A stroll down memory lane at alma mater for Dr M, Siti Hasmah

It was a sweet nostalgic return for both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali to their alma mater, the King Edward VII College of Medicine, which is now part of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Upon arrival, Mahathir, who was in the class of students of the college who graduated in 1953, was received by Singapore’s Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong.

Mahathir and Siti Hasmah took a stroll for about 30 minutes at the college, which is currently home of the Ministry of Health, Singapore Medical Council and the College of Family Physicians.

At their then lecture hall, which is now an auditorium, Siti Hasmah was teased if her attention was on the lectures or on Mahathir, as it is a known fact that both the nonagenarians fell in love while studying at the college.

She said: "Both."

Later, Mahathir and Siti Hasmah visited the college's alumni room, shared light moments with the members as well as seven of his classmates.

Mahathir and Siti Hasmah received a classic (black and white) picture as a gift from the alumni chairperson, Lai Kah Weng.

Due to prior engagements, Mahathir said he would not be able to attend the alumni dinner this year.

"I will be away in Papua New Guinea (for the APEC meeting), but I hope you all have a good time celebrating and getting together."

Mahathir added that he hoped that he will be able to attend the next alumni dinner.

"I said I hope too, because when you are 94 years old you are not too sure about the future."

- Bernama