Penang leaders across political lines paid tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, honouring her legacy in medicine and community welfare.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang political leaders from across the political divide have paid tribute to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, remembering her contributions to medicine, public service, women’s issues and community welfare.
Penang Chief Minister and former DAP state chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Siti Hasmah’s passing would leave a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
“The passing of Tun Dr Hasmah will undoubtedly leave a legacy that will live on, inspiring and being remembered by generations to come,” he said in a Facebook post.
Deputy Chief Minister I and PKR state chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said Siti Hasmah’s contributions to healthcare and community service, as well as her role as an inspiration to Malaysian women, would continue to be remembered.
“Her contributions to healthcare and community service, as well as her role as an inspirational figure for Malaysian women, will always be remembered,” he told theSun.
Trade and National Unity state executive councillor, Bukit Tambun assemblyman and Penang PKR deputy chairman Goh Choon Aik said Siti Hasmah was among Malaysia’s early Malay women medical officers and had devoted much of her public life to healthcare, women’s issues and community welfare.
“She should be remembered not merely as the wife of a former prime minister, but as a doctor, a public servant, a pioneer Malaysian woman and a person who served society in her own right.
“May her memory be honoured with dignity, and may her family be given strength at this difficult time,” he said.
Amanah secretary-general and Penang Pakatan Harapan deputy chairman Faiz Fadzil described Siti Hasmah as a “srikandi negara” who could serve as a role model for Malaysian women.
“Her maternal qualities deeply touched the people, particularly in teaching younger generations the importance of living with respect and compassion,” he said.
Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said Siti Hasmah was never merely a prime minister’s wife, but had brought her medical expertise into the community and used her position to champion issues including women’s health, family planning, maternal and child health, adult literacy, drug prevention and mental health.
“While Tun Dr Mahathir carried the immense responsibility of leading the nation, Tun Dr Hasmah carried her own responsibilities with grace, compassion and quiet determination,” he said.
Penang MIC chairman Datuk J Dhinagaran Jayabalan described Siti Hasmah as “an extraordinary woman, an iron lady, a pillar of strength to her family and a respected figure” who dedicated much of her life to medicine, public health and society.
Gerakan state leader Oh Tong Keong said Siti Hasmah was a remarkable Malaysian who had dedicated much of her life to public health and service to the nation.
“Her kindness, dignity and contributions will always be remembered,” he said.
Meanwhile, veteran Penang political figure, Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemenang) president and former Penang Umno secretary Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff described Siti Hasmah as a lifelong companion to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, standing by him through decades of political struggle and service to the country.
Offering his condolences to Mahathir and the family, Yussof said Siti Hasmah’s passing was an irreplaceable loss.
“Her loss cannot be replaced, a beloved companion and wife who was with him for so long in the struggle, as well as in serving and leading the people and the country,” he said, adding that he hoped Mahathir would accept the loss with patience and strength.
The leaders also extended their condolences to Mahathir and his family following Siti Hasmah’s death at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur today. She was 100.
Her remains are expected to be laid to rest at Pusara Negara in Presint 20, Putrajaya.
