How a Simple "I Love You" Marked the Beginning of Tun Hasmah & Tun M's Extraordinary 70-Year Marriage

As Malaysians remember Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, it is impossible not to reflect on the remarkable life she shared with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. What began with a simple "I love you" blossomed into a marriage that would span seven decades and become one of the nation's most enduring love stories.

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah and Tun Dr Mahathir first met in 1947 while studying at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. At the time, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah made history as the only Malay woman in her intake.

The pair became friends while pursuing their medical studies together. It was not until April 1949, however, that Tun Dr Mahathir confessed his feelings for her. The two had just returned from watching a film and were walking back to their hostel at Holme Chase when he uttered those three life-changing words.

The couple eventually tied the knot on 4 August 1956. Following their marriage, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah moved to Alor Setar, Kedah, with her husband and served as a medical officer at Alor Setar General Hospital.

"Where there is Mahathir, there is Siti Hasmah"

As Tun Dr Mahathir ventured into politics, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah chose to remain largely removed from political affairs. Nevertheless, she was a constant presence by his side, accompanying him at official functions and informal engagements throughout his decades in public life.

In 2021, Tun Dr Mahathir spoke about how fortunate he felt to have his wife beside him, describing her medical background as an added blessing in his later years.

Image Credit: The Straits Times

"I am lucky to have Hasmah with me throughout the 63 years, through thick and thin. She is a doctor, and of course, it is a bonus at my age. I have a doctor by my side all the time," he said.

Despite being married for nearly 70 years, the couple remained inseparable in the public eye. Their close bond became so synonymous with their relationship that the phrase, "Where there is Mahathir, there is Siti Hasmah," emerged to reflect how closely their lives and journeys were intertwined.

Throughout their marriage, Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah raised four children: Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, Mirzan Mahathir, and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir. They also adopted three children, Maizura, Mazhar, and Melinda.

After spending seven decades together, death has now separated the couple following Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's passing at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at the age of 100. She leaves behind not only a grieving family and a nation in mourning, but also a lifetime of memories shared with Tun Dr Mahathir, from their first meeting as medical students to a partnership built on love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

Image Credit: Utusan Malaysia

Their enduring bond was even immortalised in the form of an orchid. In recognition of the couple, Singapore named an orchid hybrid Dendrobium Mahathir Siti Hasmah, commemorating a relationship that stood the test of time.

Featured Image Credit: Berita Harian, Tatler Asia