Tributes pour in for Dr Hasmah, Malaysia’s beloved ‘Ibu Negara’

An undated photograph shows Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali flanked by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Bella Astillah. — Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman/Facebook pic

By Milad Hassandarvish , Arif Zikri , Soo Wern Jun and Opalyn Mok

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 1:02 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Tributes from across the political and social spectrum have poured in following the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Following formal condolences from the King and Queen of Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, prominent public figures, former ministers, and civil servants have taken to social media to mourn a woman widely revered as the “Ibu Negara”.

Former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman recalled a final meeting with Dr Hasmah, describing a warmth that transcended her stature.

“There was nothing about that day that felt like goodbye. If only I had known it was our last meeting, I would have wished for those two hours to last forever,” Syed Saddiq wrote on X.

“Tun laughed with us. Joked with us. Shared stories, advised about marriage, family, and life. She was kind, funny, warm and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of love, sacrifice and experience. I still truly can’t process it. I love you, Tun,” he added.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul lauded Dr Hasmah as an “outstanding female figure” who served with “unwavering commitment and fortitude.”

“Tun Dr Siti Hasmah is remembered not only as a loyal wife and companion to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but also as a prominent figure with a legacy of her own,” Johari stated on X.

“As a doctor, she was among the earliest Malaysian women to enter the medical profession and made significant contributions to public health, particularly in maternal and child health. Throughout her life, she also devoted her energy and wisdom to various efforts in welfare, education, healthcare, women and family development, as well as community well-being,” he wrote.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, describing Dr Hasmah as a personal inspiration.

“Malaysia has lost a highly respected woman figure. The late Tun not only served in the fields of medicine and public health, but she became a model for generations of Malaysian women through her perseverance, simplicity, and devotion to her family, community, and country,” Azalina wrote.

She noted that Dr Hasmah embodied a unique strength: “In her simplicity, there was firmness, and in her gentleness, there was strength.”

Referencing the adage regarding the partner behind a successful man, Azalina added: “’Behind the success of a man, there is a wife who believes in him, stands faithfully by his side, and serves as a source of strength throughout his journey.’ This phrase is extremely accurate in describing the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah — a wife and companion who stood firmly with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in navigating the journey of life and service to the country.”

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid reflected on the late Dr Hasmah’s quiet but profound impact on society.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. For generations of Malaysian women, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah represented a kind of strength that did not need to be loud to be felt,” Syerleena noted.

“She was accomplished in her own right — a doctor, a mother, a public figure and a woman who carried herself with grace and dignity through many chapters of our nation’s history. My deepest condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir, their children, grandchildren and the entire family. May Allah SWT grant Allahyarhamah Tun Dr Siti Hasmah eternal peace and place her among the righteous,” she wrote.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also extended his condolences to the family.

“With profound sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s passing leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and be remembered by generations to come,” Chow said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May they be granted strength, fortitude and patience during this profoundly difficult time.”