Malaysian celebrities are paying tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who passed away at the age of 100.
Her death was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, on Monday (Sept 28).
Singer-actress Bella Astillah – who was set to hold a press conference with her fiance, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, in Kuala Lumpur today – announced on Instagram Stories that the event had been cancelled following Dr Siti Hasmah’s death.
Bella said Syed Saddiq could not bring himself to proceed with the scheduled event after hearing the news.
“We’re in the middle of a shoot, but I know his heart and mind are somewhere else after hearing the heartbreaking news of Tun Hasmah’s passing this morning.
“He just couldn’t bring himself to continue with what was planned for later. He asked for the PC (press conference) later to be cancelled. Allahuakbar, we’re still in shock,” she wrote.
Bella and Syed Saddiq had visited Dr Siti Hasmah and Dr Mahathir on Sept 24 to spend time with the couple and seek their advice on marriage, family and life.
In a joint Instagram post with Bella, Syed Saddiq said if he had known it would be his last meeting with Dr Siti Hasmah, he would have wished for the two hours they spent together that day to last forever.
“She was kind, funny, warm and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of love, sacrifice and experience.
“My heart is broken. A part of me still refuses to believe that you are no longer here,” he wrote.
The former youth and sports minister also thanked Dr Siti Hasmah for leaving him and Bella with a beautiful final memory.
He expressed sadness that he would not be able to fulfil her wish to attend his wedding to Bella on Oct 10.
“Saddiq and Bella aren’t able to grant your wish of attending our wedding later. But I promise you, Tun, your advice will.
“We will carry it into our marriage, into our home, and insya-Allah, for the rest of our lives,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, renowned singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin described Dr Siti Hasmah’s death as a great loss to the nation in an Instagram post.
She remembered Dr Siti Hasmah as a caring and gentle woman, while highlighting her contributions to society.
“I regard the passing of the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah as a great loss to all Malaysians, given her many contributions and services to healthcare, welfare and the advancement of women throughout her life.
“I also pray that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late Tun’s entire family will be granted fortitude, patience and strength of spirit as they face this difficult trial.
“The late Tun was a very caring and gentle woman who possessed strong maternal qualities,” the singer wrote.
Singer Shila Amzah also paid tribute to Dr Siti Hasmah, sharing two photos from the launch of her first album in 1999, which Dr Siti Hasmah attended when Shila was just 10 years old.
Recalling the occasion, Shila described Dr Siti Hasmah as a gentle and kind soul, adding that she felt fortunate to have had her at the album launch.
“I still remember how gentle and kind she was. I was very lucky to have her at my first album launch back in 1999. May her soul rest in peace,” Shila wrote.
In a Threads post, singer Zizi Kirana recalled her last meeting with Dr Siti Hasmah just a week ago, saying she was shocked by the news as she never expected it would be their final meeting.
“Just last week, after 41 years of my life, Allah finally allowed me to meet her in person. I had the chance to shake Tun’s hand, and she asked me, ‘Why are your hands cold?’
“Today, that remark has become a memory that I will carry in my heart forever.
“It never crossed my mind that such a special meeting would turn out to be my final greeting to the late Tun,” she wrote.
Actor Kamal Adli also described Dr Siti Hasmah as a “national female icon” in a Threads post.
“May she be placed among the righteous and be granted a place in paradise. The nation has lost an iconic woman, the steadfast companion in Tun M’s struggle. Al-Fatihah,” he wrote.
