KUALA LUMPUR/DHAKA (Bernama): Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has paid tribute to the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, describing her as a compassionate physician and public servant whose contributions helped advance efforts to bring financial services to some of the world’s poorest families.
In a condolence letter posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Siti Hasmah and extended his condolences to her husband, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, their daughter Marina, and the people of Malaysia.
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great loss.
"It was a privilege and a joy to have known Dr Hasmah as a friend since the 1990s. She was a remarkable physician and public servant who cared deeply about the well-being of ordinary people,” he wrote.
The post included a photograph of Yunus with Dr Siti Hasmah.
Yunus recalled Dr Siti Hasmah’s involvement with the Steering Committee of the Microcredit Summit Campaign, saying her support helped advance efforts to bring financial services to some of the world’s poorest families.
He said she had also visited Grameen Bank several times to help strengthen the working procedures of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.
Recalling their last meeting at Social Business Day in Langkawi in 2023, Yunus said he would always remember Dr Siti Hasmah for her kindness, warmth and genuine concern for others.
"She served her country with grace and distinction. Her warmth, compassion, and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will remain in the hearts of many,” he wrote.
Dr Hasmah passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Monday morning at the age of 100. -- BERNAMA
