Anwar to attend funeral of Dr Hasmah, pays tribute to her service

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed today that he will attend the funeral of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, paying tribute to her lifelong contributions and service to the nation.

Asked by reporters following an official event whether he would pay his final respects in person, Anwar replied that in the affirmative.

The prime minister also extended his heartfelt sympathies to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family, stressing that the country deeply values the legacy of Dr Hasmah, commonly known as Dr Siti Hasmah.

“In the current situation, we sympathise with Tun Mahathir and his family. We remember Tun Hasmah’s contributions and service to the country.

“She was active during her time as the prime minister’s wife, particularly in matters concerning the welfare and problems faced by the people,” he told reporters after officiating the International Future Conference 2026 at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) here.

Earlier during his opening address, Anwar interrupted proceedings to break the solemn news to the assembly.

“But before that, may I share some sad news this morning: the passing of Tun Dr Hasmah Ali. May Allah bless her soul.”

He subsequently invited attendees to join him in reciting the Al-Fatihah prayer in her memory.

Dr Hasmah, the wife of Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) this morning at the age of 100.

Her passing was formally confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir. She is survived by Dr Mahathir, 101, and their seven children.

In 2016, she published her autobiography, My Name is Hasmah, where she fondly described Dr Mahathir as her “hero”. In 2024, she publicly requested that people discontinue addressing her as "Siti", a prefix added socially during the 1970s, choosing to be known simply by her birth name, Hasmah.