Jump to content

Mahathir Mohamad

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mahathir Mohamad
محاضر محمد
Mahathir in 2018
4th & 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia
In office
10 May 2018 – 24 February 2020
Interim: 24 February – 1 March 2020
Monarchs
DeputyWan Azizah Wan Ismail
Preceded byNajib Razak
Succeeded byMuhyiddin Yassin
In office
16 July 1981 – 31 October 2003
Monarchs
Deputy
Preceded byHussein Onn
Succeeded byAbdullah Ahmad Badawi
Political offices held
1st Chairman of the Homeland Fighter's Party
In office
12 August 2020 – 17 December 2022
PresidentMukhriz Mahathir
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPosition vacant
1st Chairman of Pakatan Harapan
In office
14 July 2017 – 24 February 2020
PresidentWan Azizah Wan Ismail
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byAnwar Ibrahim
Chairman of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party
In office
7 September 2016 – 28 May 2020[note 1]
PresidentMuhyiddin Yassin
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byMuhyiddin Yassin (acting)
5th President of the United Malays National Organisation
In office
28 June 1981 – 31 October 2003
Deputy
  • Musa Hitam
  • Ghafar Baba
  • Anwar Ibrahim
  • Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Preceded byHussein Onn
Succeeded byAbdullah Ahmad Badawi
Ministerial roles
1974–1978Minister of Education
1976–1981Deputy Prime Minister
1978–1981Minister of Trade and Industry
1981–1986Minister of Defence
1986–1999Minister of Home Affairs
1998–1999Minister of Finance
2001–2003Minister of Finance
2020Acting Minister of Education
Other roles
2003Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement
Personal details
Born
Mahathir bin Mohamad

(1925-07-10) 10 July 1925 (age 99)
Alor Setar, Kedah, Unfederated Malay States
CitizenshipMalaysia
Political party
  • UMNO (1946‍–‍1969, 1972‍–‍2008, 2009‍–‍2016)
  • BERSATU (2017‍–‍2020)
  • PEJUANG (2020‍–‍2023)
  • PUTRA (2023‍–‍present)
Other political
affiliations
  • BN (1946‍–‍1969, 1972‍–‍2008, 2009‍–‍2016)
  • PH (2017‍–‍2020)
  • GTA (2022‍–‍2023)
  • Independent (1969‍–‍1972, 2008‍–‍2009, 2016, 2020, 2023)
Spouse
(m. 1956)
Children7 (including Marina, Mokhzani and Mukhriz)
Parents
RelativesIsmail Mohamed Ali (brother-in-law)
Residence(s)No. 58, Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
Education
Occupation
  • Politician
  • author
  • doctor
AwardsFull list
Websitethechedet.com

Mahathir bin Mohamad (Jawi: محاضر بن محمد;[1] IPA: [mahaðɪ(r) bɪn mohamad]; born 10 July 1925) is a Malaysian politician, author, and physician who was the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. He was the country's longest-serving prime minister, serving for a cumulative total of 24 years. Mahathir was granted the soubriquet "Father of Modernisation" ("Bapa Pemodenan") for his pivotal role in transforming the economy and infrastructure.[2] At the age of 99, he is currently the oldest living former Malaysian prime minister.[3]

Born and raised in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir excelled at school and became a physician. He became active in the UMNO before entering the parliament of Malaysia in 1964 as the Member of Parliament for Kota Setar Selatan, serving until 1969 amid losing his seat, subsequently falling out with Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and being expelled from UMNO. In 1970, he released the book The Malay Dilemma. When Tunku resigned, Mahathir re-entered UMNO and parliament through Kubang Pasu constituency, and was promoted to Minister of Education from 1974 to 1978 and Minister of Trade and Industry from 1978 to 1981. He became deputy prime minister in 1976 and in other cabinet before being sworn in as prime minister in 1981.

During Mahathir's first tenure, Malaysia underwent modernization and economic growth, and his government initiated widespread industry privatisation and a series of bold infrastructure projects. Mahathir was a dominant political figure, winning five consecutive general elections and fending off several rivals for UMNO's leadership. He centralised power through undermining judicial independence and supporting a constitutional amendment to remove legal immunity for royalty. He continued pro-bumiputera policies, and oversaw Malaysia's relatively fast recovery from the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In 1987, he detained various activists and religious figures under Operation Lalang, and in 1998 had his deputy Anwar Ibrahim arrested. As prime minister, he was an advocate of Asian values and development models, and was particularly prominent across the Muslim world.

Mahathir resigned in 2003 after 22 years in office, but remained politically influential and was critical of his successors. He quit UMNO over the 1MDB corruption scandal in 2016, joining BERSATU and leading the Pakatan Harapan opposition coalition to victory in the 2018 general election.[4] During a second tenure as prime minister, he pledged to investigate the 1MDB scandal, combat corruption, and cut spending on large infrastructure projects. He also secured the pardon and release of Anwar Ibrahim.[5] Mahathir resigned in 2020 amidst a political crisis. Despite losing his parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election, he remained active in politics and shifted party affiliation several times. His political career has spanned more than 75 years, from joining protests opposing citizenship policies for non-Malays in the Malayan Union in the 1940s to forming the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition in 2022. Mahathir played a pivotal role in leading the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan to victory in the 2018 general elections.[6] In 2019, Time magazine listed him as one of the world's 100 most influential people.[7]

Mahathir's political views have shifted during his life, and are shaped by his Malay nationalism and Islamic religious beliefs.

Early life and education

[edit]
Mahathir's father as headmaster of Sultan Abdul Hamid College. Mohamad Iskandar was born in 1881 and died in 1961

Mahathir was born at his parents' home in a poor neighbourhood at Lorong Kilang Ais, Alor Setar, in the capital of the Malay sultanate of Kedah under a British protectorate, on 10 July 1925.[8][note 2] He was the first prime minister that was not born into the aristocracy or a prominent religious or political family.[9][10]

Mahathir's mother, Wan Tempawan Wan Hanapi, was a Malay from Kedah. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was from Penang of Malay and Indian descent.[11] Mahathir's paternal grandfather had come from Kerala, British India but many claim that Mahathir's paternal grandfather had come from Satkania Upazila, Chittagong, British India (present part of Bangladesh).[12]

Mohamad Iskandar was the principal of an English-medium secondary school, whose lower-middle-class status meant his daughters were unable to enrol in a secondary school. Wan Tempawan had only distant relations to members of Kedah's royalty. Both had been married previously. Mahathir was born with six half-siblings and two full-siblings.[13] His childhood home, with a single shared bedroom and no electricity supply, was later converted to a tourist attraction and opened to the public.[14][15] During his childhood, Mahathir enjoyed playing snakes and ladders and demonstrated multiple creative talents, including playing the trumpet, interior decorating, and engaging in crafts and carpentry work.[16] He once shared that he was bullied in his youth, recalling how he sold balloons for a small profit but was forced by a stronger peer to use his earnings to buy food for him.[17]

Mahathir with his poor school uniform in his schooldays, circa 1939

Mahathir began his education at Seberang Perak Malay Boys School, Alor Setar, Kedah in 1930.[15] Mahathir was a hard-working student. Discipline imposed by his father motivated him to study, and he showed little interest in sports. Having become fluent in English well ahead of his primary school peers, including editing the English student newspaper and winning a series of language awards,[18] he won a position in a selective English-medium secondary school Government English School in 1933.[15][19] With schools closed during the Japanese occupation of Malaya in World War II, he started a small business at Pekan Rabu, selling coffee and snacks such as pisang goreng (banana fritters).[8] Even after becoming Prime Minister, Mahathir continued to visit Pekan Rabu whenever he traveled to Alor Star.[20]

Mahathir and Siti Hasmah in 1953, graduating from University of Malaya (present-day National University of Singapore, resulting after Expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia) in Singapore.

After the war, Mahathir graduated from secondary school with the highest rank and enrolled to study medicine at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore.[21] Mahathir studied medicine at what was then called University of Malaya, later renamed University of Singapore.[22] When the university granted him an honorary degree in November 2018, he said "I will always value my stay in Singapore for nearly six years."[23] During his college years, Mahathir developed a passion for driving, often traveling long distances, including from Singapore to his hometown in Alor Setar, in his convertible.[24] In 1947, Mahathir, writing under the pen name 'Che Det' in The Sunday Times, published an article titled Malay Women Make Their Own Freedom, in which he discussed the struggle of Malay women in the post-war period and stated, "It is up to the men and especially the fathers, to realise that they can no longer confine their womenfolk to the kitchen."[16]

Medical career (1953–1959)

[edit]
The Straits Times reported in 1953 that Mahathir was among the 34 new doctors graduating from the University of Malaya

After graduating in 1953 from Universiti Malaya in Singapore, Mahathir began his housemanship at Penang General Hospital.[25] In 1954, he was sent to Alor Setar General Hospital before being posted to government clinics in Langkawi, Jitra, and Perlis.[25] During his time in Langkawi in 1955, Mahathir was the island’s first stationed doctor, witnessing its underdeveloped state—a memory that later influenced his efforts to transform it into a major tourist destination when he became Prime Minister.[25] Reflecting on his early career, Mahathir said he prioritized work over salary, starting with RM400 as a medical officer before a promotion raised it to RM770.[26] He then resigned to open his private practice, named "Maha Klinik" (Maha Clinic),[15] while his wife worked as a government doctor for 25 years. Maha Klinik was the first privately owned clinic established by a Malay in Malaysia.[27]

Mahathir acquired the reputation of being a caring doctor, willing to make house calls at any hour, trudging across rice fields in the dark to treat patients. If they could not afford his fee, they settled by installments or paid what they had. He was the town's first Malay physician and a successful one. He built a large house and employed a Chinese man to chauffeur him in his Pontiac Catalina (most chauffeurs at the time were Malay).[28][29] Mahathir and Siti Hasmah were also involved in welfare and public health activities. He served as President of the Kedah Tuberculosis Association, visiting Indian workers on rubber plantations to treat the disease, while she volunteered in the Kedah Family Planning Association.[30] With the money from his medical practice, Mahathir indulged in his entrepreneurial streak and invested in property development, tin mining, a franchised petrol station, and a shop to do quick printing–sometimes to rescue Malay businessmen in trouble. He helped found the Malay Chamber of Commerce and served as its director.[31]

Early political career (1959–1970)

[edit]

After World War II ended and the Japanese withdrew, the British grouped the Malay states and the Straits Settlements into the Malayan Union, and granted citizenship to non-Malays. This caused major backlash from Malays and a wave of Malay nationalism swept across the country. Mahathir became politically activated by these changes, joining protests and activism against the new citizenship policies.[32] Mahathir later argued for affirmative action for Malays at medical college. While at college, he contributed to The Straits Times under the pseudonym "C.H.E. Det" and a student journal, in which he fiercely promoted Malay rights, such as calling for the restoration of Malay as an official language.[33] While practising as a physician in Alor Setar, Mahathir became active in UMNO. His earliest political involvement was in the Kampung Charok Kudong Umno branch, where he made his debut in politics.[34] By the time of the first general election for the independent state of Malaya in 1959, he was the chairman of the party in Kedah.[35]

Despite his prominence in UMNO, Mahathir was not a candidate in the 1959 election, ruling himself out following a disagreement with then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Their relationship had been strained since Mahathir had criticised Tunku's agreement to retain British and Commonwealth forces in Malaya after independence. Tunku opposed Mahathir's plans to introduce minimum educational qualifications for UMNO candidates. For Mahathir, this was a significant enough slight to delay his entry into national politics in protest. He contested in the following general election in 1964, and was elected as the federal parliamentarian for the Alor Setar-based seat of Kota Setar Selatan.[36]

Elected to parliament in a volatile political period, Mahathir, as a backbencher, launched himself into the main conflict of the day: Singapore's future, with its large and economically powerful ethnic Chinese population, as a state of Malaysia.[clarification needed] He vociferously attacked Singapore's dominant People's Action Party for being "pro-Chinese" and "anti-Malay" and called its leader, Lee Kuan Yew, "arrogant".[clarification needed] Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in Mahathir's first full year in parliament.[36][37] In 1965, Mahathir stated in Parliament that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which grants special rights to Malays, was a source of shame for the community and would eventually be abolished.[38] Despite Mahathir's prominence, he lost his seat in the 1969 election, defeated by Yusof Rawa of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).[39][40] Mahathir attributed the loss of his seat to ethnic Chinese voters switching support from UMNO to PAS. Being a Malay-dominated seat, only the two major Malay parties fielded candidates, leaving Chinese voters to choose between the Malay-centric UMNO and the Islamist PAS.[41]

Large government losses in the election were followed by the race riots of 13 May 1969. Hundreds of people were killed in clashes between Malays and Chinese. In 1968, Mahathir had expressed concern over escalating racial tensions in two newspaper articles, and feared preventative measures would be needed to avoid violence. Outside parliament, he openly criticised the government, also sending an open dissenting letter to Tunku for failing to uphold Malay interests and calling for his resignation.[42] By the end of the year, Mahathir was fired from UMNO's Supreme Council and expelled from the party. Tunku had to be persuaded not to have him arrested.[40][41]

Expelled from UMNO, Mahathir wrote his first book, The Malay Dilemma, in which he set out his vision for the Malay community. The book argued that a balance had to be achieved between government support for Malays, so that their economic interests would not be dominated by the Chinese, and exposing Malays to sufficient competition. Mahathir saw Malays as typically avoiding hard work and failing to "appreciate the real value of money and property", and hoped this balance would rectify this.[43] Mahathir criticised Tunku's government in the book, which led to it being banned in Malaysia.[44] The ban was only lifted in 1981 under Mahathir's premiership.[40][45]

Rise to prominence (1970–1981)

[edit]

I am happy to hear it. I hope to be able to serve UMNO in any way that is possible for me. I hope this will mean that I can play an active role in national politics.

–Mahathir's remarks on the day he rejoined UMNO[46]

In 1971, Mahathir announced his plan to rejoin UMNO, stating he would make a formal statement at an appropriate time;[47] that same year, he also met Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein during a visit to Morib.[48] Mahathir rejoined UMNO on 7 March 1972.[46][49] Recognizing his potential and sharp political acumen, Razak appointed Mahathir as a Senator for Kedah in 1973.[50] Around the same time, Mahathir also became the chairman of Food Industries of Malaysia (FIMA) Sdn. Bhd.[51][52] In January 1973, as chairman of the FIMA, Mahathir visited a government factory in Pekan Nanas.[53] He faced peaceful protests from over 200 workers demanding better working conditions and wage improvements. After Mahathir spoke to the workers and promised to review their grievances, they dispersed peacefully.[53]

Mahathir rose quickly in the Abdul Razak government, returning to UMNO's Supreme Council in 1973. He returned to the House of Representatives in the 1974 election, winning the Kedah-based seat of Kubang Pasu unopposed.[40] He was appointed to Cabinet in September 1974 as the Minister for Education.[54] During his tenure, Mahathir rolled out a new school curriculum for both primary and secondary schools, designed to provide holistic education and cultivate well-rounded individuals.[55] Around this time, he also ceased his private medical practice.[56]

In 1975, Mahathir ran for one of the three vice-presidencies of UMNO. The contest was regarded as a struggle for the party's leadership succession, as the health of Abdul Razak and his deputy, Hussein Onn, waned. Each of Abdul Razak's preferred candidates was elected: former Chief Minister of Melaka, Ghafar Baba; Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a wealthy businessman and member of Kelantan's royal family; and Mahathir. When Razak died the following year, Hussein, as his successor, had to choose between the three men, alongside the Minister of Home Affairs Ghazali Shafie, to be deputy prime minister.[57][58] Mahathir's rivals had significant political liabilities: Ghazali, having been defeated by others for the vice-presidency, lacked the support of UMNO members; Ghafar had no higher education and was not fluent in English; and Razaleigh was young, inexperienced, and unmarried. Despite their lack of a close relationship, Hussein eventually appointed Mahathir as his deputy.[citation needed]

Deputy prime minister

[edit]

After six weeks of indecision, Mahathir was appointed deputy prime minister on 5 March 1976.[59] Several political figures praised his appointment, recognizing his proven ability and experience.[60] The appointment meant that Mahathir was the anointed successor to the prime ministership.[57][58] In October, Mahathir was appointed to lead a cabinet committee to review the Petroleum Development Act.[61] To address the growing drug problem, Mahathir launched a nationwide anti-drug campaign in 1978 and announced plans to build a large rehabilitation center on Pisang Island, Johor.[62] He later warned that if the issue was not addressed, drug abuse could lead to the destruction of the nation.[63]

Mahathir is regarded as having been a successful Minister for Education and then Minister for Trade and Industry (1978–81).[64][65] In the latter post, he implemented a "heavy industries policy", establishing a HICOM, a government-controlled corporation, to invest in the long-term development of manufacturing sectors such as an indigenous car industry.[66] He spent much of his time in the ministry promoting Malaysia through overseas visits.[67] Besides this, as UMNO deputy president, he played a key role in coordinating among the ten component parties of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.[68] In the 1978 general election, Mahathir served as BN's election director for the state of Perak.[69]

In September 1978, Mahathir launched the Central Unit of the Federal Industrial Development Authority, a streamlined "one-stop agency" aimed at simplifying the application process for licences, permits, and facilities.[70] Later that month, he led a 31-member trade delegation on a 20-day tour to the United States, aiming to attract American investors by highlighting opportunities in Malaysia, including tax exemptions and other incentives.[71] In June 1979, Mahathir led a 23-member delegation to Pyongyang to sign Malaysia's first trade agreement with North Korea, aimed at exploring opportunities to increase imports of North Korean products.[72] During the visit, he also met with North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Il Sung.[73] In August, Mahathir reported that total approved capital investment in Malaysian companies for 1978 had increased by 38.6 per cent from the previous year, rising from US$441.3 million in 1977 to US$611.4 million; the number of approved projects also increased from 400 to 428, and the number of approved projects for expansion grew from 103 in 1976 and 150 in 1977 to 190 in 1978.[74] In December, Mahathir launched the Manpower Development Board to improve manpower training and to help make the 1980s a decade of resource-based industries.[75]

In 1981, due to declining health, Hussein Onn decided to step down and passed the leadership to Mahathir, who succeeded him unopposed and with his endorsement.[76] In his first speech as UMNO president, Mahathir said that Malaysia and the majority Malays had a bright future, but achieving it required a just, strong, and stable government.[77] A few days before being sworn in, Mahathir told Bernama that there would be no major changes in Malaysia's policies, particularly in foreign affairs, trade, and education, while also emphasizing Islam's continued prominence as the official religion.[78][79]

First term as prime minister (1981–2003)

[edit]

Retirement and post-first term premiership (2003–2015)

[edit]
Mahathir at National Day celebrations in August 2007
Mahathir with the former President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev in June 2010
Mahathir met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, 2 March 2012

On his retirement, Mahathir was named a Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm, the highest honor in Malaysia, allowing him to adopt the title of "Tun".[80][81] Under Mahathir's leadership, Malaysia was transformed into an industrialising nation.[82] He pledged to leave politics "completely", rejecting an emeritus role in Abdullah's cabinet.[83] Abdullah immediately made his mark as a quieter and less adversarial premier. With stronger religious credentials than Mahathir, he beat back PAS's surge in the 1999 election and lead the Barisan Nasional in the 2004 election to its biggest win ever, taking 199 of 219 parliamentary seats.[84] On 23 October, Mingguan Malaysia published an exclusive interview with Mahathir, marking his first since retiring as Prime Minister.[85]

After retiring, Mahathir maintained a busy schedule,[86] engaging in various activities and speaking engagements both locally and internationally.[87] He emphasized the importance of staying active, stating, "Never retire. You have to work. When you work, it will keep you alive."[86]

Mahathir was the CEO and Chairman, and hence a senior adviser, for many flagship Malaysian companies such as Proton, Perdana Leadership Foundation and Malaysia's government-owned oil and gas company Petronas.[88] He did not receive any remuneration for his advisory positions.[89] He was also made Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Chancellor in 2004, succeeding the late Raja Mohar Raja Badiozaman.[90] On June 15 of the same year, Mahathir was appointed chairman of the NAM Business Council International Advisory Panel.[91] In 2006, Mahathir co-founded The Loaf bakery with Motoko Resources Sdn Bhd, opening its first store in Telaga Harbor, Langkawi, before expanding to 12 outlets in locations such as KLCC, Pavilion, Sogo, and Empire Shopping Gallery.[92] He also served as The Loaf’s chairman.[93]

Despite his business ventures, Mahathir remained an influential figure, and his views on national matters continued to draw attention. Mahathir and Abdullah had a major fallout over Proton in 2005. While Abdullah was attempting to reform the company and implemented high import tariffs on foreign cars, Mahathir accused Abdullah's government of cronyism in relation to import licences.[94] Proton's chief executive, a Mahathir ally, had been sacked by the company's board. With Abdullah's blessing, Proton then sold one of its prise assets, the motorcycle company MV Agusta, which was bought on Mahathir's advice.[95]

Mahathir criticised the awarding of import permits for foreign cars, which he claimed were causing Proton's domestic sales to suffer,[96] and attacked Abdullah for cancelling the construction of a second causeway between Malaysia and Singapore.[97]

Mahathir complained that his views were not getting sufficient airing by the Malaysian press.[98] In response, he began writing a column for Malaysiakini and starting his own blog.[99] He unsuccessfully sought election from his local party division to be a delegate to UMNO's general assembly in 2006, where he planned to initiate a challenge to Abdullah's leadership.[100] Mahathir had previously missed the Umno General Assembly twice since 2006 for health reasons.[101][102] After the 2008 election, in which UMNO lost its two-thirds majority in parliament, Mahathir resigned from the party.[103] When Abdullah was replaced by his deputy Najib Razak in 2009, Mahathir re-joined the party. When Abdullah was replaced by his deputy Najib Razak in 2009, Mahathir re-joined the party[104] and urged all former members to follow his move.[105] Before the 2013 general election, Mahathir promised to keep the government in check and ensure it fulfilled its manifesto promises, vowing to protest and fight against it if it failed.[106]

Mahathir met with former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 27 December 2013

Mahathir established the Kuala Lumpur Initiative to Criminalise War Forum in an effort to end war globally,[107] as well as the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission to investigate the activities of the United States, Israel and its allies in Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.[108] In March 2015, Mahathir attended a conference where he stated his belief in a "New World Order", where an elite would attempt rule the planet in a single world government, and exterminate billions of humans.[109][110]

Return to politics (2015–2018)

[edit]
On 23 September 2017, Mahathir, as the Chairman of Pakatan Harapan, delivered a speech at the DAP dinner in Penang

By 2015, even at 90 years old, Mahathir remained sharp and combative.[111] He repeatedly called for prime minister Najib Razak to resign over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal.[112][113] On 30 August 2015, he and Siti Hasmah attended the Bersih 4 rally, a mass protest organised in response to the scandal.[114] In 2016, Mahathir chaired the Malaysian Citizens' Declaration, which brought together several political figures and non-governmental organisations in calling for Najib's resignation.[115][116] In this declaration, Mahathir listed 37 points.[117] Later, the Citizens' Declaration reached one million signatures in May of the same year.[118] In the 2016 Sungai Besar by-election, he supported Amanah and other Pakatan Harapan leaders, lending his influence to the opposition coalition.[119]

Mahathir left UMNO in 2016, and formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU).[120][121] The new party was officially registered on 9 September 2016, and Mahathir became its chairman.[122] By 2017, he had officially joined the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan. Negotiations then took place between different factions of the coalition for Mahathir to become the chairman and prime ministerial candidate.[123] He assumed the position of chairman on 14 July 2017, despite reservations from supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, who could not contest in polls himself while imprisoned.[124][125]

In 2016, Mahathir had his police outriders withdrawn after his privileges were revoked due to his participation in anti-government events.[126] A year later, in 2017, the government further withdrew his personal bodyguard service provided by the police Special Action Unit (UTK), following the earlier termination of his cook and office assistant’s contracts.[127] This decision by the government also drew criticism from various parties.[128][129] However, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun denied this, stating that only ordinary police officers had been recalled, while Mahathir's bodyguard service from the elite UTK remained intact.[130] The Prime Minister’s Department also refuted this claim, stating that it was still paying for 21 staff at Mahathir’s home and office.[131]

In early 2018, Mahathir was announced as Pakatan Harapan's prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election. Wan Azizah, wife of his former political enemy Anwar, ran as his deputy.[132] Mahathir's election promise was to seek a pardon for Anwar, in order to allow him to take over as prime minister after an interim period.[133][134]

Second term as prime minister (2018–2020)

[edit]
Mahathir meets with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August 2018
Mahathir and Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, 7 March 2019

Pakatan Harapan defeated Barisan Nasional in the 2018 general election.[135][136][137] Concerns for a smooth power transition emerged as Najib declared that no party had achieved a majority.[138] The National Palace of Malaysia subsequently confirmed Mahathir would be sworn in as Malaysia's seventh prime minister, refuting any claims of delaying the appointment.[139][140] Immediately after the declaration of the results, people in Kuala Lumpur expressed their joy in celebration of the historic victory.[141] Mahathir announced a two-day public holiday, adding: 'But there will be no holidays for the winners.'[142]

He became the world's oldest serving state leader (aged 92 years, 304 days at the time), and the first Malaysian prime minister not to represent UMNO.[143] Mahathir was also officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest serving prime minister.[144] His deputy, Wan Azizah became the first female deputy prime minister of Malaysia.[145]

In April 2019, Mahathir was listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people.[146][147]

Domestic affairs

[edit]
Mahathir held a press conference on the day of his election victory
Mahathir plays to public in first 100 days
Mahathir stands in front of the Putrajaya sign at Putra Square on 31 December 2018

Mahathir promised to "restore the rule of law", and reopen investigations into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, telling the press that Najib would face consequences if found guilty of corruption.[148] Mahathir instructed the Department of Immigration to bar Najib and his wife, the notoriously extravagant Rosmah Mansor, from leaving the country after they attempted to fly to Indonesia.[149]

Mahathir formed his cabinet of 29 ministers in June 2018.[150] He abolished the unpopular Goods and Services Tax, reducing it from six to zero per cent.[151] Mahathir implemented a “no gifts policy,” stating that he would only accept food, flowers, and fruits, while prohibiting government officials from receiving any other gifts to prevent corruption.[152]

He also vowed to cut fiscal spending by firing thousands of civil servants, cancelling an expensive Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail link and cutting back on large infrastructure projects initiated under Najib.[153] Malaysia's freedom of the press improved slightly under Mahathir's tenure, and the country's rank rose in the Press Freedom Index.[154] The government announced palm oil cultivation would be limited to 6.55 million hectares by 2023, and began a lobbying campaign to improve palm oil's reputation abroad.[155]

On 20 June 2018, Mahathir met the father of murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu and agreed that the case of her murder should be reopened.[156][157]

A year into his term, Mahathir's approval ratings had fallen as the economy slowed and several planned reforms, such as abolishing capital punishment and the Sedition Act 1948, were not realised amid divisions in the coalition.[158] Mahathir announced the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 in October 2019, which set out for Malaysia to become a high income country by 2030.[159][160] Another priority of his administration was a more transparent approach to defence. The government prepared the country's first defence policy white paper outlining long-term plans for the country.[161]

Foreign relations

[edit]
Indonesian President Joko Widodo receiving Mahathir at Bogor Palace, 29 June 2018
On 31 May 2019, Mahathir held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Early in his second tenure, Mahathir visited Japan and Indonesia to reaffirm good relations, and reignited a water dispute with Singapore.[162] By the end of 2018, several disputes over maritime and airspace borders with Singapore had continued.[163] Mahathir met twice with president Rodrigo Duterte in his first year in office to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on a broad range of security, economic and political issues.[164] Mahathir again prioritised relations with Japan[165] and strengthened economic and defence ties with Russia.[166] He visited Vladivostok for a meeting of the Eastern Economic Forum in late 2019, where he cast doubt on the Joint Investigation Team's findings related to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.[166] Mahathir called the murder charges brought to four Russians related to the flight "ridiculous", calling it "a political issue on how to accuse Russia of wrongdoing".[167] Malaysia launched a foreign policy framework in late 2019.[168] In response to European Union regulations phasing out palm-oil based biofuels, Mahathir discussed bringing a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization or a case to the European Court of Justice with Indonesian president Joko Widodo.[169]

Mahathir condemned the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018[170] and the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States in 2020.[171]

Mahathir delivers his opening speech during the Kuala Lumpur Summit 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on December 19, 2019

Mahathir was supportive of the 2018–19 Korean peace process.[172][173] He also indicated that Malaysia would re-open its embassy in North Korea, which had remained closed since the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong-nam.[174]

China

[edit]

Mahathir's administration committed to retaining good relations with China,[175] but promised to review all Belt and Road Initiative projects in Malaysia that were initiated by the previous government. He characterised these as "unequal treaties". His government suspended work on the East Coast Rail Link,[175][176] which recommenced after terms had been renegotiated.[177] Mahathir cancelled approximately $2.8 billion worth of deals with China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau altogether, citing high repayment costs.[176][178]

On 13 February 2020, Mahathir spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping to express solidarity and discuss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.[179][180] Prior to this, Mahathir had expressed his hopes that 2020, the 'Year of Culture and Tourism' between Malaysia and China, would further strengthen the ties and friendship between the two nations.[181]

2020 political crisis and resignation

[edit]

By late 2019, disagreements emerged within Pakatan Harapan about Mahathir's planned handover of power to Anwar Ibrahim, eventually culminating in a political crisis in 2020. Mahathir and a faction of the coalition felt that Anwar would be unable to command a parliamentary majority.[182][183] MPs supporting Anwar demanded a timeframe for Mahathir's resignation and handover of power.[182]

In February 2020, MPs opposed to Anwar taking over met and agreed to form a new government.[182][184][185][186] Anwar told the media that he had been "betrayed".[187][188] Anwar and Mahathir met to clarify the situation, where Mahathir insisted he had no involvement in a new government.[182][189][190]

Mahathir, refusing to work with UMNO leaders, submitted his resignation to the Agong, Abdullah of Pahang, on 24 February 2020.[191][192] The Agong appointed him interim prime minister until a replacement could be agreed.[193][194][195] BERSATU President Muhyiddin Yassin declared the party's withdrawal from Pakatan Harapan; Mahathir also resigned from the party in response.[182] The next day, Mahathir reported to work as usual in his new role as caretaker prime minister.[196] During his interim premiership, he introduced the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package to counter the economic impact of Covid-19,[197] based on three strategies: mitigating its impact, spurring people-centric economic growth, and promoting quality investments.[198]

On 29 February, the Agong appointed Muhyiddin prime minister, determining that he was most likely to be able to hold the support of a majority in parliament.[199] Mahathir unsuccessfully attempted to challenge this with the Agong, but eventually left the prime minister's office an hour before Muhyiddin was sworn in.[182][200]

Post-second term premiership (2020–present)

[edit]
Mahathir meets with United States Ambassador to Malaysia Brian D. McFeeters on 22 November 2021
On 15 April 2022, Mahathir met with Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia

Despite his advanced age and having stepped down as prime minister, Mahathir remains active on the international stage, frequently traveling, delivering speeches, and continuing to voice his views and influence both domestically and globally.[201] He formed the Homeland Fighter's Party (PEJUANG) in August 2020.[202] Four other MPs joined the new party, including Mahathir's son Mukhriz. The party was registered in July 2021.[203][204] In August 2021, Mahathir and other MPs protested in Merdeka Square, calling for Muhyiddin's resignation over the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, after being blocked from entering parliament by police.[205][206]

In April 2022, UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi filed a defamation lawsuit against Mahathir.[207][208][209] In June 2022, Mahathir made irrendentist comments by stating that Singapore and the Riau Islands of Indonesia was once owned by Johor, and argued the state should claim them as part of Malaysia.[210]

In September 2022, Mahathir said he was open to becoming the prime minister for a third time if there were no other suitable candidates.[211][212] Having previously said he would not defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat,[213][214] he announced he would contest the 2022 general election.[215][216] In the election on 19 November, Mahathir lost his seat and election deposit, marking his first defeat in 53 years.[217] No candidate from PEJUANG or Gerakan Tanah Air secured a seat.[218][219] He later said that his party's plans "had to be dropped" and he would shift his focus to writing about Malaysian history.[220][221]

In February 2023, Mahathir and 13 other members of PEJUANG (leaving his own son as the sole leader of that party) left the party and joined Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).[222][223] Later in 2023, Mahathir began promoting a "Malay Proclamation", aimed at uniting Malays. He met with PAS and PN leaders to garner support for the 12-point document listing political, economic and social issues.[224][225][226] Mahathir was questioned by police over this campaign under the Malaysian Penal Code, for carrying out "activities that undermine parliamentary democracy".[227] Mahathir also left GTA, criticising the coalition for its poor performance in the election.[228] He supported Perikatan Nasional, the coalition that had ousted him in 2020, in six state elections and was named its "unofficial adviser" for the four state governments under its control.[229]

On 31 August 2024, Mahathir attended the Merdeka Day celebration in Putrajaya in his personal capacity, as he was not officially invited by the government. His presence at the event, where he was warmly received by the crowd, sparked public debate. Prominent academic Chandra Muzaffar criticized the government's decision, describing it as a breach of Malaysian etiquette and values, particularly given Mahathir’s status as the country’s longest-serving prime minister. He stated that the exclusion contradicted the principles of the Rukun Negara, which emphasize courtesy and morality, and called for a clear explanation from the government.[230]

In February 2025, Mahathir's official Facebook account confirmed that his X account (@chedetofficial) had been hacked, resulting in a post promoting cryptocurrency, and efforts were underway to recover it.[231][232] In April 2025, following the Putra Heights pipeline fire in Subang Jaya, Mahathir visited the Incident Control Post and urged the public not to make premature accusations before the investigation was completed.[233]

Political positions and views

[edit]
Mahathir speaking about "The Future of Democracy in Asia" in Chatham House, United Kingdom in 2018
In 2022, Mahathir speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nippon Designers School Malaysia College

Mahathir's political views have shifted during his lengthy career. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a supporter of third-worldism, while during other periods he has been a proponent of "Asian values" and globalisation.[234] A Muslim thinker, he holds Islamic political views.[234] In 2002, he characterised himself as an Islamic fundamentalist.[235] Mahathir is generally respected in developing and Islamic countries,[236] particularly due to his oversight of Malaysia's economic growth and his support of liberal Muslim values.[237]

Mahathir has been described as a proponent of Malay nationalism.[234] In The Malay Dilemma, he argued that the Malay race had been marginalised, and voiced his support for affirmative action policies for them.[238] Upon his first resignation, he expressed his disappointment at the progress made towards his "principle task" of supporting the Malay race.[238] In 2021, Mahathir said he did not believe in "Ketuanan Melayu", calling it a "fantasy", and said instead that he believed in the concept of "Bangsa Malaysia",[239] but later clarified in 2023 that his vision of Bangsa Malaysia meant the assimilation of non-Malay people into Malay culture and argued against multiculturalism.[240] He has been described as anti-royalist by Libération, owing to his efforts to oppose immunity for members of Malaysia's monarchies.[241]

Mahathir is a vocal critic of neoliberalism[234] and the Western world.[242][236] In 2011, Mahathir suggested that the September 11 attacks might have been staged by the United States government.[243][244] Mahathir condemned the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1997, suggesting it be revised to place greater importance on economic growth over civil liberties.[245] In 2019, Mahathir stated that Malaysians should learn from the hard work of China’s citizens, which enabled their nation to achieve technological advancement within a few decades.[246]

Mahathir has advocated for a balance between environmental protection and natural resource use for economic growth in developing countries.[247] He referred to the outcomes of the Earth Summit as "eco-imperialism", arguing that Global North countries put an undue burden on Global South countries for environmental degradation.[248] In response to international scrutiny, he said in 2019 that linking palm oil production to deforestation was "baseless, unfair and unjustified" and that the Malaysian palm oil sector had developed sustainably.[155]

Antisemitism

[edit]

We (Muslims) are actually very strong. 1.3 billion people cannot be simply wiped out. The Europeans killed 6 million Jews out of 12 million. But today the Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them.

–Mahathir, 2003[249]

A strident critic of Israel, Mahathir has been accused of antisemitism throughout his political life.[250][242] In The Malay Dilemma, he wrote that "Jews are not merely hook-nosed, but understand money instinctively".[251] In August 1983, Mahathir claimed in a speech that Jews control the international media.[252] In March 1994, he banned the screening of Schindler's List on the grounds that he viewed it as anti-German, pro-Jewish propaganda.[252] During the collapse of the ringgit and the economic crisis in 1997, he made a series of remarks blaming Jews, in particular George Soros, a Jewish "agenda", and "an international Jewish conspiracy" attempting to destroy the economies of Muslim countries.[252][253][254]

During an Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit held in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, he accused Jews of "ruling the world by proxy" and getting "others to fight and die for them".[249][255] His speech was denounced by President George W. Bush.[256] In 2012, he claimed he was "glad to be labelled antisemitic".[257] In a 2018 BBC interview he repeated similar statements, as well as disputing the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust.[258] In 2019, when asked why he had previously claimed that Jews are "inclined towards money" he responded that he had Jewish friends, and that "they are not like the other Jews, that's why they are my friends."[259] Mahathir has defended his comments about Jews as an exercise of free speech, and by claiming that "the Jews do a lot of wrong things which force us to pass comment."[260][261][262]

LGBT rights

[edit]

Mahathir opposes an expansion of LGBT rights in Malaysia.[263][264] In 2001, Mahathir said that any homosexual ministers from the United Kingdom would be barred from entering Malaysia.[265] During an October 2018 lecture to university students in Bangkok, Mahathir contrasted Malaysian values with those of Western nations and cited "the institution of marriage [and] the family" in his opposition to LGBT.[263]

Comment about 2020 Nice stabbing

[edit]

The French in the course of their history have killed millions of people. Many were Muslims. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past. But by and large the Muslims have not applied the 'eye for an eye' law. Muslims don't. The French shouldn't. Instead the French should teach their people to respect other people's feeling.

–Mahathir, 2020

In the aftermath of the 2020 Nice stabbing and murder of Samuel Paty, Mahathir posted remarks on his blog. Mahathir said that the attacks were wrong and against Islam, but also argued that Muslims had a right to be angry and kill French people for past massacres committed by the French. Mahathir's post was later circulated on his Twitter account, where it was labelled for "glorifying violence".[266]

Mahathir was criticised for stoking tensions and hatred by the former Australian ambassador to France Brendan Berne, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, and French secretary of state for digital affairs Cédric O.[267] Malaysian cleric and politician Fathul Bari Mat Jahya also condemned Mahathir's remarks.[268][269]

Mahathir responded that his comments were taken out of context and he was not "promoting massacre of the French". Facebook and Twitter later removed his posts.[270]

Personal life

[edit]

I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, and I don’t overeat. I eat just enough to keep me going. Once people hit a certain age, there’s a tendency to become overweight. Many develop a big stomach, and to feel satisfied, they eat and drink too much, which puts a strain on their heart. I’ve stayed around 62-64 kg for years, and I can still wear clothes I had made 30 years ago.

–Mahathir[271]

Mahathir follows a disciplined lifestyle. He attributes his longevity and health to self-discipline, a controlled diet, regular reading to keep his mind active, and avoiding overeating, which he believes leads to obesity and related diseases.[272] He has consistently maintained his weight at 62kg for many years.[273] His hobbies include sailing, horse riding, and carpentry, and he has built a functioning steam train and a boat.[18] An avid reader, his favorite authors are Wilbur Smith and Jeffrey Archer.[274]

Mahathir and Siti Hasmah with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife Iriana, 29 June 2018

Mahathir met his wife, Siti Hasmah, during their medical studies, and they married in 1956. They have four biological children—Marina, Mirzan, Mokhzani, and Mukhriz—and later adopted three more—Melinda, Maizura, and Mazhar.[275] In 2021, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.[276] His granddaughter, Ineza, has described him as a family-oriented man who enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.[277]

Mahathir is widely known for his workaholic nature.[278] Despite his demanding schedule, he enjoys simple pleasures such as cooking and driving his family to restaurants.[279] He is also a fan of the song "My Way"[280] and owns a stable of horses, most of which were gifted to him.[281]

His childhood home in Alor Setar, named Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir Mohamad, was restored and opened to the public in 1992, showcasing personal memorabilia from his early life.[282]

Over the years, Mahathir has faced various health challenges, including heart conditions and infections, requiring multiple hospitalizations.[283] He has also been the target of security threats during his political career, though none have caused him serious harm.

Cultural depictions

[edit]
In 2015, a 30.48-metre-wide mural of Mahathir was painted in Jalan Pekan Melayu, Alor Setar, featuring him alongside the Petronas Twin Towers and Proton Saga, symbolizing his legacy as Malaysia’s 'Father of Modernisation'.
Mahathir has been depicted in various cultural forms, reflecting his role in Malaysian history. In 2010, the musical Mahathir, the Musical portrayed his life from his early years to his political career, with Esma Daniel [ms] in the lead role. The production was well received and had an extended run. A sequel followed in 2011. In 2012, the play Teater Tun Siti Hasmah focused on his wife, Siti Hasmah, highlighting her career as a doctor and first lady, with Nazim Othman [ms] and Esma Daniel portraying Mahathir. A mural of Mahathir was unveiled in Alor Setar, Kedah in 2015. Internationally, a monument dedicated to Mahathir was inaugurated in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2020, created by artist Enes Sivac. The monument includes an excerpt from Mahathir's speech at the International Conference of Parliamentarians on Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Election results

[edit]
Parliament of Malaysia[284]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
1964 P008 Kota Star Selatan Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 12,406 60.22% Ahmad Shukri Abdul Shukur (PAS) 8,196 39.78% 21,440 4,210 82.8%
1969 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 12,032 48.03% Yusof Rawa (PAS) 13,021 51.97% 25,679 989 78.6%
1974 P004 Kubang Pasu Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) Unopposed
1978 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 18,198 64.64% Halim Arshat (PAS) 9,953 35.36% 29,014 8,245 78.36%
1982 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 24,524 73.67% Yusof Rawa (PAS) 8,763 26.33% 34,340 15,761 78.79%
1986 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 25,452 71.48% Azizan Ismail (PAS) 10,154 28.52% 36,409 15,298 74.21%
1990 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 30,681 78.07% Sudin Wahab (S46) 8,619 21.93% 40,570 22,062 77.51%
1995 P006 Kubang Pasu Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 24,495 77.12% Ahmad Mohd Alim (PAS) 7,269 22.88% 33,010 17,226 73.61%
1999 Mahathir Mohamad (UMNO) 22,399 63.22% Ahmad Subki Abd. Latif (PAS) 12,261 34.61% 36,106 10,138 78.62%
2018 P004 Langkawi Mahathir Mohamad (BERSATU) 18,954 54.90% Nawawi Ahmad (UMNO) 10,061 29.14% 35,250 8,893 80.87%
Zubir Ahmad (PAS) 5,512 15.96%
2022 Mahathir Mohamad (PEJUANG) 4,566 9.62% Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (BERSATU) 25,463 53.63% 48,123 13,518 71.10%
Armishah Siradj (UMNO) 11,945 25.16%
Zabidi Yahya (AMANAH) 5,417 11.41%
Abd Kadir Sainudin (IND) 89 0.19%

Honors, awards and recognitions

[edit]
In August 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Mahathir the Russian Order of Friendship

Mahathir received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Royal Family Order of Brunei (1997), Order of Mubarak the Great (1997), Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from the National University of Mongolia (1997), Honorary Ph.D. in Literature from Al-Azhar University (1998), U Thant Peace Award from the United Nations Organization (1999), Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2002), Russian Order of Friendship (2003), Honorary Ph.D. from Tsinghua University (2004), Honorary Ph.D. from the University of Santo Tomas (2012), Honorary Ph.D. in Laws from the National University of Singapore (2018), Japanese Order of the Paulownia Flowers (2018), Honorary Ph.D. from Qatar University (2019), Honorary Ph.D. from the International University of Japan (2019), Order of Pakistan (2019), and the Order of the Republic of Turkey (2019).

Bibliography

[edit]

Books

[edit]
  • The Malay Dilemma (1970) ISBN 981-204-355-1
  • The Challenge (1986) ISBN 967-978-091-0
  • Regionalism, Globalism, and Spheres of Influence: ASEAN and the Challenge of Change into the 21st century (1989) ISBN 981-303-549-8
  • Mahathir, Great Malaysian Hero (1990) ISBN 983-9683-00-4
  • The Asia That Can Say No[note 3][note 4] (1994) ISBN 433-405-217-7
  • The Pacific Rim in the 21st century (1995)
  • The Challenges of Turmoil (1998) ISBN 967-978-652-8
  • The Way Forward (1998) ISBN 0-297-84229-3
  • A New Deal for Asia (1999)
  • Islam & The Muslim Ummah (2001) ISBN 967-978-738-9
  • Globalisation and the New Realities (2002)
  • Reflections on Asia (2002) ISBN 967-978-813-X
  • The Malaysian Currency Crisis: How and why it Happened (2003) ISBN 967-978-756-7
  • Mahathir: 22 Years, 22 Voices (2003)[285]
  • Achieving True Globalization (2004) ISBN 967-978-904-7
  • Islam, Knowledge, and Other Affairs (2006) ISBN 983-3698-03-4
  • Principles of Public Administration: An Introduction (2007) ISBN 978-983-195-253-5
  • Chedet.com Blog Merentasi Halangan (Bilingual) (2008) ISBN 967-969-589-1
  • A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad[286] (2011) ISBN 9789675997228
  • Doktor Umum: Memoir Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad[287][note 5] (2012) ISBN 9789674150259
  • Blogging to Unblock (Book 2): A Citizen's Rights (2013) ISBN 9789679696288
  • Dr. M: Apa Habaq Orang Muda? (2016) ISBN 9789671367995
  • Capturing Hope: The Struggle Continues for a New Malaysia (2021)[288] ISBN 9789672923183

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Disputed with Muhyiddin Yassin from 24 February to 28 May 2020
  2. ^ Mahathir's birth certificate gives his date of birth as 20 December. He was actually born on 10 July; his biographer Barry Wain explains that 20 December was an "arbitrary" date chosen by Mahathir's father for official purposes.[8]
  3. ^ Japanese:「NO」と言えるアジア
  4. ^ In collaboration with Shintaro Ishihara
  5. ^ This book was the BM version of his best-selling memoir, A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad: Malaysia needs more competitive investment policies". Malaysia National News Agency (Bernama) – Arabic (in Arabic). 20 June 2022. Archived from the original on 30 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Tun M, Father of Modern Malaysia". New Straits Times. 17 June 2018.
  3. ^ Goh, Amanda (10 December 2024). "Malaysia's 99-year-old former prime minister — who was re-elected at 92 — shares his simple longevity secret". Business Insider.
  4. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as new leader of Malaysia". Al Jazeera. 10 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Malaysian's Mahathir says king is willing to pardon Anwar, paving way for him to become PM". CNBC. 11 May 2018.
  6. ^ "Mahathir win will reverberate far beyond Malaysia". Nikkei Asia. 10 May 2018.
  7. ^ "Mahathir is one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2019". Free Malaysia Today. 17 April 2019.
  8. ^ a b c Wain 2010, p. 8
  9. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 5–6
  10. ^ Perlez, Jane (2 November 2003). "New Malaysian Leader's Style Stirs Optimism". New York Times. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
  11. ^ Lim, Ida (24 August 2024). "Dr Mahathir: I'm not ashamed to say I have some Indian blood, but I'm Malay". Malay Mail. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  12. ^ মাহাথির মোহাম্মদের পূর্বপুরুষ বাংলাদেশের. Bangladesh Pratidin (in Bengali). 10 May 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  13. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 4–5
  14. ^ "Mahathir's Birthplace or 'Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir'". Tourism Malaysia. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  15. ^ a b c d Alan Teh, Leam Seng (30 August 2018). "GO: Birthplace of Dr. M". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  16. ^ a b "We Visited Mahathir's Birthplace in Kedah & Found Out Lesser-Known Facts about the Former PM". gempak.com. 11 January 2023.
  17. ^ "Dr M: I was bullied in school". Malaysiakini. 15 October 2019.
  18. ^ a b "The Spokesman: Mahathir Mohamad". Asiaweek. 30 November 2000. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  19. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 6–7
  20. ^ "PM never forgets his roots" (PDF). The Star. 24 March 1991.
  21. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 10–12
  22. ^ Gauhar, Altaf; Mohamad, Mahathir (1986). "Mahathir Mohamad". Third World Quarterly. 8 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1080/01436598608419886. ISSN 0143-6597. JSTOR 3991559. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  23. ^ Yusof, Amir (13 November 2018). "NUS confers honorary degree on Malaysia's PM Mahathir". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  24. ^ Bernama (15 October 2019). "Challenges and adversities help to build Dr M's resilience". NST Online.
  25. ^ a b c "Dr Mahathir is Langkawi and Langkawi is Dr Mahathir". www.themalaysianinsight.com. 14 January 2018.
  26. ^ "Life's challenges, adversity help build Dr Mahathir's resilience". The Edge Malaysia. 15 October 2019.
  27. ^ "M'sian keeps MC issued by ex-PM Mahathir from 1963, clinic still in operation today". Mothership. 30 September 2021.
  28. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 11–13
  29. ^ Beech, Hannah (29 October 2006). "Not the Retiring Type". Time. Archived from the original on 13 December 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
  30. ^ Barry Wain, Malaysian Maverick (2009): p.14
  31. ^ Barry Wain, Malaysian Maverick (2009): p.15-16
  32. ^ Wain 2010, p. 9
  33. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 11–13
  34. ^ "Dr M visits branch where he made debut". New Straits Times. 25 November 2004.
  35. ^ Wain 2010, p. 19
  36. ^ a b Wain 2010, pp. 18–19
  37. ^ Morais 1982, p. 22
  38. ^ "Ex-top cop Hanif wrong, Dr Mahathir had criticised Malay rights in 1965, say DAP duo". Yahoo News. 12 December 2013.
  39. ^ "5 a.m GERAKAN WINS PENANG: SHOCK DEFEATS FOR SENU, MAHATHIR". The Straits Times. 11 May 1969.
  40. ^ a b c d Tan & Vasil, p. 51
  41. ^ a b Wain 2010, p. 28
  42. ^ Wain 2010, p. 26
  43. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 29–30
  44. ^ "MALAY DILEMMA MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD". The Straits Times. 5 August 1981.
  45. ^ Morais 1982, p. 26
  46. ^ a b "Mahathir returns to the Umno after 3 '—years—". The Straits Times. 8 March 1972.
  47. ^ "Mahathir to make statement <at the right time'". The Straits Times. 22 November 1971.
  48. ^ "Mahathir at turning point in his political career". New Nation. 25 June 1981.
  49. ^ Arkib, Pusat Maklumat dan (8 March 2021). "Dr. Mahathir sertai semula UMNO". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay).
  50. ^ Morais 1982, p. 27
  51. ^ "FIMA appointed Mahathir Mohamad" (PDF). Bernama. 29 November 1972.
  52. ^ "Mahathir, the Umno rebel who made good". The Straits Times. 6 March 1976.
  53. ^ a b "-Pickets greet Mahathir at first visit to factory". The Straits Times. 25 January 1973.
  54. ^ "Mustapha, Mahathir in Razak's new Cabinet". The Straits Times. 6 September 1974.
  55. ^ "Dr Mahathir is Malaysia's education minister, Cabinet to be sworn in on May 21". TODAY. 17 May 2018.
  56. ^ Hassan, Hakim (27 February 2020). "M Is For Mahathir". The Rakyat Post.
  57. ^ a b Milne & Mauzy 1999, pp. 27–28
  58. ^ a b Wain 2010, pp. 33–34
  59. ^ "MAHATHIR SURPRISE". The Straits Times. 6 March 1976.
  60. ^ "Parties support choice of new Cabinet". The Straits Times. 7 March 1976.
  61. ^ "Mahathir heads team to review Oil Act". The Straits Times. 28 October 1976.
  62. ^ "Home for addicts". New Nation. 10 April 1978.
  63. ^ "Drug warning". The Straits Times. 18 June 1978.
  64. ^ Milne & Mauzy 1999, p. 25
  65. ^ "Dr M made Minister of Trade and Industry". The Straits Times. 1 January 1978.
  66. ^ Milne & Mauzy 1999, p. 64
  67. ^ Wain 2010, p. 39
  68. ^ "DYNAMIC DISPOSITION". The Business Times. 16 May 1981.
  69. ^ "Dr. M: A tough poll fight likely". The Straits Times. 26 June 1978.
  70. ^ "MAHATHIR TO LAUNCH 'ONE-STOP AGENCY'". The Straits Times. 15 September 1978.
  71. ^ "Mahathir off to woo US investors". The Straits Times. 22 September 1978.
  72. ^ "Off to sign trade pact". The Straits Times. 6 June 1979.
  73. ^ Ping, Dr Hoo Chiew (28 February 2019). "'No positive outcome'". NST Online.
  74. ^ "Higher investment". The Business Times. 30 August 1979.
  75. ^ "Master plan to boost manpower training". The Straits Times. 17 December 1979.
  76. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 38–40
  77. ^ "Wide margin". The Straits Times. 30 June 1981.
  78. ^ "Razaleigh can remain Finance Minister". The Business Times. 13 July 1981.
  79. ^ "Razaleigh has been offered Finance job: Mahathir". The Straits Times. 13 July 1981.
  80. ^ "Mahathir honoured as he steps down". The Age. Australia. 31 October 2003. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  81. ^ "Dr Mahathir, Dr Siti Hasmah conferred Tun title". New Straits Times. 1 November 2003.
  82. ^ "Book examining Dr M's policies launched". New Straits Times. 24 July 1998.
  83. ^ Wain 2010, p. 307
  84. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 307–318
  85. ^ "Dr M speaks of relief of being a pensioner". New Straits Times. 24 November 2003.
  86. ^ a b "Dr M maintains busy schedule to 'keep me alive'". New Straits Times. 13 April 2004.
  87. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad | World Leaders Forum". worldleaders.columbia.edu.
  88. ^ Wain 2010, p. 322
  89. ^ "Dr M: I'm not paid as adviser". New Straits Times. 18 June 2004.
  90. ^ "Dr Mahathir to be UTP Chancellor". New Straits Times. 25 March 2004.
  91. ^ "Mahathir elected council chairman". New Straits Times. 16 June 2004.
  92. ^ "Dr M-linked bakery The Loaf has new owner". Edgeprop.my. 4 April 2019.
  93. ^ "Mahathir hopes 'The Loaf' can expand abroad". www.dailyexpress.com.my. 11 July 2013.
  94. ^ "Mahathir raises heat in feud on Malaysian carmaker (Published 2005)". The New York Times. 29 July 2005. Archived from the original on 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  95. ^ Wain 2010, p. 320
  96. ^ Backman, Michael (10 August 2005). "Family ties lubricate Malaysia wheels of power". The Age. Australia. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2011.
  97. ^ Wain 2010, p. 321
  98. ^ Wain 2010, pp. 323–25
  99. ^ Wain 2010, p. 325
  100. ^ Wain 2010, p. 326
  101. ^ "Dr M opts to watch live telecast". New Straits Times. 13 November 2006.
  102. ^ "Dr M will not attend assembly". New Straits Times. 5 November 2007.
  103. ^ "This is the only way, says Dr Mahathir". New Straits Times. 20 May 2008.
  104. ^ "Umno member 00001 returns". New Sunday Times. 5 April 2009.
  105. ^ "Return to Umno fold, urges former PM". New Straits Times. 7 April 2009.
  106. ^ "GE13: Mahathir to ensure Government keeps its promises". The Star. 22 April 2013.
  107. ^ Buang, Salleh (23 April 2015). "A dream to criminalise war". The New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  108. ^ "Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission". Brussels Tribune. Archived from the original on 30 October 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  109. ^ FULL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE THE "NEW WORLD ORDER" A RECIPE FOR WAR or PEACE!, 7 April 2015, archived from the original on 12 December 2021, retrieved 24 September 2021
  110. ^ "Dr M warns against New World Order" (PDF). PERDANA LIBRARY PERDANA LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  111. ^ "Dr Mahathir turns 90, still sharp and combative". TODAY. 10 July 2015.
  112. ^ Holmes, Oliver (21 August 2015). "Malaysia's Mahathir calls for parliament to sack prime minister Najib Razak". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  113. ^ "Dr M, BN men have every right to meet up, Nur Jazlan says". Yahoo! News Singapore. 14 October 2015. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  114. ^ "Dr M shows up at Bersih 4 rally, with Dr Siti Hasmah (VIDEO)". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  115. ^ "Malaysia alliance demands removal of scandal-hit PM Najib". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  116. ^ "Malaysia's Mahathir and opposition sign declaration to oust Najib". Straits Times. 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  117. ^ "Full Citizens' Declaration Speech Text By Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad". Pocket News. 4 March 2016.
  118. ^ FOO, NOEL (13 May 2016). "Citizens' Declaration has met one million signatures target, says Dr Mahathir". The Star.
  119. ^ Razak, Radzi (18 June 2016). "Sg Besar: Amanah thanks Mahathir, PH for their support". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  120. ^ "Malaysia's PM in danger as Mahathir quits party". Reuters. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  121. ^ "Mahathir quits Umno, calling it 'Najib's party'". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  122. ^ "Dr Mahathir's new party officially registered". Free Malaysia Today. 9 September 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  123. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad's return shows the sorry state of Malaysian politics". The Economist. 1 July 2017. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  124. ^ "Mahathir named chairman, Anwar named de facto leader of Pakatan Harapan". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 15 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  125. ^ "Anwar credits Wan Azizah, Siti Hasmah, for reconciliation with Mahathir". New Straits Times. 17 May 2018. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  126. ^ Post, The Jakarta (4 May 2016). "No more police escort for Malaysian former PM Mahathir: Police - SE Asia". The Jakarta Post.
  127. ^ Reporters, F. M. T. (1 November 2017). "Mahathir's bodyguard service withdrawn". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  128. ^ Kaur, Minderjeet (1 November 2017). "'The people will be Mahathir's bodyguards now'". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  129. ^ Nambiar, Predeep (2 November 2017). "Removal of Dr M's bodyguards is un-Malaysian, says Guan Eng". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  130. ^ "Dr Mahathir still has bodyguards, says Malaysia's police chief". TODAY. 5 November 2017.
  131. ^ "Malaysia says Mahathir has 21 staff members with salaries paid by government". The Straits Times. 10 November 2017. ISSN 0585-3923.
  132. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad: Ex-Malaysia PM, 92, to run for office". BBC News. 8 January 2018. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  133. ^ Hodge, Amanda (9 January 2018). "Mahathir Mohammad runs for PM in partnership with former rival Anwar Ibrahim". The Australian. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  134. ^ Malhi, Amrita (12 January 2018). "Mahathir Mohamad crops up again in bid to lead Malaysia – with Anwar on the same side". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  135. ^ Taylor, Adam (9 January 2018). "How old is too old to be a world leader?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  136. ^ Tay, Chester (10 May 2018). "Tun M hopes to be sworn in as PM by 5pm today". The Edge Markets. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  137. ^ Team, NSTP (10 May 2018). "Pakatan Harapan wins 14th General Election". NST Online.
  138. ^ "Najib: No party has simple majority". Malaysiakini. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  139. ^ "Istana Negara confirms Dr M to be sworn in tonight, refutes claims of delaying PM appointment". The Edge Markets. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  140. ^ "Mahathir sworn in as Malaysia's 7th Prime Minister". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  141. ^ Massola, James (9 May 2018). "Mahathir claims historic victory in incredible Malaysian election". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  142. ^ "Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad set to be world's oldest leader". MaltaToday.com.mt. 10 May 2018.
  143. ^ Euan McKirdy; Marc Lourdes; Ushar Daniele (10 May 2018). "Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad is now the world's oldest leader". CNN. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  144. ^ "Oldest Prime Minister records as Mahathir bin Mohamad becomes Malaysia's leader aged 92". Guinness World Records. 11 May 2018.
  145. ^ "Mahathir says he's poised to lead Malaysia again". AFR. Reuters. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  146. ^ AR, Zurairi (17 April 2019). "Dr M named among Time's 100 most influential people". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 29 March 2022.
  147. ^ "Dr M listed in Time's 100 most influential people". Malaysiakini. 18 April 2019. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022.
  148. ^ "1MDB poses fresh threat to Najib". Free Malaysia Today. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 30 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  149. ^ "Police cordon off home of Malaysia's ex-PM Najib after travel ban". South China Morning Post. 13 May 2018. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  150. ^ "Three more ministers to be appointed to Cabinet". New Straits Times. 2 July 2018. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  151. ^ "Malaysia says GST reduced to zero per cent from 6 per cent, fulfilling PH promise". The Straits Times. 18 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  152. ^ Team, NSTP (8 June 2018). "Dr M: Only food, flowers and fruits in govt's new 'no gifts policy'". NST Online.
  153. ^ Bevins, Vincent (30 May 2018). "Analysis | New Malaysian government steps back from spending, Chinese projects". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  154. ^ "Malaysia : Back to harassment, intimidation and censorship". Reporters Without Borders. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  155. ^ a b "Malaysia's Mahathir says linking palm oil to deforestation 'baseless'". Reuters. 23 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  156. ^ "After meeting Altantuya's dad, PM Mahathir 'agrees her murder case should be reopened'". The Straits Times. 20 June 2018. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  157. ^ Kaos, Joseph Jr. (20 June 2018). "After meeting her father, Dr M agrees that Altantuya case should be re-opened". The Star. Archived from the original on 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  158. ^ Sipalan, Joseph; Latiff, Rozanna (10 May 2019). "Malaysia's hopes of economic revival under Mahathir fade". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  159. ^ "PM launches Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, says will hit the ground running". The Star. 5 October 2019. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  160. ^ Loheswar, R. (7 October 2019). "Three things we learned about Shared Prosperity Vision 2030". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  161. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth. "Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan Government Undertakes 3 New Defense Plans". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  162. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth (3 July 2018). "What Does Mahathir's Visit Mean for Indonesia-Malaysia Relations?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  163. ^ "What are the sticking points in Malaysia-Singapore relations?". South China Morning Post. 15 January 2019. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  164. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth (12 March 2019). "Mahathir-Duterte Summit Puts Malaysia-Philippines Ties Into Focus". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  165. ^ "In Mahathir's Malaysia, Japan is back amid doubts over Chinese funding". Reuters. 10 June 2018. Archived from the original on 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  166. ^ a b Bowie, Nile (10 September 2019). "The ties that bind Mahathir to Moscow". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  167. ^ "MH17 crash: Malaysia PM Mahathir denounces murder charges". BBC News. 20 June 2019. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  168. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth. "What Does Malaysia's New Foreign Policy Framework Mean for Pakatan Harapan's Approach to the World?". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  169. ^ "Exclusive: Mahathir weighs taking EU to court over palm oil ban". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  170. ^ Tang, Ashley (22 October 2018). "Dr M: Khashoggi's killing extremely cruel, unacceptable". The Star. Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  171. ^ "'Soleimani killing illegal, immoral': Malaysian premier". aa.com.tr. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  172. ^ Loh, Jonathon (12 June 2018). "Malaysia PM Mahathir says the world can learn from Kim Jong Un's 'new attitude' and decision to meet Trump". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  173. ^ "Malaysia, Japan hope for successful US – North Korea summit". New Straits Times. 12 June 2018. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  174. ^ Praveen Menon; Darren Schuettler (12 June 2018). "Malaysia to reopen embassy in North Korea: Mahathir". Reuters. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  175. ^ a b "Malaysia to cancel $20 billion China-backed rail project: minister". Reuters. 26 January 2019. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  176. ^ a b Beech, Hannah (20 August 2018). "'We Cannot Afford This': Malaysia Pushes Back Against China's Vision". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  177. ^ Anis, Mazwin Nik; Kaos, Joseph; Carvalho, Martin (16 April 2019). "Work on ECRL expected to resume next month". The Star. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  178. ^ "Malaysia cancels China-backed pipeline projects". Financial Times. 9 September 2018. Archived from the original on 9 September 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  179. ^ "Dr M expresses solidarity with China in half-hour call to President Xi". Malaysiakini. 14 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021.
  180. ^ Chan, Julia (14 February 2020). "PM says Malaysia stands with China in Covid-19 battle in phone call with President Xi". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 29 March 2022.
  181. ^ "Mahathir hopes year of the metal rat will boost Malaysia-China friendship". thesun.my. 20 January 2020.
  182. ^ a b c d e f "Malaysian machinations: How Southeast Asia's veteran leader lost the plot". Reuters. 6 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  183. ^ "Malaysia's 94-year-old PM Tenders His Resignation". Voice of America. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  184. ^ "Leaders holed up in political meetings". The Star. 23 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  185. ^ "Consensus dinner ends, MPs begin leaving Sheraton PJ". The Star. 23 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  186. ^ "C131 MPs attend dinner at hotel". The Star. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  187. ^ "Anwar confirms bid to shake up PH". The Star. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  188. ^ "Anwar Ibrahim says he has been betrayed by Pakatan Harapan partners amid talk of new ruling coalition". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  189. ^ "Pemimpin PH jumpa Dr Mahathir". Berita Harian. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  190. ^ "Anwar Hails 'Good Meeting' With Mahathir Amid Malaysia Rumors". Bloomberg. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  191. ^ Helen Regan; Ushar Daniele (24 February 2020). "Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad resigns as Prime Minister". CNN. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  192. ^ "Anwar: I appealed to Dr M to stay on as PM but he refused to be associated with past regime". The Star. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  193. ^ "Malaysia's Mahathir submits resignation, 'quits' his party". Al Jazeera. 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  194. ^ Teoh, Shannon (24 February 2020). "Mahathir resigns as Malaysian Prime Minister, PH loses majority after MPs leave". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  195. ^ Regan, Helen (24 February 2020). "Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigns". CNN. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  196. ^ Salleh, Nur Hasliza Mohd (25 February 2020). "Dr Mahathir clocks in to work as govt left without Cabinet". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  197. ^ ZAHIID, SYED JAYMAL (27 February 2020). "Interim PM announces RM20b stimulus package to cure economy of Covid-19". Malay Mail.
  198. ^ "The economic stimulus package 2020". The Malaysian Reserve. 28 February 2020.
  199. ^ "Muhyiddin is eighth PM, says King". The Star. 29 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  200. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad questions legitimacy of Malaysia's new PM". The Guardian. 1 March 2020. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  201. ^ "Mahathir, 2 years shy of 100 and still on the go". MalaysiaNow. 10 July 2023.
  202. ^ Arif, Zahratulhayat Mat (12 August 2020). "'Those who left Bersatu can join Pejuang'". NST Online.
  203. ^ Yusof, Amir (13 August 2020). "What we know about former Malaysian PM Mahathir's new political party so far". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  204. ^ "斗士党成功注册 马哈迪:马来领袖贪婪恋权以致马来人分裂失势". Lian He Zao Bao 联合早报. 14 July 2021. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  205. ^ "Malaysia opposition MPs gather at Merdeka Square after being blocked from entering parliament". Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  206. ^ "Opposition MPs renew calls for Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin to resign". The Straits Times. 2 August 2021. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  207. ^ Lim, Ida (27 April 2022). "Zahid sues Dr Mahathir for defamation, insists never met to discuss court case before latter became PM again". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022.
  208. ^ "Zahid sues Dr M for defamation over lobbying claim". Malaysiakini. 27 April 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022.
  209. ^ "UMNO president Ahmad Zahid sues former Malaysia PM Mahathir for defamation". Channel News Asia. 27 April 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022.
  210. ^ Auto, Hermes (20 June 2022). "Ex-PM Mahathir says Malaysia should claim Singapore and Riau Islands". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  211. ^ "If there are calls, I am open to being PM for a third time, says Dr M". The Star. 24 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  212. ^ "Dr M, Muhyiddin not fit to be next PM, says Zahid". The Star. 26 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  213. ^ Zulkifli, Adie (9 March 2022). "Tun Mahathir not defending Langkawi seat in GE15". NST Online. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022.
  214. ^ "Dr Mahathir not contesting in GE15". The Malaysian Insight. 9 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022.
  215. ^ "GE15: Dr M will defend Langkawi seat". The Star. 11 October 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  216. ^ "GE15: UMNO's dirty trick to push for polls during monsoon, says Dr M". The Star. 11 October 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  217. ^ "Ex-Malaysia PM Mahathir Mohamad suffers shock defeat in polls". Al Jazeera. 19 November 2022. Archived from the original on 19 November 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  218. ^ "Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir loses seat in first election defeat in 53 years". Reuters. 19 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  219. ^ "Mahathir Mohamad: Ex-Malaysia PM loses seat in shock defeat". Al Jazeera. 19 November 2022. Archived from the original on 19 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  220. ^ Singh, Keval (23 November 2022). "Former PM Mahathir to focus on writing about Malaysia's history, after shock defeat in polls". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  221. ^ "Malaysia's Mahathir says will focus on writing after poll defeat". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 23 November 2022. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  222. ^ Jun, Soo Wern (25 February 2023). "Dr Mahathir, 13 former Pejuang members join Putra". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023.
  223. ^ "Mahathir, 12 others leave Pejuang". The Edge Markets. 11 February 2023. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023.
  224. ^ Sipalan, Joseph (10 July 2023). "Malaysia's Mahathir, 98, isn't done with politics. Is he 'obsessed' with Anwar?". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  225. ^ "PAS leaders sign Mahathir's 'Malay Proclamation'". The Star. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  226. ^ Noorshahrizam, Shahrin Aizat (5 July 2023). "Muhyiddin-Mahathir meet over Malay Proclamation 'fruitful', says secretariat chairman". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  227. ^ "Mahathir questioned by police over Malay Proclamation campaign, says lawyer". The Straits Times. 2 June 2023. ISSN 0585-3923. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  228. ^ "'GTA failed to get support from voters', says Dr M on his decision to quit". The Star. 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  229. ^ Chan, Julia (15 September 2023). "Perikatan names Dr Mahathir as unofficial adviser to four states under its control". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  230. ^ "'Biadap' not to invite Mahathir to Merdeka celebration, says prominent thinker". MalaysiaNow. 3 September 2024.
  231. ^ "Dr M's official X account was hacked". The Star. 5 February 2025.
  232. ^ Reporters, F. M. T. (5 February 2025). "Dr M's X account hacked, promoting crypto coin". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  233. ^ Makmal, Nasha Alysa (2 April 2025). "Tun M on Putra Heights blast cause: Don't go around accusing people". NST Online.
  234. ^ a b c d Schottmann, Sven (2018). Mahathir's Islam: Mahathir Mohamad on Religion and Modernity in Malaysia. University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-4674-9. JSTOR j.ctvvn4z8. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  235. ^ "Malaysia a fundamentalist Islamic country, says PM". Malaysiakini. 17 June 2002. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  236. ^ a b "Mahathir to launch war crimes tribunal". The Star (Associated Press). 31 January 2007. Archived from the original on 12 June 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  237. ^ Bowring, Philip (23 September 1998). "Twin Shocks Will Leave Their Mark on Malaysia". International Herald Tribune. Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  238. ^ a b "Mahathir Mohamad: The man who dominated Malaysian politics". BBC News. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022.
  239. ^ "I don't believe in 'Ketuanan Melayu' fantasy, says Dr M". Free Malaysia Today. 12 December 2021. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  240. ^ Tee, Kenneth (13 November 2023). "Citing Indonesia, Dr Mahathir says non-Malays should be assimilated and 'become Malays' as part of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  241. ^ Defranoux, Laurence. "Abdication surprise du roi de Malaisie". Libération (in French). Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  242. ^ a b "Malaysia's Mahathir says US seeking to provoke war in Taiwan". Associated Press. 19 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  243. ^ Roslan Rahman (11 September 2011). "Malaysia's Mahathir: 9/11 not work of Muslims". AFP News. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  244. ^ AR, Zurairi (9 March 2015). "In Dr M's 'New World Order' meet, academics claim war on terror 'big US lie'". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  245. ^ "Madeleine Albright Sings Out". The New York Times. 2 August 1997. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  246. ^ Lim, By Ida (2 April 2019). "Dr M: Malaysia can learn from China who overtook us". Malay Mail.
  247. ^ "Mahathir highlights Malaysia's conservation efforts". Malaysiakini. 27 September 2019. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  248. ^ Mohamed, Mahathir bin (April 1999). "The Green Flag of Eco-Imperialism". New Perspectives Quarterly. 16 (2): 8–9. doi:10.1111/0893-7850.00214. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  249. ^ a b Ressa, Maria (17 October 2003). "Mahathir attack on Jews condemned". CNN. Archived from the original on 18 February 2007. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  250. ^ "Global Anti-Semitism Still Potent". The Anti-Defamation League. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  251. ^ Sugarman, Daniel (17 January 2019). "Oxford Union criticised for inviting antisemitic Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to speak". The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 25 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  252. ^ a b c Yegar, Moshe (2006). "Malaysia: Anti-Semitism Without Jews". Jewish Political Studies Review. 18 (3/4): 81–97. ISSN 0792-335X. JSTOR 25834698. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  253. ^ Mydans, Seth (16 October 1997). "Malaysian Premier Sees Jews Behind Nation's Money Crisis". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  254. ^ "Mahathir's dark side". The Daily Telegraph. London. 24 October 2003. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  255. ^ "Views on Jews By Malaysian: His Own Words". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 21 October 2003. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  256. ^ "Bush rebukes Malaysia leader over remarks about Jews". CNN. 21 October 2003. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  257. ^ "Dr M says glad to be called 'Antisemitic'". CFCA. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  258. ^ "Cambridge Union audience laughs at anti-Semitic 'joke' by Malaysian prime minister". The Telegraph. 18 June 2019. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 24 October 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  259. ^ Rahim, Zamira (17 June 2019). "Malaysia PM tells Cambridge Union his Jewish friends are 'not like other Jews'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  260. ^ Cortellessa, Eric (26 September 2017). "A defiant Malaysian PM defends his anti-Semitism in the name of free speech". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  261. ^ Lin, Koh Jun (25 September 2019). "In speech at Columbia, Mahathir cites free speech for anti-Semitic remarks". Malaysiakini. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  262. ^ Harpin, Lee (18 June 2019). "Malaysia PM questioned why Jews 'resent' being called 'hook-nosed'". The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  263. ^ a b "Mahathir claims LGBT rights are 'Western values' not fit for Malaysia". South China Morning Post. Agence France-Presse. 26 October 2018. Archived from the original on 6 June 2019. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  264. ^ "Malaisie: le premier ministre rejette les revendications LGBT". Le Figaro (in French). 25 October 2018. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  265. ^ "Gay ministers barred, Malaysia tells UK". BBC News. 1 November 2001. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  266. ^ Duncan, Conrad (29 October 2020). "Muslims have a right to 'kill millions of French people', former Malaysian PM suggests". The Independent. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  267. ^ Shield, Bevan (30 October 2020). "'A bigot without principles': ex-Malaysian PM condemned by former ambassador to France". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  268. ^ "Muslims 'have right to kill millions of French': Malaysia's Mahathir sparks uproar with his response to Macron". South China Morning Post. 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  269. ^ Ar, Zuraira (29 October 2020). "Don't paint France with same brush, Umno's Fathul Bari tells Dr Mahathir after 'punish French' remarks". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  270. ^ "Malaysia's Mahathir: Post on French killings taken out of context". Al Jazeera. 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  271. ^ "Why Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a True Gentleman". Gentleman's Code Magazine (GC).
  272. ^ Bernama (15 December 2019). "Dr Mahathir's recipe for a long healthy life". Malaysiakini.
  273. ^ Reporters, F. M. T. (10 December 2019). "I've been 62kg for the past 40 years, says Dr M". Free Malaysia Today | FMT.
  274. ^ Lim, Ida (1 September 2019). "Pulled out of retirement, Dr M now settles for reading books instead of writing them". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 30 August 2023.
  275. ^ Kaur, Kirat (12 July 2019). "5 Amazing Things about Dr Siti Hasmah you should know". The Rakyat Post. Archived from the original on 30 September 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  276. ^ Subramaniam, Saktesh (5 August 2021). "From college mates, to soulmates: M'sia's oldest power couple mark 65 years of marriage". The Vibes.
  277. ^ Azam, Nadia (13 September 2019). "Berkenalan dengan Mahathir 'yang lagi satu'". Malaysiakini (in Malay).
  278. ^ "Mahathir a workaholic and compulsive reader, says wife". Malaysiakini. 4 November 2001.
  279. ^ "Personality Spotlight;NEWLN:Malaysia's Prime Minister". UPI. 16 January 1984.
  280. ^ "Dr M greeted with a rendition of 'My Way' in Japan". Malaysiakini. 7 August 2018.
  281. ^ "Dr M shares his fondness for horses, tramples on Najib". Malaysiakini. 26 April 2016.
  282. ^ "PM's childhood home on show". New Straits Times. 19 December 1992.
  283. ^ "Malaysia's ex-PM Mahathir discharged from hospital after checks: Source". The Straits Times. 15 November 2024.
  284. ^ "Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri" (in Malay). Election Commission of Malaysia. Retrieved 4 February 2017. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
  285. ^ "DPM launches book titled 'Mahathir: 22 Years, 22 Voices'". New Straits Times. 11 October 2003.
  286. ^ "Memoirs flying off the shelves". New Straits Times. 10 March 2011.
  287. ^ "'Saya guna bahasa kampung'". Harian Metro (in Malay). 1 May 2012.
  288. ^ "In new book, Dr Mahathir recounts bid to revamp 'bloated' civil service, deal with rich officials left by Najib". www.malaymail.com. 12 December 2021.

Cited texts

[edit]
[edit]
Political offices
Preceded by Federal Minister of Education
1974–1977
Succeeded by
Preceded by Federal Minister of International Trade and Industry
1978–1981
Succeeded by
Preceded by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
1978–1981
Succeeded by
Musa Hitam
Prime Minister of Malaysia
1981–2003
Succeeded by
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Preceded by Federal Minister of Defence
1981–1986
Preceded by
Musa Hitam
Federal Minister of Home Affairs
1986–1999
Preceded by Federal Minister of Finance
1998–1999
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Daim Zainuddin
Federal Minister of Finance
2001–2003
Succeeded by
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Preceded by Prime Minister of Malaysia
2018–2020
Succeeded by
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
1998
Succeeded by
Preceded by Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement
2003
Succeeded by
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Party political offices
Preceded by
Hussein Onn
Deputy President of the United Malays National Organisation
1976–1981
Succeeded by
Musa Hitam
President of the United Malays National Organisation
1981–2003
Succeeded by
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
New title Chairman of Pakatan Harapan
2016–2020
Succeeded by
Anwar Ibrahim