PETALING JAYA: The nation mourned the loss of one of its pioneering women doctors and a respected public figure, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. She was 100.
Dr Siti Hasmah, wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 9.20am yesterday.
Her remains left IJN at 10.48am and were taken to the family residence at The Mines Residence in Seri Kembangan.
As soon as news of her passing broke, there was an immediate outpouring of condolences from royalty and the public alike, uniting them in shared sorrow.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, were among the earliest to express their condolences.
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed their sadness over the passing of Dr Siti Hasmah.
“His Royal Highness also knew the siblings of the late Dr Siti Hasmah, who was born in Klang, Selangor, and is deeply saddened by the loss,” the Selangor Royal Office said in a Facebook post.
The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Tengku Mahkota, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, also paid their respects to Dr Siti Hasmah.
Dr Siti Hasmah’s remains were then taken to Masjid As-Syarif in Taman Sungai Besi Indah for funeral prayers at about 3pm where a large crowd had already gathered to pay their last respects.
Dr Mahathir cut a forlorn figure as guests approached him to offer their condolences.
The 101-year-old former prime minister appeared visibly sombre and did not speak to anyone.
At one point during the burial, Dr Mahathir broke down and cried.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, joined mourners in paying their final respects.
He was seen shaking hands with Dr Mahathir while expressing condolences.
Earlier, in a tribute to Dr Siti Hasmah, the Prime Minister described her as a motherly figure to the nation and said that her service will never be forgotten.
“We knew the late Kak Hasmah, a gentle speaker, yet steadfast and strong in spirit, always caring for those around her with the love of a mother.
“The country has lost a figure close to the hearts of the people. We will remember Kak Hasmah with deep affection, along with all the services and kindness she has left behind,” he said.
Dr Wan Azizah said Dr Siti Hasmah taught her how to conduct herself with dignity and the highest level of professionalism.
“Tun’s wisdom, coupled with her warm and pleasant nature, made her a much-loved person,” she said.
She said Dr Siti Hasmah proved that a woman’s strength did not necessarily have to come through a loud voice but was reflected in patience, wisdom, gentleness and steadfastness in carrying oneself.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Dr Siti Hasmah led an extraordinary life and made important contributions to healthcare, education and social causes in Malaysia.
“Her contributions touched the lives of generations of Malaysians. Beyond her public contributions, she will be remembered for her warmth, grace and zest for life.
“She brought warmth and vitality to all that she did and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. My thoughts are with Tun Dr Mahathir and his family during this difficult time,” he said in a social media post.
Two former prime ministers, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, were among leaders from across the political divide who paid their last respects.
Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Wawasan president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali were among the political figures present.
Dr Siti Hasmah, who was accorded a state funeral, was laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Presint 20, Putrajaya, at 6.20pm.
