PETALING JAYA: Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir took to social media to wish her mother, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, a heartfelt happy birthday as she turned 99 on Saturday (July 12).
In her touching post, Marina described her mother as the embodiment of devotion, who has supported her family through thick and thin without ever losing herself.
"She worked throughout her life until retirement, while also managing a growing family and being the Prime Minister’s wife. The second time around she put her foot down and refused to move house again, preferring to stay in their own home," she said in a Facebook post.
Marina highlighted her mother as a living example of lifelong learning, never letting age be a barrier to curiosity or growth.
"Today she may be a lot more fragile but still very game. Besides still playing the piano and violin almost every day, she is trying to learn to speak Japanese. That’s in addition to the French she picked up in her 70s," she said.
She described Dr Siti Hasmah as a very sweet, gentle, and kind soul who will still speak up when she feels something is not right.
"She cares a lot about women’s rights, having been brought up by a very enlightened father and then married a man who has promoted more women than most in his position," she said.
Marina also shared how her mother was strict during their childhood, but gave her children the freedom to choose their own paths in adulthood.
"When we became adults she let us choose what we wanted to do and who we wanted to marry and make our own mistakes. But she was always there to confide in and seek counsel from," she said.
She added that while the relationship between mother and daughter had its tensions, she came to better understand her mother over time.
"Not easy when you have to live in the shadow of not one but two gigantic trees. But as I grew older and had my own family, I understood better. It’s not easy to balance everything without losing your sense of self, especially when you’re a public figure," she said.
"So, on her 99th birthday today, I want to thank Mum for all those years of love and support, for always understanding and standing up for me. I love you, Mum. May you always be healthy and strong and happy. May your smile always grace our lives," she added.
On Thursday (July 10), her father, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, celebrated his 100th birthday.
