Before Malaysia knew Mahathir and Hasmah
Long before the titles, the politics and the public life, there was a young couple learning the habits that would carry them through 70 years of marriage.
In 1947, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Dr Hasmah Ali met as medical students at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. At the time, Hasmah was the only woman among seven Malay students. Mahathir, the top student, befriended her and eventually helped her with her studies after she failed a paper. This unusual courtship led to their marriage in 1956.
Throughout their seven-decade relationship, they showed affection through humour and patience, never changing the other's character to fit their own desires. They had seven children and Mahathir held several political positions, including becoming Malaysia's Prime Minister twice. Over the years, Hasmah became increasingly dependent on Mahathir, who adjusted to accommodate her needs.
In their nineties, they expressed their love through a quiet exchange of "wo ai ni" in Mandarin. Hasmah passed away at the age of 100, leaving a legacy of enduring companionship.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Before Malaysia knew Mahathir and Hasmah freemalaysiatoday.com
