Netizens share heartfelt tributes, memories and photographs celebrating Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali’s life, service and enduring legacy
NETIZENS have taken to social media to express their sadness, affection and appreciation for Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, sharing memories and reflections on her life and legacy.
Many shared personal stories, nostalgic photographs and black-and-white images, including pictures from her younger years and moments with her husband, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Others recalled their encounters with Dr Hasmah at various events and functions, while some paid tribute to the enduring relationship between the couple over their decades together.
Dr Hasmah has long been admired by many for her warmth, grace, elegance and humility.
Among the tributes was a post by a netizen who described her as “effortlessly classy” while reflecting on her life and journey alongside Mahathir.
“She is famous for playing the violin, excelling on the badminton court until her mid-70s and being the warm, steady anchor next to her husband through every political era. Unbothered, fiercely intelligent, deeply compassionate and chic, as ever,” the Threads post read.
The post also highlighted Dr Hasmah’s medical education, noting that she attended King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore after World War II.
It said she was the only woman in her batch and that Mahathir was also among her classmates.
“They met, bonded over medicine and studies and the rest is history. In 1955, she officially graduated as a medical doctor, making her one of the very first Malay female doctors in the country,” the netizen wrote.
The post also highlighted Dr Hasmah’s contribution to rural healthcare after she married Mahathir and moved to Kedah.
“Instead of keeping it comfortable, Dr Hasmah became a true rural health pioneer after marrying Dr Mahathir and relocating to Kedah,” it said.
The netizen recalled how she travelled to remote villages to treat mothers and babies, promote proper hygiene, administer immunisations and raise awareness about unsafe traditional childbirth practices.
The post also highlighted Dr Hasmah’s role as Kedah’s first female State Maternal and Child Health Officer, describing her initiatives as having a significant impact on public health in the state.
“When she stepped into the role of Kedah’s first female State Maternal and Child Health Officer, her hands-on initiatives completely transformed public health, directly slashing the state’s infant mortality rate from a heartbreaking 75 per 1,000 to just 6 per 1,000,” the post claimed.
The tribute concluded by describing Dr Hasmah as a figure who would be remembered for her “lifetime of service, quiet strength and timeless elegance”.
The netizen also ended the post with a prayer asking Allah to forgive her, shower her with mercy and place her among the righteous in heaven.
