Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, dies at 100

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at about 9.20am on 28 September 2026.

Her death was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, when contacted by Malaysian state media Bernama.

Dr Siti Hasmah, who turned 100 on 12 July, leaves behind seven children.

Born in Klang, Selangor, on 12 July 1926, Dr Siti Hasmah became one of Malaysia’s earliest Malay women doctors.

She studied medicine at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and graduated in 1955.

After joining the Health Ministry, she served as a medical officer in several parts of Malaysia, including Kedah.

Her medical career included extensive work in public health, particularly maternal and child healthcare.

Dr Siti Hasmah devoted much of her public life to health and social causes, including maternal and child health, family planning, literacy, drug abuse prevention and mental health.

She married Dr Mahathir in 1956. Their children include social activist and writer Marina Mahathir and former Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.