Minister pays tribute to late Tun Siti Hasmah, calls her the backbone of Mahathir’s era

Abdul Karim speaking to reporters after officiating the Sarawak National Sports Integrity Conference 2026 at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here on Sept 28, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Sept 28: Sarawak today paid tribute to the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, honouring her decades-long legacy and role as a pillar of strength during one of Malaysia’s most significant periods of development.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed deep condolences on behalf of the State to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his family, describing Siti Hasmah’s passing as a profound loss not only to her family but also to the people of Malaysia.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the Sarawak National Sports Integrity Conference 2026 at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today, he emphasised that behind Mahathir’s 22-year tenure as Prime Minister was a steadfast support system anchored by his late wife.

“For a leader, having strong support behind him is always very important. And in that respect, the backbone behind Tun Mahathir when he was leading Malaysia was Tun Dr Siti Hasmah,” he said.

He noted that Siti Hasmah’s immense contributions and role as Mahathir’s companion throughout his leadership must be acknowledged within the broader context of the changes and developments Malaysia underwent during his 22-year tenure.

“Regardless of how we view Tun Mahathir today, his era was a relatively successful period for Malaysia, during which we went through many changes.

“The contribution of the late Siti Hasmah must have been immense for Tun Mahathir to be able to lead the country in that manner,” he added.

Abdul Karim reiterated that her departure is felt deeply across the country, describing it as a major loss not only to Mahathir’s family but also to Malaysians.

He also conveyed his condolences to Mahathir and the entire family following Siti Hasmah’s passing.

Siti Hasmah, who was born on July 12, 1926, died at the age of 100 at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur today. — DayakDaily