Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the physician and wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, died on September 28, 2026, at the age of 100. She passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. Her death was confirmed by her son, Mokhzani Mahathir, and prompted a state funeral attended by current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
A Legacy of Public Health and Social Service
Born on July 12, 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Dr. Siti Hasmah was one of the first Malay female doctors in Malaysia. She graduated from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore in 1955. Her professional life was defined by a long tenure with the Ministry of Health, where she served as a medical officer in regions including Kedah. Her work focused heavily on public health, specifically maternal and child healthcare.
Beyond her clinical career, she held leadership roles in numerous organizations, most notably the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia. Throughout Mahathir Mohamad’s terms as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003 and 2018 to 2020, she championed initiatives for women’s empowerment, family welfare, and anti-drug advocacy.
State Funeral and Public Mourning
The Malaysian government held a state funeral for Dr. Siti Hasmah on the evening of September 28 at the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya. Her casket, draped in the national flag, was carried by members of the Malaysian Armed Forces. She was interred beside Endon Mahmood, the late wife of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Prior to the burial, funeral prayers were held at the As-Syarif Mosque in Seri Kembangan. The turnout was significant, with reports from the Malay Mail indicating that the large crowd of mourners caused traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Tribute
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the passing of Dr. Siti Hasmah as a "major loss for the nation." Speaking on the sidelines of the International Future Conference 2026, Anwar praised her decades of service and her reputation as a compassionate figure who remained deeply concerned with the welfare of the public.
Anwar noted that her influence extended beyond the traditional role of a spouse to a political leader, highlighting her active participation in addressing community issues. The Prime Minister officially expressed his condolences to Mahathir Mohamad and the family, emphasizing that Malaysia would continue to value the legacy she leaves behind.
Notable Moments in Public Life
Dr. Siti Hasmah was frequently referred to as "Ibu Negara" due to her empathetic approach to social issues. Her influence reached into the sports sector as well; she served as the patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia in 1992. During that year’s Thomas Cup, she famously displayed visible emotion while celebrating the national team’s victory. In a 2019 interview with the New Straits Times, she reflected on the team, noting that she viewed the players as her own children and felt a maternal duty to support them.
Burial location, medical career, and children of Dr. Siti Hasmah
Where was Dr. Siti Hasmah buried? She was buried at the National Heroes’ Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya, in a state funeral.
What was Dr. Siti Hasmah’s professional background? She was a medical doctor who graduated from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1955 and spent much of her career in the Malaysian Ministry of Health focusing on maternal and child health.
How many children did she and Mahathir Mohamad have? The couple had seven children, including social activist Marina Mahathir and former Kedah Chief Minister Mukhriz Mahathir.
Did the government comment on her passing? Yes, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly honored her contributions to the nation, calling her death a "major loss for the nation."
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