Hun Sen Pays Tribute to Siti Hasmah After Her Death at 100
Hun Sen Pays Tribute to Siti Hasmah After Her Death at 100
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 28, 2026 — Cambodian Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has sent condolences to former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad following the death of his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, at the age of 100.
In a condolence letter dated Sept. 28, Hun Sen expressed his deep sadness over the passing of Siti Hasmah, who died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Monday morning. Her death was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir.
“On behalf of the Senate of Cambodia and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you, your family, the government and the people of Malaysia,” Hun Sen wrote.
He described Siti Hasmah as a highly respected medical doctor, pioneer and public health advocate who devoted her life to public service.
Hun Sen highlighted her work in promoting maternal health, literacy, drug-abuse prevention and mental health, as well as her contribution to the modernisation of Malaysia’s healthcare sector.
He said her efforts and sacrifices had contributed significantly to Malaysia’s development and that her legacy would be remembered by generations to come.
“Her legacy will be remembered for many generations to come,” Hun Sen said in the letter.
A pioneering Malaysian physician
Siti Hasmah was among Malaysia’s earliest Malay women doctors and served in public health before becoming involved in a wide range of social and community initiatives. She was married to Mahathir since 1956 and became Malaysia’s prime ministerial spouse during his two terms in office, from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020.
She died at the National Heart Institute at about 9:20 a.m. on Sept. 28, Malaysian media reported.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described her death as a major loss to Malaysian society and the nation. The Malaysian government has also announced that she will receive a state funeral.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah also expressed condolences to the Mahathir family and prayed for strength and patience for the family following her death.
Siti Hasmah is survived by her husband and seven children.
In concluding his message, Hun Sen offered prayers for Siti Hasmah’s soul to rest in eternal peace and conveyed his highest consideration to Mahathir and his family.
