The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, one of Malaysia’s pioneering women doctors, an Honorary Member of the MMA, and an exceptional figure in our nation’s history.
The Malaysian medical fraternity will remember Tun Dr Siti Hasmah with immense respect and gratitude. As a doctor and public health advocate, she made significant contributions to maternal and child health, rural health care, family planning, and health education.
She also served at the Institut Kesihatan Umum (Institute for Public Health), where she was involved in maternal and child health and public health education.
Dr Siti Hasmah remained deeply committed to the MMA and maintained close ties with her colleagues and alumni in the medical fraternity throughout her life. For the MMA, it was a great privilege to count such an eminent member of the profession among our Honorary Members.
Her impact on health care also extended well beyond her professional career. As chairperson of BAKTI, she championed initiatives that brought health care closer to communities.
In the 1990s, under her leadership, BAKTI supported the establishment of satellite haemodialysis facilities outside Kuala Lumpur, helping expand access to life-saving dialysis treatment beyond the capital.
The initiative helped pave the way for other non-governmental organisations to become involved in supporting dialysis care.
Beyond health care, her long-standing involvement in community welfare, women and children, education and numerous social causes reflected her deep concern for the well-being of the rakyat.
Her contributions to nation-building were immense, and generations of Malaysians will remember her compassion, humility and dedication to the country.
Malaysia has lost an extraordinary daughter of the nation, while the medical fraternity has lost one of its most distinguished pioneers.
Dr Siti Hasmah represented the finest traditions of our profession and leaves behind an enduring legacy in Malaysian health care and public life.
On behalf of the MMA and the medical fraternity, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the entire family of the late Dr Siti Hasmah during this time of profound loss.
This press release was issued by MMA president Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
