Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has been laid to rest at Malaysia’s National Mausoleum in Putrajaya following a state funeral attended by family members, political leaders and members of the public.
Dr Siti Hasmah was buried at Pusara Negara in Precinct 20 at about 6.20pm on Sept. 28, after funeral prayers at Masjid As-Syarif in Seri Kembangan. She died earlier that day at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 100.
Her funeral drew large crowds of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects. Her husband, children and other relatives were present as the remains were lowered into the grave.
The ceremony included the recitation of the talkin, or Islamic funeral prayer and reminder, led by the Grand Imam of Putra Mosque, Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. Dr Mahathir and other family members also sprinkled rose water and flower petals over the grave.
Dr Siti Hasmah was buried beside the grave of Tun Endon Mahmood, the late wife of Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The Malaysian government had accorded Dr Siti Hasmah a state funeral in recognition of her contributions to the country. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government had instructed the relevant authorities to ensure the arrangements were carried out as a state ceremony.
Members of the royal families, Cabinet ministers, diplomats, community leaders and members of the public were among those who attended the funeral.
The Malaysian Armed Forces also took part in the ceremony, with officers carrying the remains and the Jalur Gemilang being formally presented to the immediate family after the burial.
Born on July 12, 1926, Dr Siti Hasmah was a medical doctor who became widely known for her work in public health, education, community welfare and women’s development. Her public life extended beyond her role as the wife of a former prime minister, with her medical career and social contributions forming an important part of her legacy.
She was one of 10 children of Mohd Ali Taib and Siti Khadijah Ahmad and received her early education at several schools in Kuala Lumpur before pursuing medical training. She is survived by Dr Mahathir and their seven children.
Her death brings to a close the life of one of Malaysia’s most prominent public figures, whose career in medicine and community service spanned decades of the country’s development.
The state funeral at Pusara Negara marked a final public tribute to Dr Siti Hasmah, with her family, national leaders and ordinary Malaysians gathering together to honour her life and contributions.
