Perdana Leadership Foundation wishes Happy Birthday to Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, who turns 100 today, 12th July 2026. It is another milestone for a lady who has achieved many milestones – she is one of Malaya’s earliest Malay female doctors, a dedicated maternal health advocate, and the first spouse of a Prime Minister to be accorded the award of Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia (SSM) carrying the title of “Tun”.
Born on 12 July 1926 in Kampung Jawa, Klang, Selangor, Tun Dr Hasmah was among the pioneering generation of Malaysian women who pursued higher education in medicine. She studied at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, where she met her future husband, Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, beginning a lifelong partnership dedicated to the service of Malaysia.
Throughout her medical career, Tun Dr Hasmah championed maternal and child healthcare, becoming the first woman Medical Officer in the Maternal and Child Health Department of Kedah in 1965 and later the first woman State Maternal and Child Health Officer in 1974. Her dedication contributed significantly to improving healthcare outcomes, including a remarkable reduction in infant mortality in Kedah. During her tenure as State Maternal and Child Health Officer, the infant mortality rate in Kedah fell from 75 per 1000 births to 7 per 1000 births.
Beyond medicine, Tun Dr Hasmah has devoted herself to numerous charitable, educational, and community organisations. Her contributions to public health, women’s welfare, youth development, and family well-being have touched countless lives and earned her the admiration and respect of Malaysians across generations.
For many Malaysians, Tun Dr Hasmah is admired not only for her professional achievements, but also for her warmth, wisdom, resilience, and unwavering support for her family and country. Her life reminds us that leadership is grounded in compassion, integrity, and service to others.
As we commemorate this historic centennial, we honour an extraordinary woman whose century of life has enriched the nation and inspired generations of Malaysians.
Happy 100th Birthday, Tun Dr Hasmah. May your remarkable legacy continue to inspire Malaysia for many years to come.
A Century of Grace, Compassion, and Service
In celebration of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali’s 100th birthday, we invite you to discover ten interesting facts about her life that offer a glimpse into her achievements, passions, and values.
1. She was part of a pioneering generation of women doctors.
After the Second World War, Tun Dr Hasmah enrolled at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore on a government scholarship, becoming one of the earliest Malay women to pursue a medical degree.
2. She was the only Malay woman in her medical class.
At a time when very few women pursued higher education, she was the only Malay female student in her cohort, paving the way for future generations.
3. She met Tun Dr Mahathir while they were medical students.
Their friendship began at medical school in Singapore before they married on 4 August 1956, beginning a lifelong partnership in service to the nation.
4. She made history in Malaysia’s public health service.
In 1965, she became the first woman appointed as a Medical Officer in the Maternal and Child Health Department of Kedah. She later became the state’s first female Maternal and Child Health Officer in 1974.
5. She has a lifelong passion for music.
Tun Dr Hasmah is an accomplished violinist and pianist. Among the songs and musical pieces she enjoys are Come Back to Sorrento, One Day When We Were Young, and Song of the Volga Boatmen. She is also fond of P. Ramlee classics such as Getaran Jiwa, Gelora, and Jangan Ditanya Ke Mana Aku Pergi.
6. She believes learning never stops.
Later in life, Tun Dr Hasmah learnt French and took up the erhu, reflecting her lifelong curiosity and willingness to embrace new challenges.
7. She advocates a healthy and positive lifestyle.
Tun Dr Hasmah believes that eating sensibly, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a positive outlook are among the keys to a long and fulfilling life.
8. She enjoys simple Malaysian favourites.
Among the local dishes she enjoys are putu piring, pisang goreng, pengat pisang, and bubur som som (prepared with less sugar!).
9. She has travelled to almost every continent.
Having accompanied Tun Dr Mahathir on official visits for decades, Tun Dr Hasmah has visited countries across the globe, including Antarctica.
10. Her greatest legacy is a life of service.
Whether as a doctor, public health advocate, community leader, wife, mother, or Malaysia’s First Lady, Tun Dr Hasmah has always exemplified compassion, humility, grace, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Happy Centennial, Tun Dr Hasmah, and thank you for a lifetime of service to the nation.
In conjunction with the centennial birthday of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali, Perdana Leadership Foundation invites you to visit the Special Exhibition: Tun Dr Hasmah Hj Mohd Ali: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Grace. Discover the inspiring journey of Tun Dr Hasmah through a specially curated exhibition featuring photographs that highlight the milestones of her life, and her contributions to the nation.
🗓 13 July – 30 July 2026
🕤 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
📍 Perdana Leadership Foundation, Precinct 8, Putrajaya
🎟 Free admission
