Why Malaysians Saw Tun Hasmah as the Nation’s Mother, From Her Bambi Plush Toy to Her Bucket of Candies

On Monday (28 September), Malaysia was devastated by the news of the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. The wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad died at the age of 100 at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

Following her passing, tributes poured in from Malaysians who remembered her as a warm, maternal figure who felt like a grandmother and mother to generations of people across the country.

Many have also taken to social media to share fond memories and personal encounters with the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah and her beloved Bambi plush toy

Those who often saw Tun Dr Siti Hasmah at public appearances may have noticed that she was frequently accompanied by a plush toy of the popular Disney character Bambi.

While the sight was undeniably adorable, there was actually a touching reason behind it.

Image Credit: Threads (@publichealthmalaysia)

In a Threads post, Public Health Malaysia shared that Tun Dr Siti Hasmah carried the plush toy because she was unable to spend much time with her grandchildren, who had their own responsibilities and commitments.

As a result, she would bring the toy with her and treat every child she met as if they were her own grandchild.

It was also revealed that Bambi was not the only plush toy in her collection.

According to her granddaughter, Melia Serena Mukhriz, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah owned plush toys of various animals, including a rabbit and a special one equipped with hidden buttons that played Quranic verses.

“If you knew Tok, you would know about the plushies; there was always one somewhere near her. She always seemed to have one to cling to."

"I suppose I picked up the same habit… I can’t sleep without my plushies around me now. I always associate that little habit with her,” she wrote.

Melia Serena shared this memory in a post on Instagram.

Tun was an animal lover

Melia Serena also revealed another passion she shared with her late grandmother: a love for animals.

In the same post, she recalled how a passing comment eventually led to her volunteering at the Orangutan Island Foundation in Perak for a week.

“I remember telling her once that I wanted to see orangutans and play with them. It was just a passing comment, and I didn’t think much of it afterwards, but apparently she did."

She added, "In true Tok fashion, she went behind my back and signed me up to volunteer at the Orangutan Island Foundation in Perak for an entire week!”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by melia serena (@serena.mukhriz)

She also reminisced about other memorable moments they shared, including secretly feeding ducks at Hyde Park and witnessing the births of two cheetah cubs and a tiger at Zoo Negara.

“In 2019, we had the privilege of naming the two cheetah cubs. Flash and Dash were the names we settled on. It gives me slight comfort knowing that our little memory lives on through Flash and Dash, who are still at Zoo Negara today.”

Tun always carried a bucket filled with candies

Many Malaysians also shared their personal encounters with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah on Threads, describing her as affectionate, approachable and kind.

One detail that stood out in many of these stories was her habit of carrying a bucket filled with candies wherever she went. According to those who met her, she would often insist that children take some sweets from the bucket.

View on Threads

A major loss for the nation

It is undeniable that Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's passing has been deeply felt by Malaysians from all walks of life.

Remembered as a pioneering doctor, devoted wife, loving grandmother and a maternal figure to generations of Malaysians, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion, warmth and service that will not be forgotten.

Image Credit: Threads

Image Credit: Threads

Image Credit: Threads

Featured Image Credit: Threads (@publichealthmalaysia, @el_4lifeee)