Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali Dies at 100: Malaysia Mourns Mahathir Mohamad's Wife
News Date: September 28, 2026
Malaysia is mourning the death of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who died at the age of 100 on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Her death was confirmed by Mahathir's office. She passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, according to reports citing her family.
Siti Hasmah was a respected doctor, public health advocate and influential figure in Malaysia. She spent decades supporting healthcare programmes, particularly those focused on women, children and rural communities.
Her passing has prompted condolences from Malaysian leaders and people who remember her contributions to the country.
Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali Dies at 100
Siti Hasmah died on Monday morning at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
Her husband, Mahathir Mohamad, confirmed her death. The couple had been married for 70 years and had seven children.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to Mahathir and the family. He also announced that Siti Hasmah would receive a state funeral in recognition of her contributions to the country.
Her funeral was scheduled for Monday evening, with burial at the national cemetery in Putrajaya.
The announcement of her death brought tributes from Malaysian officials and members of the public.
Who Was Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali?
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali was born in Klang, Selangor, on July 12, 1926.
She studied medicine at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and graduated in 1955.
She became one of the first Malay women to serve as a medical officer in Malaysia, helping open opportunities for women in the medical profession.
After completing her education, she worked in public healthcare and became involved in programmes aimed at improving medical services for women and children.
Her professional career extended beyond her position as the wife of a prominent political leader.
Her Marriage to Mahathir Mohamad
Siti Hasmah met Mahathir Mohamad while they were both studying medicine in Singapore during the late 1940s.
The couple married in 1956 and remained together for seven decades.
They had seven children, including businessman Mokhzani Mahathir, social activist Marina Mahathir and politician Mukhriz Mahathir.
Throughout Mahathir's political career, Siti Hasmah remained a familiar public figure in Malaysia.
Mahathir served as prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and returned to office in 2018, serving until 2020.
Siti Hasmah supported her husband throughout his political journey while maintaining her own interests in healthcare and social development.
Siti Hasmah's Contributions to Malaysian Healthcare
Siti Hasmah was widely recognised for her work in public health.
During her medical career, she participated in programmes addressing maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition and infectious diseases.
She also supported healthcare initiatives in rural areas, where access to medical services was often limited.
Her work included promoting family planning, improving women's health and raising awareness about public health issues.
After retiring from government medical service in 1979, she continued contributing to education and social causes.
Her efforts earned her several awards and recognitions throughout her life.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep sorrow following the death of Siti Hasmah.
He extended his condolences to Mahathir Mohamad and the entire family.
Anwar also announced that the government would arrange a state funeral to honour her contributions and service to Malaysia.
Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah also expressed their condolences to the family.
The tributes highlighted Siti Hasmah's role in Malaysian public life and her contributions to healthcare and society.
A Legacy Beyond Politics
Although Siti Hasmah was widely known as Mahathir Mohamad's wife, she established her own identity through her medical career and charitable activities.
She advocated for women's development, education, family planning and the prevention of drug abuse.
She also supported literacy programmes and initiatives to improve the lives of rural communities.
Her work helped bring attention to important healthcare and social issues in Malaysia.
Her contributions continued to receive recognition even after her retirement from medical service.
Mahathir Mohamad and His Family
Mahathir Mohamad, who is 101 years old, has lost his wife after 70 years of marriage.
The couple's long relationship was often discussed in Malaysian public life. Their marriage also attracted attention from younger public figures seeking advice about family life.
Siti Hasmah was known for her warm personality, sense of humour and interest in music. She continued playing the violin well into her later years.
Her family and supporters have remembered her as a devoted mother and a woman who dedicated much of her life to helping others.
Siti Hasmah's State Funeral
Following her death, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed government officials to assist with the funeral arrangements.
The Malaysian government announced that she would receive a state funeral.
She was scheduled to be buried at Pusara Negara in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital.
The funeral arrangements reflected the recognition given to her contributions to the country throughout her life.
Conclusion
The death of Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali at the age of 100 marks the passing of a prominent Malaysian doctor and public health advocate.
Beyond her role as the wife of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, she made significant contributions to healthcare, education and women's development.
Her seven-decade marriage to Mahathir and her decades of public service formed an important part of her life story.
As Malaysia mourns her passing, her work in medicine and public service remains an important part of her legacy.
Source: Reuters, Bernama, Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times.