KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 28 -- Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali, a pioneering Malay woman physician and the lifelong companion of Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, died this morning at 9.20am. She was 100.

Affectionately know as Dr Siti Hasmah to her chagrin, she is survived by Dr Mahathir, 101, whom she married on Aug 5, 1956, and their seven children.

Just last month, the couple were formally recognized by Asean Records and Asia Records as the oldest living former head of government and spouse in the region, marking the first such partnership where both partners attained the age of 100.

Born in Klang, Selangor, on July 12, 1926, she was the sixth of ten children in an illustrious family. Her brothers included fo...