Dr Mahathir Mohamad's wife is no more

The wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, has passed away at the age of 100.

Her death was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, when contacted by Bernama on Monday (28 September).

Born on July 12, 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali became one of Malaysia’s earliest Malay women doctors and went on to have a long career in medicine, public health and social work.

She studied medicine at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and graduated in 1955.

After joining the Health Ministry, she served as a medical officer in several parts of the country, including Kedah, with much of her work focused on public health, maternal and child healthcare.

Siti Hasmah married Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1956.

The couple have seven children, including social activist and writer Marina Mahathir and former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir served as Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003 and returned as the country’s seventh Prime Minister from 2018 to 2020.

As the wife of the Prime Minister, Siti Hasmah was involved in various health, women’s welfare and social initiatives.

She also held leadership roles in organisations including the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and was involved in efforts related to family welfare, women’s development and drug prevention.

She has remained a prominent public figure alongside Dr Mahathir after his retirement from office.

In Aug 2026, the couple were recognised for becoming the world’s oldest living married couple and the oldest married couple ever recorded, according to reports on the recognition.

Source: The Star