Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Haji Mohd Ali

June 16, 2011 | By Sharmila Valli Narayanan

‘I WIN the battles, Josephine wins me hearts,’ said Napoleon Bonaparte of his wife. The same can be said of Tun Dr Mahathir and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. It is easy to see why because it’s quite impossible not to fall under her charms. An aura of calmness surrounds her. She exudes warmth and makes a personal connection to whoever she is speaking with. She makes it a point to say your name frequently during the interview so much so one does not get the feeling of doing an interview but rather having a chat with a friend.

Siti Hasmah looks lovelier and daintier in real life than she does in photographs. It’s hard to believe that she is 85. She and her husband must have been gifted with special genes because these two octogenarians still lead a very busy life with meetings, discussions, travels, etc, and don’t look anything like how octogenarians are supposed to look. ‘Our belief is that we have to keep being active even after retirement,’ explains Siti Hasmah in her soft voice.

The rest of the article can be read in Malaysian Business, Issue June 16, 2011