KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Social media platforms are awash with grief today as Malaysians from all walks of life expressed their sorrow over the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, this morning.
The late Dr Siti's name is among the top trending topics on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, with dignitaries, celebrities, and netizens sharing photographs, video recordings and fond memories of the 100-year-old wife of the ex-premier.
Renowned Malaysian singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin described Dr Siti's passing as a great loss to the country, given her numerous contributions and lifelong service to the nation.
“The late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was a very loving and gentle woman with a strong maternal nature,” she said in an Instagram post, while praying for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the entire family to be granted strength and fortitude.
Actors Aeril Zafrel and Dynas Mokhtar shared their memories on Threads, saying they did not expect their recent meeting with the late Dr Siti to be their last.
“I was given the opportunity to sit at the same table with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah a few days ago. I never expected that meeting to be our last and that it would become such a precious memory for me. I will always remember Tun’s gentleness and warmth,” said Aeril.
Meanwhile, host and singer Alif Satar and actress Mimi Lana also expressed their condolences to Dr Mahathir and his family, while paying tribute to the service and example left by Dr Siti.
On X, user @AlyaAdora described the deceased as not merely the wife of a national leader, but also an educated woman with a strong identity and her own role, who had always stood steadfastly by her husband’s side.
For user @KubiQupz, today was a sad day for Malaysia following the loss of an extraordinary woman who had rendered great service to the nation.
Meanwhile, netizens across generations said the late Dr Siti's contributions extended beyond her role as the wife of a former prime minister, noting that her role in the medical field and public health would always be remembered.
She passed away at the National Heart Institute this morning at the age of 100, leaving behind seven children.
