Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali died on September 28, 2026, at the age of 100. She was Malaysia’s longest-lived first lady. Her death was confirmed by her family and public officials.
Born Hasmah binti Mohamad Ali in Klang on July 12, 1926, she married Mahathir Mohamad in 1956. She was known as Siti Hasmah and was called Ibu Negara, or Mother of the Nation. Her role as the spouse of Malaysia’s prime minister spanned from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.
Her work in public life included serving as chancellor of Multimedia University. She authored a memoir titled My Name is Hasmah, published in 2010. Her influence extended beyond her role as a political spouse, with her active involvement in health and education initiatives.
Sources confirmed she was a physician before entering public service. Her medical background was part of her public identity. She was widely recognized for her advocacy in health issues and her support for women’s rights.
Her death ends a century of life that saw her witness Malaysia’s independence, its economic growth, and political shifts. She was married to Mahathir Mohamad during his two terms as prime minister, the first from 1981 to 2003 and the second starting in 2018.
In recent years, she had been hospitalized for unspecified health reasons. Reports indicated she had battled cancer in the past, though the family did not confirm the cause of death.
Her passing was announced by Mahathir Mohamad, who said she died peacefully at their home. He described her as a loving mother and a dedicated public servant.
She was also a former chair of the National Cancer Society Malaysia and served as a patron of several charity organizations. Her influence on Malaysian society was acknowledged across political and social sectors.
Her death leaves a gap in the country’s history. She was a figure who bridged generations, combining her medical career, public service, and family life.
Her memoir, My Name is Hasmah, recounts her journey from Klang to the heights of political and social influence. It was published during her husband's time in office, capturing her perspective on Malaysia’s rapid changes.
Her legacy includes her advocacy for health and education and her role as a symbol of stability in Malaysia’s political landscape. She remained active in public life well into her 90s.
The family has asked for privacy as they mourn. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
Her death marks the end of an era in Malaysian public life. She witnessed her nation’s birth, its rise, and its many challenges. Her centenary life spanned more than a century of change.
According to Dead-People.