Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has conveyed his condolences to former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad following the death of his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who died at the age of 100 on September 28.
In a condolence letter, Wong described Siti Hasmah as a pioneer who made important contributions to healthcare, education and other social causes in Malaysia. He said her work had touched generations of Malaysians and would continue to inspire people serving their communities.
Wong also recalled that Mahathir and Siti Hasmah first met while they were medical students in Singapore. He noted that Singapore had welcomed her back over the years, including during the couple’s 2018 visit to their former college.
Beyond her professional contributions, Wong remembered Siti Hasmah for her warmth, grace and enthusiasm for life. He also highlighted her interests in music, the arts and writing, saying she brought vitality to the causes and activities she pursued.
Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at around 9:20 a.m. on September 28. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on July 12 and had been married to Mahathir since 1956. The couple had seven children.
A physician by profession, Siti Hasmah advocated for maternal health, family planning, literacy, drug abuse prevention and mental health. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said she would be accorded a state funeral.
Other Singapore leaders, including Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and former President Halimah Yacob, also paid tribute to Siti Hasmah, recalling her contributions, warmth and longstanding connections with Singapore.
Siti Hasmah was later laid to rest at the National Mausoleum in Putrajaya, where family members, friends and supporters gathered to pay their respects.
