Siti Hasmah leaves lasting legacy in Malaysia's public health sector

IPOH: The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali will be remembered for her decades of service to the medical profession and pioneering contributions to Malaysia's public health sector, particularly maternal and child health.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad described Dr Siti Hasmah as a respected medical figure who played an important role in advancing public health, family health and community welfare.

He said her contributions as a doctor and woman leader had left a lasting legacy in the country's healthcare and community development.

"Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was not only a respected medical figure but also a pioneer in the development of public health, particularly in maternal and child health, family health and community welfare," he said.

Dzulkefly said this before delivering his opening speech at World Self-Harm Awareness Day at Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Meru here today.

He said Dr Siti Hasmah died at 9.20am today, according to the National Heart Institute (IJN) and as confirmed by her son Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir.

"This is certainly very sad news," he said.

Dzulkefly said Dr Siti Hasmah had devoted decades to serving the country and her contributions would be remembered for generations.

"Her contributions to the medical profession, public health and community development will certainly be remembered for generations to come," he said.

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He also expressed his condolences to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the family.

"On behalf of everyone at the Health Ministry, I express my highest appreciation for all the contributions and dedicated service rendered by the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah to the country," he said.

Born on July 12, 1926, in Klang, Selangor, Dr Siti Hasmah was among 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.