Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad mourns wife Siti Hasmah after 70 years of marriage

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was seen in tears before the coffin of his wife, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who passed away at the age of 100.

Footage shared by local media showed Mahathir, 101, breaking down in front of her casket, surrounded by their children during the funeral service.

The funeral was held for Siti Hasmah, wife of the former prime minister, and she was laid to rest at Putrajaya cemetery, in Malaysia’s administrative capital.

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The couple had celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just last month. Siti Hasmah was affectionately known as the “people’s doctor” in recognition of her contributions to Malaysian society.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered his condolences and confirmed that Siti Hasmah would receive an official funeral with full government honors, noting that the nation would remember her as a devoted mother and value her service.

Mahathir Mohamad is credited with modernizing Malaysia, serving as prime minister for two terms spanning more than two decades, making him the country’s longest-serving leader.

Mahathir met his late wife while both were studying medicine in Singapore in the late 1940s. They had seven children, including Mokhzani Mahathir, Marina Mahathir, and Mukhriz Mahathir.

Mahathir had described his wife as the cornerstone of his success, praising her determination to earn a university degree at a time when it was rare for Malay women.