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ALOR SETAR – MAHA Clinic in Alor Setar is more than a medical centre with a long history, as its name also stands as a legacy of the love between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his late wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali.
MAHA Clinic administrative assistant Mercy Samuel, 69, said the unique name of the first Bumiputera private clinic established in 1957 was officially formed by combining the names “Mahathir” and “Hasmah”.
She said the couple had a close relationship, with Tun Dr Hasmah often seen accompanying Tun Dr Mahathir on various engagements, including visits to the clinic.
“Tun Dr Mahathir never went anywhere without Tun Dr Hasmah. Wherever he went, Tun Dr Hasmah was always by his side.
“Those of us who have followed them over the years have seen for ourselves how close they were,” she said when met at MAHA Clinic here on Monday.
Tun Dr Hasmah, 100, breathed her last at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 9.20am on Monday.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, and later shared by Tun Dr Mahathir.
The passing of the medical pioneer and woman who devoted much of her life to serving the community was also deeply felt by the staff of MAHA Clinic, who held many memories of the couple.
Mercy said Datuk Dr Mohamed Yacob Dawood took over the clinic from Tun Dr Mahathir around the late 1970s.
She said although Tun Dr Mahathir no longer practised at the clinic, the couple would often visit whenever they returned to Alor Setar to catch up with the staff.
“Every Ramadan, they never failed to invite the clinic staff to break their fast together at the home of their nephew in Alor Setar,” she said.
Meanwhile, MAHA Clinic medical officer Dr Reshampreet Kaur said Tun Dr Hasmah was remembered not only as the wife of a former prime minister, but also as a doctor who had made significant contributions to society.
She said one of the contributions remembered was Tun Dr Hasmah’s involvement with Tun Dr Mahathir in providing free health screenings in rural areas around Alor Setar.
“Tun Dr Hasmah was among those who joined Tun Dr Mahathir on the ground to provide free health screenings to people in rural areas.
“She was also a pioneer in family planning and maternal and child healthcare,” she said.
Dr Reshampreet said Tun Dr Hasmah’s concern for her husband’s health was also often noticed by those who knew the couple.
She said Tun Dr Hasmah always cared for Tun Dr Mahathir’s wellbeing and played a major role as a wife who was always by her husband’s side.
“She was a very attentive doctor and always took care of Tun Dr Mahathir.
“We saw for ourselves how she always cared about her husband’s health,” she said.
