PUBLISHED ONSeptember 28, 2026 6:01 AMBYSean LerMalaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Sept 28) confirmed that Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, wife of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, will be accorded a state funeral.
In a statement issued after news of Dr Siti Hasmah's passing broke, PM Anwar said that he has instructed the Government's chief secretary and Armed Forces commander to accord her a state funeral honours befitting a national statesman, and to assist with arrangements.
He also expressed his sorrow and condolences over her passing.
Dr Siti Hasmah, who turned 100 on July 12, died at the National Heart Institute at about 9.20am on Monday.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the entire family in facing this loss," PM Anwar said.
Writing in a separate Facebook post after the statement was issued, he said that his family knew her as a gentle speaker who was steadfast and strong in spirit.
"(She was) always caring for those around her with the love of a mother," PM Anwar noted.
The prime minister added that Malaysia has lost a figure "close to the hearts" of people.
"We will remember Dr Siti Hasmah with deep affection, along with all the services and kindness she has left behind," he wrote.
She studied medicine at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and graduated in 1955, and later joined the Malaysian Health Ministry and worked as a medical officer, focusing on public health, maternal and child healthcare.
Dr Mahathir married her in 1956.
They have seven children, including former Kedah chief minister Mukhriz Mahathir.
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