PM Anwar mourns Dr Siti Hasmah’s passing, calls it a great national loss

KUALA LUMPUR, September 28 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed his attendance at the funeral of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, honoring her lifetime of service to the nation. Responding to inquiries post-event, Anwar affirmed his plan to pay respects in person. He also conveyed condolences to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family, emphasizing the country's appreciation for Dr Hasmah’s legacy.

"In the current situation, we sympathise with Tun Mahathir and his family," Anwar stated, reflecting on Dr Hasmah’s contributions, particularly in addressing the welfare of the people during her tenure as the prime minister’s spouse. He announced the news of Dr Hasmah’s passing at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at age 100, while presiding over the International Future Conference 2026 at ISTAC-IIUM.

Earlier, Anwar interrupted the conference to break the news to the audience, urging them to recite the Al-Fatihah prayer in her memory. Dr Hasmah, the wife of Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, died peacefully at the age of 100, leaving behind her husband, 101, and their seven children. She authored her memoir, "My Name is Hasmah," in 2016, where she referred to Dr Mahathir as her "hero."

In 2024, she requested the public to stop using the honorific "Siti" in her name, opting to be recognized by her birth name, Hasmah.