KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Cabinet ministers have conveyed their condolences to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family following the passing of his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali today.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil described Dr Siti as a woman who stood steadfastly beside a prominent figure, accompanying him through every step and struggle, and through the ups and downs of life, with selfless sacrifice.
“She was a pillar of strength to Tun Dr Mahathir. Now, after years of walking together, the journey must continue without the person who had always been by his side.
“My condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir and his family. May they be granted strength and fortitude in facing this loss,” he said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the late Dr Siti was a respected woman and medical figure who dedicated decades of service to developing the nation’s healthcare sector.
Speaking at the World Suicide Prevention Day event at the Main Hall of Kolej Poly-Tech MARA in Ipoh, Perak, today, he said Dr Siti was also a pioneer in public health development, particularly in maternal and child health, family health, and social welfare.
“As a distinguished doctor and prominent figure who dedicated decades of service, her contributions to the medical profession, public health, and community development will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
“On behalf of the entire Ministry of Health, I convey my deepest appreciation for Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s contributions and decades of dedicated service to the nation,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said Dr Siti would continue to be remembered for her decades of contributions to healthcare and social welfare.
“My condolences to the family of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali on her passing. The nation has lost a woman who served as an inspiration to countless women in Malaysia,” she said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also conveyed his condolences, praying that Dr Mahathir and his family would be given strength and fortitude as they faced the loss.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. She was a woman whom I highly respected. She was gentle in her words, humble and always made everyone around her feel at ease,” he said.
Saifuddin also prayed that Allah would grant her soul forgiveness, accept her good deeds and place her among the righteous.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia had lost a national figure whose contributions earned her widespread respect, beyond her role as the wife of Dr Mahathir.
“Malaysia will always remember her for her service, sacrifices and love for the country. The legacy of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah will be cherished and continue to inspire future generations.
“My deepest condolences to Tun Dr Mahathir and his family. May Allah SWT bless Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s soul and place her among the believers and the righteous,” she said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu described Dr Siti as a person known for her calm and humble demeanour.
He said she had shared a long journey with Dr Mahathir, standing by his side through the many phases of their lives together, including the challenges he faced in politics and national administration.
“I knew Tun Dr Siti Hasmah as someone who was always calm and humble in her demeanour.
“I pray that Tun and the entire family will be given the strength and fortitude to cope with the loss of someone so dear to their hearts. May Allah SWT forgive Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s shortcomings, bless her soul and place her among the righteous,” Mohamad said.
For Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Dr Siti Hasmah’s passing leaves behind a century-long legacy of service, wisdom and love for her family, society, and the nation, which future generations will continue to remember and honour.
Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri conveyed her condolences to Dr Mahathir and his children, extending her deepest sympathies to the family.
She said she would fondly remember her time with Dr Siti at the National Women’s Day celebration organised by the National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) earlier this month, where the former prime minister’s wife delighted those present with a violin performance.
“At the age of 100, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was still with us, and I will always cherish that moment,” Nancy said.
She added that Dr Siti had stood steadfastly by Dr Mahathir throughout their life together, sharing both the challenges and milestones along the way, while making significant contributions to public health, women’s causes and family well-being.
“Last July, she celebrated her 100th birthday, just two days after Tun Dr Mahathir celebrated his 101st. In August, they marked their 70th wedding anniversary. Their story reminds me of the meaning of love and the strength to remain together through thick and thin,” Nancy said.
Other ministers who paid tribute to the deceased include Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
