SINGAPORE, Sept 28 — Singapore’s former leaders have remembered the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali for her warmth, grace, and lifelong contributions to the well-being of Malaysians.
They also extended their condolences to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family.
Dr Siti passed away at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur this morning at the age of 100. She was laid to rest following a state funeral at Pusara Negara, Precinct 20 at 6.20pm, with her widower, their children, and family members present.
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong remembered Dr Siti Hasmah as warm and gracious, full of life, and with a wonderful sense of humour.
Lee, in expressing his condolences to Dr Mahathir and family, said Dr Siti, as a doctor, had devoted much of her life to improving the health and well-being of Malaysians, particularly women, children and families.
"Ho Ching and I will remember Tun Siti Hasmah fondly," he said in a Facebook post tonight.
Lee also fondly recalled his interaction with Dr Siti Hasmah about her love for music and the violin.
"I remember speaking to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah about her violin performance at the Istana Budaya, when she played for a good cause.
"She continued performing well into her 90s, including to raise funds for charity. Her zest for life was remarkable," he said.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Goh Chok Tong described Dr Siti as a remarkable woman with many achievements.
He came to know her through his official engagements with Dr Mahathir in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as at ASEAN, APEC, Commonwealth Heads of Government, and other international gatherings.
“We will always remember her for her grace, sincerity and warm friendship,” Goh said in a Facebook post.
Former Singapore president Halimah Yacob described Dr Siti as warm, friendly, and humble, recalling an encounter during her presidency that left a lasting impression on her.
“She held my arm and said that she was so proud to have met the female President of Singapore. Simple kind words of encouragement, solidarity, and support seared in my memory,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
