Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

My Name is Hasmah

Rate this book
As one of our first female Malay doctors, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali belonged to the generation of Malayans who built an independent nation out of a legacy of colonialism and war. She left government service when her husband Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reached the top of the political hierarchy, but for the next 22 years she was more than the wife of Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister. On the international and local stages she remained a staunch advocate for public health and developmental issues, always engaging the rakyat with her signature grace and humour.

My Name is Hasmah is her account of her upbringing, career in medicine and adventures (and occasional misadventures) as she travelled the world by her husband’s side. This is a story of a woman who juggled multiple roles—doctor, advocate, daughter, sister, wife, mother—as she navigated a life marked by extraordinary circumstances.

244 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

27 people are currently reading
417 people want to read

About the author

Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali

1 book21 followers
Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah binti Haji Mohamad Ali is the wife of the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. She served as wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia for 22 years from 1981–2003.

She is currently the chancellor of the Multimedia University of Malaysia.

Born in Klang, Selangor on 12 July 1926, Siti Hasmah was of Minangkabau descent from Rao, West Sumatera. She obtained her MBBS from the University of Malaya in Singapore. Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah was one of the first Malay women to enroll for a medical course at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore (now the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine) after World War II.

In 1955 she graduated as a medical doctor from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, which was then located in Singapore. She subsequently joined the government health service. She was one of the first Malay woman doctors in then Malaya. She married Mahathir the following year in August.[2] Their first child, Marina, was born in 1957.

In the 1960s, she attended a public health certificate program in the University of Michigan.

Ten years later, she became the first woman to be appointed Medical Officer in the Maternal and Child Health Department, and in 1974, she was the first woman to be appointed the State Maternal and Child Health Officer.

Siti Hasmah is the author of several articles on family medicine and the socioeconomic factors associated with pregnancy and childbearing in Malaysia.

For her 23 years of public service, her voluntary work, and her leadership in the fields of public health, literacy and drug abuse control, Siti Hasmah has received many honours. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as well as the Sultan of Selangor and the Sultan of Kedah, have bestowed titles upon her.

In 1988, she was awarded the Kazue McLaren Award by the Asia Pacific Consortium for Public Health.

In 1991, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia conferred on her the Honorary Doctorate in Medical Science.

In 1992, the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, conferred on her the Honorary Doctorate in Public Health.

In May 1994, Indiana University, Bloomington conferred on Siti Hasmah the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and in August the same year, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

On 20 June 1997 she was appointed as the Chancellor, Multimedia University (MMU) and patrons MESCORP.

In 2003, she was conferred the highest honorary title of Tun along with her husband, Dr Mahathir, by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
167 (58%)
4 stars
92 (32%)
3 stars
18 (6%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Limau Nipis.
664 reviews25 followers
July 24, 2018
I love that this is more a personal recollection of Tun Hasmah, rather than about world or political issues, which will be synonym with her if we talked about her husband.

I was pleasantly surprised that this is more towards her memories on her life, growing up as a child, then when she furthered her study in a medical school (which is rare at that time) and later as a doctor, wife and mother.

Yes, it cannot be denied that the political part is integral in this book, but Tun Hasmah's autobiography was so refreshing and her point of view is always interconnected with her feelings and personal recollection.

She was honest, but still maintain the elegance of a lady.

Oh, and happy nonagenarian Tun! (learned that she is 90, this year.. wow amazing).

I am not a fan of auto biography or biography, but this one got me really hooked!
Profile Image for Shuhada Ramli.
353 reviews17 followers
August 21, 2019
Rating : 3 stars

Review : Sebuah bacaan yang baik dalam bulan kemerdekaan. Saya mengagumi Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah. Tertib rukun kehidupannya. Tiada istilah putus asa dalam mengharungi hidup dari zaman ke zaman. Gigih melunaskan impian kedua ibubapanya supaya ada "seorang doktor di dalam rumah". Antara buku Memoir/Biography terbaik yang saya baca dalam tahun 2019.

This review is from my point of view. We may have different opinions. Feel free to share if there is any.
Profile Image for anahashim17.
90 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2018
Alhamdulillah, selepas beberapa lama tidak memunculkan diri dalam goodreads(bermakna sudah lama tidak membaca buku), saya mulakan semangat saya dengan menghabiskan sebuah buku biografi "Nama saya Hasmah" versi bahasa malaysia.

Karyanya yang simple, mudah difahami dan terus menusuk ke hati pembaca. Melalui penulisannya, sudah cukup menggambarkan Tun Siti Hasmah merupakan seorang wanita yang cukup merendah diri, bersederhana, bertatasusila dan lemah lembut. Tak dinafikan beliau juga seorang wanita yang amat dikagumi, terutamanya rakyat Malaysia. Sikap tidak mudah putus asa beliau untuk menghabiskan pengajian perubatannya amat saya kagumi.

Terima kasih Tun kerana menjadi sumber inspirasi saya.
Profile Image for Fuka-chan.
145 reviews
May 8, 2018
Alhamdulillah dah selesai membaca buku biografi salah satu tokoh yang disegani di Malaysia. Even if you hate her husband, you really can’t deny Dr Hasmah’s credibility. Anyway this is my first biography book, I don’t usually read this genre but for Dr Hasmah I’m making an exception.

1. Great editing! Perjalanan hidup Dr awal, disusun dengan baik. Setiap watak beliau; sebagai anak, doctor, isteri, First Lady, semuanya disusun penuh cantik. Kita dibawa dari awal perjalanan hidupnya, anak Pak Ali yang gigih bekerja, tapi honestly boleh nampak Pak Ali adalah seorang yang agak senang pada waktu itu. Berpeluang bekerja dengan kerajaan (walaupun beliau memang berusaha bersungguh-sungguh dan he deserves it) tapi itu membuka peluang untuk anak-anak beliau dapat hidup yang senang ; hence Dr Hasmah dapat belajar di Singapore as med students. Masa perang Jepun pun beliau agak selesa walaupun ada waktu mereka berkurung di rumah. Dari situ memang dah nampak keluarga Pak Ali adalah upper class society.

2. Bermula sebuah kerjaya sebagai doctor. Apa yang aku nak tekankan ialah Dr Hasmah taklah born-genius; she took 8 years to complete her med school instead of 6. Tapi dia berusaha wei. Dia mengaku tak pandai. Dia mengaku amek subjek 2 kali sebab gagal. Tapi dia berjaya complete. And I feel like I can relate.

3. Chapter yang paling aku suka of course chapter “Sayang” di mana Dr bercerita macam mana mula-mula bercinta dan akhirny berkahwin dgn CheDet. So sweet. Inilah antara sebab aku beli buku ni. Di sini boleh nampak sisi Chedet dari pandangan Dr. Menarik.


Panjang sangat review ni. Akhir kata, tak sia sia beli masa pesta buku 2018 pwtc. Dapat discount dari RM 80 ke RM 65! 🤣🤣
Profile Image for Nik Nur Adila.
13 reviews26 followers
May 13, 2017
This book is a light read, in the sense that the words used are simpler, the fonts are bigger and the pages are occasionally peppered with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's photos. The book is divided into several parts, in accordance to the many-many hats that Tun wore, ie as daughter, wife, doctor, mother, the wife to the prime minister and a few more.

It has always interest me as to how a woman can still be accomplished in her own ways, not only as the wife to the prime minister, but also on her own accord, and how she maintains her role, and especially as a mother. This book definitely gives a glimpse to her life and her story is definitely an inspiring one.

I thoroughly enjoy the book, and I do believe this book is worth having on your bookshelves.
Profile Image for Lila.
43 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2018
Memang banyak yang perlu kita semua lakukan untuk memastikan yang kita bakal mewariskan sebuah planet yang sihat, aman dan makmur kepada generasi-generasi akan datang. Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, kita mesti melakukan perkara yang sama untuk negara kita yang tercinta bak kata pepatah, hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik lagi di negeri sendiri .” - Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali

Buku ini Lila kasi 5 bintang! Best! Kategori tak boleh letak walaupun berat. Hahaha. Ada banyak gambar dan setiap bab ditulis dengan penceritaaan begitu teliti, dengan ayat yang adakalanya menyentuh hati sampai kita rasa nak menangis dan ada yang sangat mencuit hati sampai kita ketawa terkekeh kekeh. Sangat recommended untuk anda semua miliki dan baca!
Profile Image for Nuruddin Azri.
385 reviews168 followers
August 14, 2025
Pada asalnya, aku membaca buku ini untuk mengenali dengan lebih dekat, sosok Tun Mahathir dari sudut pengurusan rumah tangga selain melihat “dari dalam” bagaimana liku-liku perjalanan hidup mereka berdua sewaktu mempelajari ilmu perubatan di Singapura (saat itu, karier ini merupakan karier terhormat) dan asam garam dalam menempuh alam rumah tangga itu sendiri.

Tidak disangka-sangka, naskhah kulit keras terbitan 2016 ini menjadi sebuah pembacaan autobiografi selama empat hari yang mengujakan dari sudut pandang seorang isteri tokoh politik tanah air Malaysia yang paling lama – Tun Mahathir.

Buku ini ditulis saat usia Dr. Hasmah mencecah 90 tahun dan secara umumnya, ia memuatkan refleksi dan memori Dr. Hasmah dari saat perkenalan beliau dengan Tun Mahathir, detik-detik percintaan, membina rumah tangga, saat-saat berkhidmat dalam sektor kesihatan awam, pengalaman mengembara hampir 90% belahan dunia, Kejohanan Piala Thomas 1992, kempen “War is a Crime”, sehinggalah saat usia tua mereka berdua mencecah 90 tahun.

Dr. Hasmah dibesarkan dalam keluarga kelas pertengahan atas. Beliau pada asalnya berminat untuk menjadi seorang jurnalis tetapi akhirnya membuat keputusan untuk menyambung bidang perubatan setelah melihat ibunya dijangkiti penyakit kolera sewaktu Era Pendudukan Jepun.

Sewaktu mendalami bidang perubatan di University of Malaya, Singapura, beliau terpaksa mengulang tahun pengajian sebanyak dua kali (tahun pertama dan tahun ketiga) menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan tempoh pengajiannya menelan masa selama lapan tahun. Beliau satu-satunya wanita Melayu daripada 50 orang pelajar dalam jurusan itu manakala Tun Mahathir merupakan salah seorang daripada tujuh orang jejaka Melayu pada waktu itu. Dr. Hasmah banyak diajar oleh Tun Mahathir lalu mereka berdua menjadi rapat pada kemudiaannya.

Tun Mahathir merupakan seorang pemalu. Pada satu saat, Tun Mahathir meletakkan “scrabble” lalu meminta Dr. Hasmah melengkapkan aksara yang hilang pada ayat itu sehingga menjadi lafaz “I LOVE YOU”. Dr. Hasmah pula merupakan seorang yang jujur sehingga terdapat beberapa sisi lelucon diselitkan dalam buku ini yang mampu membuatkan pembaca melirikkan senyuman panjang. Pada satu sudut yang lain, ayah Dr. Hasmah sangat menekankan pendidikan dan sering kali mengingatkan Dr. Hasmah untuk menamatkan pengajian terlebih dahulu sebelum mendirikan rumah tangga.

Dipendekkan cerita, mereka akhirnya berkahwin walaupun pada awalnya pernah timbul sedikit perselisihan dalam keluarga. Tun Mahathir kemudiannya pernah membuka klinik swasta sendiri iaitu Klinik Dr. Maha di Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, Alor Setar pada 1957. Beliau minat ke arah politik dan menjadikan Tun Razak sebagai idola dan mentor terutamanya atas sumbangan besar Tun Razak dalam membangunkan kawasan luar bandar. Tun Razak bertarung dengan penyakit leukemia dan pemergiannya pada 1976 merupakan detik yang sukar buat Tun Mahathir.

Sebagai seorang insan, Tun Mahathir juga menghidap penyakit kencing manis, asma dan masalah jantung. Beliau pernah menjalani pembedahan “bypass” jantung sebanyak dua kali. Saat diuji dengan serangan jantung pada tahun 2007 itu, beliau berasa sangat lemah, dihurung depresi dan hampir putus asa dalam kehidupan.

Dr. Hasmah pula cenderung ke arah kesihatan awam. Dr. Hasmah berkhidmat dalam sektor kesihatan awam (HO di HKL, MO di Alor Setar, Jitra, Kubang Pasu, Bangsar) sehingga pencen (1955-1979) sebelum menjadi pensyarah separuh masa di UM untuk tempoh dua tahun dan kemudiannya menyokong karier politik Tun Mahathir setelah Tun Mahathir menjadi Menteri Pendidikan, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Perdana Menteri.

Dr. Hasmah minat dalam memberikan kesedaran kepada masyarakat terhadap kesihatan, merawat masyarakat di pedalaman, memberi kesedaran tentang kepentingan sains moden – peri penting melahirkan anak di hospital, sumbangan vaksin dalam membendung penularan penyakit global seperti polio, whooping cough, tibi dalam kalangan kanak-kanak, tetanus, smallpox dll.

Beliau turut minat terhadap sukan badminton sehingga pernah mengalami kecederaan ligamen pada bahu kanan dan menjalani pembedahan melalui “arthroscopy” untuk membaiki ligamen yang koyak itu. Tambahan lagi, beliau bertarung dengan masalah penglihatan mata yang semakin merosot, osteoporosis, kecederaan ligamen pada bahu kiri dan kecederaan meniscus pada lutut.

Selain itu, beliau juga berbakat dalam bermain violin. Mereka berdua pernah menganjurkan sebuah konsert dan hasil keuntungan konsert itu disumbangkan untuk Pusat Kajian Kanser dan disalurkan kepada pesakit-pesakit thalassemia, Alzheimer dan autism.

Menurut beliau, empat perkara yang membuatkan rumah tangga mereka kekal bahagia berpanjangan ialah; i) Percaya, ii) Cinta dan ambil berat saat susah-senang, iii) Pelihara imej-integriti pasangan dan iv) Berkongsi tanggungjawab sebagai ibu bapa.

Bab yang paling menyayat hati dalam buku ini adalah ketika Dr. Hasmah menceritakan saat beliau bertemu dengan mangsa yang terselamat dari pengeboman di Hiroshima dan Nagasaki iaitu Sumiteru Taniguchi. Saat pengeboman nuklear di Jepun itu, Taniguchi berusia 16 tahun, merupakan seorang posmen yang sedang mengayuh basikal untuk menghantar surat. Keseluruhan belakang badan beliau terbakar sehingga terpaksa dimasukkan ke hospital selama tiga tahun. Dalam tempoh itu juga beliau terpaksa mengiring dan meniarap lama untuk proses penyembuhan dan membuat “flap” dari kulit dadanya.

Kata Dr. Hasmah, perang adalah suatu jenayah. Pemimpin yang memberikan butang hijau pada perang merupakan seorang penjenayah dan harus dibicarakan di mahkamah antarabangsa. Perang bukan sahaja meninggalkan kesan fizikal yang mendalam pada seseorang individu, malahan ia juga meninggalkan parut serta trauma pada mental seseorang – termasuklah genosid di Syria, Iraq, Gaza dan negara-negara lain.
Profile Image for Nor.
Author 9 books105 followers
September 16, 2025
Nama Saya Hasmah" telah diterbitkan oleh Karangkraf pada tahun 2018. Buku tulisan Tun Dr Hasmah ini merupakan sebuah autobiografi yang berkisar kepada kehidupan Tun Siti Hasmah sejak kecil dan boleh mengingat hinggalah usianya menganjak ke usia 90 tahun.

Buku ini menimbulkan rasa kagum saya kepada semangat ayah Dr Hasmah, yang digelar Pak Ali, seorang ketua kerani di Jabatan Kesihatan, Klang, gigih memastikan anak-anaknya mendapat pendidikan dengan sempurna. Malah, bagi membangkitkan motivasi kepada anak-anaknya, beliau sendiri turut belajar secara separuh masa, dengan mengikuti kursus jarak jauh di Pitman's College. Beliau turut merelakan anak perempuannya belajar ke tempat yang jauh sedangkan ketika itu tidak ramai anak perempuan yang ke sekolah.

Ketelitian ibunya dalam mendokumentasikan sejarah keluarga turut menjadi suatu amalan yang menarik perhatian saya. Mencatatkan kelahiran dan kematian, bila, disebabkan apa, si helaian belakang Al-Quran, suatu amalan yang saya kira jarang dibuat orang.

Gaya penulisan Dr Hasmah yang bersahaja dan santai, dan sesekali diselitkan dengan kisah-kisah kelakar di sebalik kehidupan mereka yang padat dengan acara-acara rasmi turut membuat saya tergelak-gelak kecil ketika membacanya. Contohnya ketika beliau merasa gusar penglihatannya yang semakin kabur, fikirnya kerana peningkatan usia. Beliau merasa sedih. Namun sebenarnya beliau tertukar cermin mata dengan Dr Mahathir.

Biarpun buku ini merupakan karya terjemahan daripada buku "My Name is Hasmah", tulisannya lancar dan tidak kelihatan kaku. Muka suratnya yang hanya 280 muka surat pastinya tidak dapat memuatkan semua kisah sepanjang kehidupan Dr Hasmah, namun ia sangat menarik kerana dihidangkan dengan foto-foto berwarna yang mana sebahagiannya merupakan foto dari album keluarga yang tidak pernah disiarkan di mana-mana. Selain itu, kita didedahkan dengan kisah-kisah yang berlaku di sebalik tabir seorang isteri Perdana Menteri.

Membaca buku ini menimbulkan kesedaran mengenai keperitan Dr Hasmah untuk menamatkan pengajian perubatannya, sumbangan-sumbangan beliau kepada masyarakat ketika bertugas sebagai Dr dan kepentingan ilmu dalam menyiapkan diri sebagai isteri seorang ketua negara.

Sebagai pembaca, kita mungkin tidak akan menjadi Perdana Menteri atau isteri seorang Perdana Menteri, namun semangat untuk berjaya dalam hidup, percubaan berkali-kali, ketekunan untuk berjaya, selain menanamkan kesediaan untuk mempelajari sesuatu yang baharu, dapat menjadi tip untuk mencapai kejayaan.

Membaca memerdekakan minda. Teruslah membaca, minda kita akan terus terbuka dan merdeka.
Profile Image for Diya Nordin.
Author 6 books34 followers
June 10, 2018
Menekuni buku; nama saya Hasmah. Aku sebenarnya sentiasa tersenyum melihat pengalaman wanita yang menjadi bonda dan nenda rakyat Malaysia ini.
.
Aku seperti di bawa ke zaman dahulu. Melalui detik kesukaran yang dia lalui. Mengutip setiap pengalamannya.
.
Tersenyum.
Menangis.
Ketawa.
.
Semuanya bersatu menjadi satu.
Worth reading and worth the monies I spend.
Profile Image for Kamalia Kamalia.
Author 17 books76 followers
September 26, 2022
Perjalanan hidup zaman bujang Tun bersama keluarganya dan zaman beliau menjadi pegawai perubatan lebih menarik berbanding zaman beliau menjadi isteri Perdana Menteri.
Profile Image for Mourisham Jose.
67 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2018
An enjoyable read about a great lady who is taking care of a great man who is taking care of the nation. Whether as a daughter, a medical student, a doctor, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and now a nonagenarian, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah is a role model to all. It is refreshing the way Tun Dr Siti Hasmah described Tun Dr Mahathir who apart from a strict disciplinary, intelligent man with laser like focus, is a shy person and who does not like to show his affection towards his wife in public. But perhaps more important, the lessons can be learned from the first couple are the importance of values such as education, hard work, family, integrity, respect, patience and humility. Book number 22 for the year and worth having it in everyone's bookshelves.
10 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2016
Let me be honest. I haven't had the time to finish reading any books and when I bought this book, I didn't think the situation will be different. HOWEVER, once I flipped and took a peek inside, I'm drawn to the world inside it! The way Dr Hasmah narrates the selected stories gives readers the 'feel' they need to enjoy the witty and never-told-before stories of a great lady. I feel deeply connected to the stories as if it was being played before my eyes as Dr Hasmah writes with passion and truly from heart. Took 2 days to finish this book which I considered a great challenge accomplished - thanks to the stories that are inspiring and forever appreciated!
Profile Image for Hanis Maisarah.
8 reviews
August 2, 2018
Not a fan of biography books but this one sure got me hook from the first page. I really enjoy the book and it really shows how inspiring she is as a person especially as a great respectable woman. Love how she can be transparent but still keeping it modest and fun to read yet able to gives me a better insights about her life and perspectives.
14 reviews
November 21, 2021
When I read this book I felt the warmth of a grandmother telling her grandkids stories and life lessons. It is not a political book in my opinion, it is more towards her life and times aging up to becoming 90. It is a lot different to her husband's autobiography, which is highly political (and understandably so). I love how there is pieces of painted/drawn artwork spread throughout the chapters in the book, it gives a lighter and colorful touch. Her stories and anecdotes are funny and at a level of personal where you need to read it to know. She brought me back in time to the 60s, 70s, 80s, & 90s with her writings. I love how I felt like I was living in those eras while reading this book, even when I could not imagine how it was really like. She inspires me to find a wife like her; diligent, wise, patient, understanding, strong.

There are so many useful information that made me understand better between the rural vs city. Her frontal progression towards the welfare of women in Malaysia made my eyes open on how important it is still, education for women.

Here are my favorite quotes from the book:

Pg 12 - If you educate a son, you educate an individual. If you educate a daughter, you educate a nation.

Pg 12 - We would not be easily converted if we had proper guidance in Islam.

Pg 39 - We will always be the children of our parents, regardless of how old we are and whether or not they are still around.

Pg 95 - A husband is more than just the father of your children. He should also be your companion in life and someone can guide you.

Pg 97 - In Islam you cannot go beyond three days without talking to your spouse.

Pg 102 - When a patient loses hope like that, they have reached a very dangerous point. He fell into depression for a while and couldn't stand all the doctors and even the dietician being around him. I told him to hang on. I found a picture of him that had been taken when he was in good health and I showed it to him. I told him that this was the man I had brought to the hospital and that this was the man I wanted to bring home.

Pg 103 - It can be difficult to take care of Mahathir. When I tell him to call the doctor he'll say nanti dulu. The moment he feels well, off he goes. He starts travelling again. It's Sarawak one day, Penang the next. Recently we had to cancel a trip to Riyadh because he was ill. The doctors orders were to rest at home for four days but did my husband listen? No! Boring dia cakap. He wanted to go to work. Degil.

Pg 119 - What to do in an emergency: Give the people around you tasks to keep them busy.

Pg 142 - A prime minister can tell you which news publication sends the toughest journalists to a press conference. Parents on the other hand know that the most difficult questions in life often come from their own children.

Pg 165 - Indeed it doesn't matter if you are a doctor or a minister or a minister's wife. If you are humble, the people will accept you.

Pg 172 - When husbands saw what their wives had achieved they would usually follow.

Pg 201 - After decades of marriage, there's not much about your spouse that is likely to shock you.

Pg 210 - People have expressed how handsome my husband still looks at age 90. I wish I could see this and compare what I see with the 22 year old student I fell in love with 70 years ago.

Pg 212 - Some friendships are transient while others are everlasting. Whatever tinge nature of our friendships, we value them because it is through friendships that we find much joy and comfort.

Pg 213 - No living creature created by the Almighty Allah can live alone. All human beings from babies to senior citizens need friends.

Pg 220 - A civilized person has some education which enables thought, judgement, and the ability to recognize and choose right from wrong. A civilized person has conscience and respects other human beings regardless of gender, creed, age, or colour.

Pg 225 - The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Confucius)
Profile Image for Azie Sajaeei.
49 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2021
✨BOOK REVIEW✨

My Name is Hasmah

Rate: 5🌟🙌🏻

“Some friendships are transient while others are everlasting. Whatever the nature of our friendships, we value them because it is through friendships that we find much joy and comfort✨”

“If you educate a son, you educate an individual; if you educate a daughter, you educate a nation.”

“We will always be the children of our parents, regardless of how old we are and whether or not they are still around🤍”

Thoughts 💭

- I ENJOY THIS BIBLIOGRAPHY SO MUCH♥️ We get to know her in person through this book. Throughout this book,we can see that she is a very humble person. The way she plays her role as daughter,sister,wife and mother is just so inspiring.

- If you wanna read a fun bibliography, please pick this one! I’ve read A Doctor In The House (Mahathir) but I would say that Hasmah’s is a light reading compared to Mahathir’s😅

- Oh and also despite all the fun and cuteness, she also portrayed how she took education very seriously and the way she advices on marriage,friendships and the life itself. She is a very lovable person♥️

I must say, she is ICONIC! And thank you @pustakaswk for bringing in great books for us readers to borrow and in a way, saved our wallets😅
Profile Image for Hasanah.
78 reviews
July 23, 2017
Little that I know the first Malay Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia is the brother of Tun Hasmah.

At first, I had the impression that Hasmah must be very smart due to her parents' emphasis on education. However, being ordinary, she actually took 8 years instead of 6 years to complete her study in medicine.

I love her personality, and I even love the examples of strong relationship Hasmah and Mahathir have shown through their 70 years of marriage. I think it must be the same for Anwar and Azizah. Old couples know well of the ingredients on how to last love to the end :)

It is a good insight of what life looks like as a Prime Minister's wife, however I feel increasingly uncomfortable towards the end as the story builds on in which her family is growing. Coz it is exactly the same time when Mahathir sacked Anwar and a lot of issues were raised. They seem to live so happily despite all the political fights and suffering felt by others.. which is something perhaps we should not overthink about it.
Profile Image for Syafiqa.
145 reviews10 followers
August 7, 2016
I absolutely love love love this book. Even in writing she sounds so humble, such an amazing woman.
I love that she writes so openly and sincerely about her experience as a doctor, about her poor eyesight, her relationship with husband and family, and even on her fashion mishap. ❤
She even touch on the subject of her adopted children and her thoughts of the recent political situation.
The photos and illustration are great. This book just makes me love her even more. May Allah grant her peace this world and hereafter.
Profile Image for Amelia Zulkifli.
166 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2022
Saya suka baca buku jenis biografi dan memoir sebegini. Buku ni bacaan santai untuk kita lebih memahami dan ada sedikit sebanyak pengetahuan tentang kehidupan seorang first- lady Malaysia. Tun Dr Siti Hasmah seorang yang bijak, sangat memberi inspirasi khususnya golongan wanita. Tak dapat disangkal lagi, dia telah memberi pengaruh yang sangat kuat dalam menyokong kerjaya dan perjuangan suami nya.
Profile Image for Hamidah Effendi.
333 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2025
📖 Nama Saya Hasmah – Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali

Kisah seorang wanita biasa yang melalui kehidupan luar biasa.

Buku ini membawa pembaca menyelami sisi lain seorang tokoh wanita negara yang sering berada di belakang tabir—Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, isteri kepada Perdana Menteri Malaysia ke-4 (dan ke-7), Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Bukan sekadar memoir, buku ini adalah cerminan sebuah kehidupan dari kecil hingga ke penghujung usia, diwarnai dengan pengalaman zaman penjajahan Jepun, perjalanan akademik, percintaan, perkahwinan, kerjaya, keluarga dan dunia politik.


---

��� Apa yang Menarik dalam Buku Ini?

✅ Zaman Penjajahan Jepun
– Kita dibawa menghayati kehidupan Tun Hasmah semasa zaman sukar ini – bagaimana keluarga beliau bertahan, nilai ketabahan, kebijaksanaan ayah beliau dan daya hidup yang kuat.

✅ Percintaan dan Perkahwinan dengan Tun M
– Ada sisi lucu, manis dan menyentuh hati. Adegan seperti “tersalah cermin mata” atau gaduh kecil masa belajar cukup mencuit hati. Hubungan mereka yang mesra digambarkan melalui perspektif isteri, menjadikan Tun M kelihatan lebih "manusia" dan menyenangkan.

✅ Perbezaan Cara Didikan & Gaya Pengurusan
– Buku ini membuka mata tentang bagaimana dua individu hebat dengan cara tersendiri membina keluarga, mendidik anak-anak, dan kekal bersama dalam dunia yang serba mencabar.

✅ Pesanan tentang Perkahwinan
– “Kasut kita berbeza, cara berjalan pun berbeza” – metafora indah yang menggambarkan hakikat dalam rumah tangga. Buku ini bukan saja kisah hidup, tetapi juga penuh nasihat dan refleksi berguna.

✅ Kehidupan sebagai Isteri Perdana Menteri
– Dari kaca mata beliau, kita faham lebih dalam tentang tugas seorang wanita di sisi pemimpin negara. Tidak mudah, tapi dilakukan dengan penuh dedikasi dan rendah hati.

✅ Anak-anak, Persahabatan & Penjelajahan Dunia
– Buku ini juga bercerita tentang anak-anaknya, rakan-rakan, serta lawatan ke pelbagai negara – satu catatan tentang bagaimana wanita Malaysia boleh berdiri sama tinggi dengan masyarakat antarabangsa.

✅ Harapan & Kepentingan Menulis, Membaca & Komunikasi
– Hayatnya, kita boleh lihat Tun Hasmah mempamerkan tentang kepentingan ilmu dan komunikasi, serta harapannya agar generasi muda mementingkan pendidikan dalam kehidupan dan menghargai sejarah hidup.


---

📌 Kenapa Buku Ini Wajib Dibaca?

Memberi inspirasi luar biasa dari wanita yang kelihatan lembut tetapi sangat kuat.

Menyentuh banyak aspek kehidupan – keluarga, cinta, kerjaya, pendidikan dan nilai moral.

Menjadi dokumen sejarah hidup seorang tokoh penting negara yang selama ini hanya kita lihat di sisi suaminya.

Ditulis dengan gaya yang jujur, mesra dan bersahaja – buat pembaca rasa dekat dengan beliau.

Mengajar kita bahawa kejayaan bukan bermakna memiliki segalanya, tetapi bagaimana kita mengurus apa yang kita ada dengan penuh hikmah.



---

✨ Kesimpulan

“Nama Saya Hasmah” adalah kisah tentang wanita, perjuangan, cinta dan kehidupan yang penuh makna. Di sebalik gelaran isteri Perdana Menteri, Tun Hasmah adalah simbol keteguhan, keikhlasan dan kebijaksanaan. Buku ini membuatkan kita tersenyum, ketawa, sebak dan insaf – semuanya dalam satu naskhah.

Ia bukan sekadar buku, tapi sebuah warisan cerita yang akan terus hidup. 🌸
Profile Image for nazhsahaja.
127 reviews16 followers
February 13, 2023
Rasa seronok membaca pengalaman dari mereka yang bukan sezaman dengan kita. Melihat Tun SH melalui zaman kanak-kanak ketika era pemerintahan British, melalui zaman penjajahan Jepun ketika remaja, melalui zaman merdeka ketika mahasiswa dan pos merdeka ketika menjadi doktor masyarakat. Jarang-jarang kita jumpa 'real footage' awal abad ke 20 di Tanah Melayu yang dirakamkan dimana-mana (apatah lagi pengalaman secara peribadi yang diceritakan oleh tuan punya badan). Ini adalah sesuatu yang emas.

Melangkah ke titik hidupnya yang paling penting iaitu ketika menjadi first lady Malaysia, Tun SH secara bersahaja berkongsi pengalaman-pengalaman hidupnya sebagai isteri seorang 'legendary' Mahathir, tergambar jelas beliau bukan sahaja wanita yang bijak, cerdas tapi isteri yang sangat setia menopang kuat bahu suami kala diperlukan. Sehingga terfikir, hanya akan kemanakah Mahathir tanpa Hasmah disisi?

Melihat Tun SH masih bertahan meniti hari-hari tuanya di saat kawan-kawannya satu persatu meninggal dunia buat hati jadi sayu, apatah lagi membayangkan jika satu hari nanti pasangan suami isteri ini nanti akan meninggalkan satu sama lain. Membaca biografi ini disaat penulisnya masih lagi hidup di umur 96 tahun adalah sesuatu yang sangat merindingkan roma. Semoga Allah merahmati seluruh hidupnya.

Tak puas membaca hingga muka terakhir, seperti menghantar isyarat bahawa begitulah hidup; hanya singkat sehingga jalan hidup insan berumur 90an ini pun siap dicerita dalam hanya buku berjumlah 244 muka surat.
Profile Image for Reena.
78 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2018
Can you believe... that i read this book with a smile 😂
.
There are so many funny stories in this book that Tun Hasmah shares. About her childhood, zaman dijajah Jepun, kesusahan menghabiskan pelajaran, perkenalan dengan Tun Mahathir (@chedetofficial 💕), perjalanan cinta, bekerja sebagai doktor di GHKL, berkahwin dan banyaklah lagi cerita suka-duka yang dilalui oleh Tun Hasmah dari luahan hatinya
.
Bila baca buku ni terasa macam Tun Hasmah sendiri bercerita depan-depan 💕(oh... by the way... she love people calling her by name of Hasmah rather than Siti)
.
Ayat yang digunakan pun santai, ada Bahasa Inggeris campur dengan Bahasa Melayu, cuma ada beberapa english term yang pada kita tahap tertinggi kot 😂 Contoh macam perkataan ‘adolescent’ rupanya ‘teenager’. Lepas tu, ‘extra-terrestrial’ mak aihhh... what was that? 😮 Rupanya ‘alien’ laa... Hadoiii... baru ku tau! But don’t worry, it’s kind of fun sebenarnya sebab banyak perkataan baru yang boleh kita belajar. So, it’s part of learning jugaklah kan. Hehe
.
Selain tu, macam mana kita tengok gaya soft-spoken, humble dan ‘cute’ Tun Hasmah di tv. Ye, macam tulah jugak gaya dia bercerita di buku ini. She’s a kind of positive person, cool and of course a bit of funny 😘
.
Tq so much Tun Hasmah for this book. Serius tak rugi pun beli. Anyway we love you Tun Hasmah 💕 (always!)
1 review
August 29, 2018
An easy and not-too-heavy read. I bought the book as I was mostly curious about her. The book depicts her tale of how she became a medical officer and the life she led as a mother to her children while being the wife of the longest-serving statesman in Malaysia. I think her affinity with the rakyat (people), and her humbleness when meeting with them, stemmed from her having served as a doctor in the rural areas. She also spoke about the role she played in supporting her very prominent husband - how she conducted herself in the limelight but not being in the spotlight, lest she takes the highlight away from her Prime Minister husband. What I found interesting in the book was her reasoning for not supporting home childbirth. Coming from the angle of a medical officer, it made perfect sense as the duty of a doctor is foremost, the preservation of human life. The book also touches on her humanitarian work as well as causes she champions. In short, think of it as your grandmother telling you stories about the time she grew up, what she did in her life, her beliefs, her hopes, her displeasure and her advice to you - all told in a ladylike manner.
1 review
July 5, 2025
“My Name Is Hasmah” is a poignant and moving musical narrative that weaves the tapestry of Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah’s life. It’s a harmonious composition of grace, resilience, and quiet fortitude, penned in the author’s own words. The memoir captures Siti Hasmah’s affable wit, unwavering humility, and remarkable strength as she invites readers into her world.

Siti Hasmah paints vivid portraits of her humble beginnings, the challenges of womanhood, and her delicate equilibrium as a healer and a nurturer. Her presence echoes softly in Malaysia’s history, yet her impact reverberates through the lives she touched.

Enriched with photographs that evoke the passage of time, this memoir serves as a tribute to a remarkable woman and the spirit of a nation she helped mould. Compassion and humility were her guiding principles.

“My Name Is Hasmah” is a graceful, heartfelt, and quietly powerful memoir. It speaks volumes without resorting to ostentatious rhetoric.
Profile Image for Hani~.
132 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2025
Baru selesai baca autobiografi Nama Saya Hasmah.

Dalam buku ni, Tun Hasmah berulang kali sebut tentang penglihatan beliau yang semakin lemah. Berlaku pelbagai kejadian lucu. Misalnya dalam satu majlis makan malam, Tun pernah cuba potong 'popia liat' yang dihidang. Sehinggalah ditegur suaminya, buat apa dengan gulungan hand towel tu? Barulah beliau sedar bahawa yang cuba dipotong tadi bukan popia 😂

Tun juga senaraikan perkara yang kini beliau sukar lakukan lantaran masalah penglihatan tersebut. Paling saya terkesan, beliau:

1. Tidak lagi boleh membaca al-Quran dan segala bentuk bahan bacaan lain.
2. Tak dapat lihat wajah ahli keluarga walau mereka ada depan mata.

Saya tak boleh bayangkan kalau hilang dua nikmat ni. Alhamdulillah atas nikmat mata yang masih berfungsi dengan baik.

Banyak lagi perkongsian menarik dalam buku ni. Kita dapat lihat beliau dalam peranan seorang anak, adik, pelajar, doktor, isteri, aktivis dll. Bahasa yang digunakan juga sedap dibaca. Terasa seperti kita sedang duduk dengar cerita daripada ibu/nenek sendiri. Santai penuh kasih sayang.
4 reviews
July 25, 2019
One light pleasant reading that you can pair it with your breakfast and is enjoyable as a side during your coffee break. She got me at introduction when she mentioned that she play many roles in life; a daughter and sister, doctor, wife, mother and grandmother, prime minister’s wife and finally, as so-called retirees (aren’t we women all the same?). Some of her stories are relatable to me and i am sure to most Malaysian women as well.
It was intimate enough with her personal insights on few significant event and some were so hilarious; that she sounds just like us normal human being ( the glasses incident and being kidnapped). She was honest and yet her story telling is so elegant. She was objective and a woman worth to be idolised by many.
She is the true definition of “behind every great man there is a great woman”. May Allah granted her health always.
Profile Image for akusipeminatbuku.
264 reviews33 followers
June 6, 2018
Buku yang menceritakan kisah perjalanan hidup Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah dari sudut seorang anak, kawan, doktor, isteri, ibu dan Malaysia first lady.

Banyak yang dikongsikan di sini, kisah bagaimana beliau belajar selama 8 tahun sebelum berjaya menjadi doktor perubatan. Kisah bagaimana beliau mula mengenali suaminya Tun Mahathir. Cerita keluarga besarnya, keletah anak-anak dan cucu-cucunya.

Kisah di mana beliau perlu membuat pilihan antara suami dan anak, antara keluarga dan urusan rasmi. Apa yang dipelajari dan apa yang mampu beliau ajari kepada masyarakat.

Ada juga diselitkan kisah-kisah lucu yang tidak pernah dikongsikan sebelum ini. Ada kisah yang memberi inspirasi kepada kita. Ada nasihat berguna untuk semua.

Saya gembira kerana telah habis membaca buku ini.
Profile Image for Arjunan Selvamani.
4 reviews17 followers
August 21, 2018
A well-written autobiography by Malaysia's current first lady and wife of the longest-serving Malaysian Prime Minister to date. A concise yet insightful book on the many roles undertaken by Siti Hasmah throughout her life. She also writes with witty humour which makes this autobiography such an entertaining read. Personally, as someone with an interest in public health and politics, I found this book truly inspiring. Hasmah's achievements and character as shown in this book, make her a good role model for our society.
36 reviews
January 15, 2023
A book written by an octogenarian, cramped in 244-pages..! So many things to share, so little space.. I'm sure Tun Dr. Siti also felt that way.. having to pick and choose memories from 70-90 years ago taking into consideration the first 20 years was one of her best moments, crossing the Japanese occupation, Independence day, being the first Malay woman doctor in Selangor, becoming a mom, a grandma, patrons and members of a variety of established organisations.
It was an easy, flowy read.. I finished it in two days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.