of location, the clinic has remained closely associated with the names of Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
The couple continued their presence at the clinic throughout their lives. Even after Tun Dr Mahathir retired from politics, he remained an active presence at the clinic, always handing over the reins to his trusted medical officer, Datuk Dr Mohamed Yacob Dawood. The Mahathirs would often visit the clinic whenever they returned to Alor Setar, particularly during Ramadan, where they would invite the clinic staff to break fast together at their niece or nephew's home.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was an indispensable figure at Maha Klinik, known for her humility, maternal nature, and deep connection with the people who visited the clinic. Her passing had a profound impact on the staff, who remembered her as a loving and dedicated healthcare provider who touched the lives of countless individuals from various backgrounds.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
