Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, former PM's wife, passes away at 100

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, one of Malaysia's most respected public figures and the former First Lady, died on September 28 at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) in the nation's capital, having reached the milestone age of 100.

Throughout her seven decades of public life, Dr Siti Hasmah earned widespread recognition for her humanitarian work and steadfast support of her husband during his extensive political career. She was instrumental in numerous charitable endeavours and maintained a prominent role in Malaysian society long after Tun Dr Mahathir's retirement from office.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Malaysian public life. Dr Siti Hasmah had remained active in social and welfare causes well into her advanced years, embodying a commitment to service that defined her lengthy tenure as First Lady and beyond.

Family members and members of the government have begun paying their respects following the announcement of her death, with condolences expected to flow from across the political spectrum and civil society in the coming days.