The woman who always silently remain behind the man

Six decades after their marriage, the two doctors, who are now in their 90s, continue to remain inseparable, a bond which has withstood numerous political trials and tribulations.

Many consider the soft-spoken Dr Siti Hasmah Ali as the wind beneath former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's wings. But the latter was no dove.

And even now, he is attempting to sink his talons into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, without much success.

In an interview with the media, Siti Hasmah revealed her emotions over the latest battle in which her husband is embroiled in.

The mother of seven confessed to feeling hurt when witnessing what Najib is doing to her husband.

However, she said nothing can be done about this except leaving the matter in the hands of Allah because the prime minister is too powerful.

"We can't do anything, they are too powerful. Leave it to Allah, perhaps there is a blessing in disguise.

"I know my husband is also disappointed and sad... Never mind, that person is too powerful, we cannot do anything," she was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Siti Hasmah also revealed that she conceals her hurt from Mahathir.

"As Mahathir's wife, I admit the attacks and their actions against him have an impact (on her). But I do not show it, I don't want to compound his worries.

"So I choose to be with him all the time and respect his struggle which has yet to end. Sometimes, I feel sorry for him due to the way he is being treated," she added.

Describing Najib's action as "improper", Siti Hasmah said this was especially so since their respective families were close.

"We were close. Najib's father, Tun (Abdul) Razak, studied in the same school as my brother... So we have known each other for a long time.

"I was close friends with Tun Suhailah and Tun Rahah as well," she added.

Tun Suhailah Mohammad Noah is the mother of Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and the sister of Tun Rahah, who is Najib's mother.

Meanwhile, Siti Hasmah said she was most saddened when Mahathir relinquished his post as Proton Holdings adviser due to the sentimental attachments with the firm, which is the brainchild of her husband.

Source -MKini