SERI KEMBANGAN – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may be known publicly as a firm and uncompromising leader, but the same discipline was applied within his own household.
According to his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, discipline at home was never arbitrary, it was collective and educational.
“If one child made a mistake, all the children had to listen. He would call everyone to gather and explain the mistake, so that all the children would understand and learn from it. That was important to him,” she told Sinar in an exclusive interview at her home recently.
Now approaching her 99th birthday on July 12, Dr Siti Hasmah described her husband as a 'gentle disciplinarian'. Firm, but never harsh.
He corrected with affection, she said, occasionally using a ruler to gently tap their children’s palms as a form of discipline.
She recalled one instance where one of their children opened Dr Mahathir’s work bag without permission. Instead of scolding the child individually, he gathered all the children and explained why such behaviour was inappropriate and should not be repeated.
Dr Mahathir, she said, always kept his work separate from home life.
“Outside, he might appear strong and dedicated, but when he returned home, I saw an old man. His face looked exhausted and he would walk slowly.
“I always worried when someone opposed him and I could not hide the frustration on my face. That is why he avoided telling me what was going on,” she added.
The couple, who raised four children together, maintained a close and tender bond. Every night, before bed, Dr Hasmah would approach her husband while he was usually still writing.
“I would hug and kiss his head while praying to Allah SWT for his long life, strength and protection.
“Sometimes he is still writing while I am already sleepy. But he knows I am always there and I know I always need him,” she said.
Despite her and their children's advice for him to rest, Dr Mahathir insists on continuing his life’s mission.
“My children and I have advised him to rest, but he still wants to continue his struggle for religion, race and the nation.
“For me, happiness is being able to eat and drink tea together, to live another day in good health and to keep defending the country and religion,” she said.