Dr Siti Hasmah dies aged 100 at IJN

A file photograph shows Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali launching the Culture House event at Menara Kuala Lumpur on April 30, 2019. — Picture by Choo Choy May

By Milad Hassandarvish

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 10:33 AM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 12:13 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has died at the age of 100.

She died today at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.

The news was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, the New Straits Times reported

The announcement was also made during a townhall session at Parliament, surprising attendees. A brief Islamic prayer was held in her honour following the news.

Born on July 12, 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Dr Hasmah was one of the first Malay women to champion medicine following her graduation from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore.

Her early career focused on public health, particularly maternal and child healthcare in rural communities.

In 1956, she married Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and eventually became the spouse of Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister.

The couple have seven children, including social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Dr Hasmah will be accorded a state funeral.