Siti Hasmah, pioneering doctor and wife of ex-PM Mahathir, dies

Siti Hasmah's medical career marked a significant milestone in Malaysian healthcare history. As one of the earliest Malay women to qualify as a doctor during the colonial period, she broke considerable professional and social barriers in then-Malaya, when opportunities for women in medicine remained severely limited.

Beyond her medical accomplishments, Siti Hasmah became widely recognised as the steadfast partner of Mahathir Mohamad throughout his decades-long political career. She supported him through his rise to prominence and served as an influential figure in Malaysian public life, particularly during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Her legacy extends across multiple domains, encompassing both her contributions to Malaysia's medical profession and her role as a prominent public figure. Siti Hasmah's life trajectory reflected the evolving opportunities for women in Malaysia, even as she navigated the demands of high-profile public status.

The death of Siti Hasmah marks the end of a significant chapter in modern Malaysian history, closing a life that spanned major transformations in the nation's development and women's participation in professional fields.