The wife of former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, died at the age of 100 on Monday (Sept 29).

And as Malaysians grieved alongside Dr Mahathir, one detail stood out — a photograph showing the former prime minister's multi-racial medical team by his side during the burial at the National Mausoleum in Putrajaya.

Posted on the Facebook page of Public Health Malaysia, it shows a Malay cardiologist, and two other medical staff — a Chinese man, and an Indian woman — standing stoically by Dr Mahathir's side. 

Captioned simply, the post says: "They come from three different backgrounds: Malay, Indian, and Chinese. 

"It seems like a usual coincidence. But in this picture, that coincidence feels very significant. It's as if these three healthcare workers are representing the entire Malaysian people."

The post added that at a time when Malaysians are worried about the former prime minister's health, the trio are the people closest to him — monitoring and ensuring that he continues to receive the best treatment. 

Since its posting at about 9.40pm on Monday, the post has received over 120,000 likes and 11,000 shares.

Malaysia's former director-general of health Noor Hisham Abdullah later identified the trio as healthcare workers from the National Heart Institute. 

"They are a powerful reflection of Malaysia's diversity, united in caring for him. Thank you to our frontline workers," he wrote.

As Malaysians worry and pray for Tun Mahathir’s health, three dedicated healthcare workers from IJN, one Malay, one Chinese and one Indian stand by his side. They are a powerful reflection of Malaysia’s diversity, united in caring for him. Thank you to our frontline workers. https://t.co/fsuOYkiVY3

— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) September 29, 2026

His views were echoed by Facebook user Patricia Chuah, who wrote: "This is the spirit of Malaysians in times of need, caring regardless of race."

"Three ethnicities united by one national bond. Remaining close, solid, and strong. Differences do not hinder the progress of nation-building. Like a rainbow with its many colors, it looks beautiful," replied another user, Wayan Suparta

The Facebook page is an independent health advocacy group and non-governmental organisation comprising public health professionals and doctors.

 

Dr Siti Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute at about 9.20am on Monday.

She studied medicine at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and graduated in 1955, and later joined the Malaysian Health Ministry and worked as a medical officer, focusing on public health, maternal and child healthcare.

Dr Mahathir married her in 1956.

They have seven children, including former Kedah chief minister Mukhriz Mahathir.

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editor@asiaone.com