Tributes pour in for Dr Hasmah Ali

Tributes to Dr Hasmah Ali poured in following her death at the National Heart Institute this morning, with many highlighting her warmth and grace as well as her contributions to the nation.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah were among the first to express their condolences over the death of the wife of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking at the International Future Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his condolences to Mahathir and his family.

He said the country had lost a figure who contributed greatly throughout her life, particularly through charitable work and efforts to help the people.

In a statement later, Anwar said he had directed the chief secretary and the chief of the armed forces to assist with arrangements and accord Hasmah the honours of a state funeral.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysians had witnessed Hasmah’s life alongside Mahathir over the decades, and would remember her service as a doctor and her concern for public well-being.

“Her gentleness, humility and steadfastness made her a beloved figure and a role model for Malaysians.

“May Allah SWT forgive her, accept her good deeds and place her soul among the righteous. I also pray that Tun Dr Mahathir and the entire family will be granted strength and fortitude in facing this great loss,” he said in a Facebook post.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Hasmah was not only a respected medical figure, but also a pioneer in the development of public healthcare, particularly in maternal and child health, family health and community well-being.

“Her contributions to the medical profession, public health and community development will be remembered by generations to come,” he was quoted by Berita Harian as saying in a speech at Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Meru in Perak.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong said Hasmah devoted much of her life to the service of the nation.

“Her presence and contributions have touched many lives, and she will be remembered with great respect and affection by Malaysians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman remembered Hasmah as a person who was “kind, funny, warm and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of love, sacrifice and experience”.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also expressed the party’s condolences over her passing, noting that she was recorded as the first female government medical officer in the maternal and child health department in 1965.

“She played a role in advancing the status of Malaysian women in various fields, including healthcare, education and the economy,” he said.

Hasmah died at the age of 100 at about 9.25am today. Her remains were transported at 10.48am to her residence in The Mines, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

She was a doctor who used her platform as the prime minister’s wife to advocate maternal health, family planning, literacy, drug abuse prevention and mental health.

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