Malaysians pay tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah on social media

PETALING JAYA, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysians flooded social media with condolences on Monday following the death of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at the National Heart Institute. She was 100.

Singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin described the loss as great for all Malaysians, citing Dr Siti Hasmah's contributions to healthcare, welfare and the advancement of women. "She was a deeply caring and gentle woman with a strong maternal nature," Siti Nurhaliza wrote, adding prayers for strength for Dr Mahathir and the family.

Celebrities including comedian Zizan Razak, actress Janna Nick, singer-actress Daiyan Trisha, and singers Anuar Zain, Neeta Manisha and Jaclyn Victor posted tributes. Victor recalled Dr Siti Hasmah touching her face when speaking to her: "It always made me feel special. Thank you for being such a beautiful lady with gentleness and kindness written all over you."

Activist Adrian Siaw Chee Hua said Dr Siti Hasmah would be remembered beyond her role as a pioneering doctor. "Her 100 years were marked by service, sacrifice and dedication to the community," he said.

An Indonesian Instagram user, @lambda_01, recalled Dr Siti Hasmah's guest appearance on the animated series Upin & Ipin, where she urged children to "study all the way to the ivory tower" — a line he said inspired him to pursue higher education.

User @farrah.mokhtar wrote that Malaysia had lost one of its greatest women: "To many Malaysians, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was more than the wife of a prime minister. She was a symbol of grace, dignity, compassion and strength, a woman who carried herself with remarkable humility throughout her public life."

Related: National Heart Institute · Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali · Petaling Jaya