History of Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir Mohamad is one of the most influential and enduring figures in Malaysian political history. Serving as the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, his career has spanned multiple decades, marked by significant economic and political transformations that have left an indelible impact on the country.

Born on December 20, 1925, in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir’s early life was shaped by the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II, and his experiences during this period ingrained in him a sense of nationalism and a desire for Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule. He pursued a medical degree at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, marking his entry into a professional career as a physician. Despite his medical background, Mahathir's interest in politics was evident, and he soon joined the United Malay National Organization (UMNO) in 1946, a party leading Malaysia’s charge towards independence.

Mahathir’s political career truly began to rise in prominence in the late 1960s. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Kota Setar Selatan in 1964. However, he lost his seat in the 1969 general elections in the wake of heightened racial tensions and the subsequent riots. This period of political upheaval provided Mahathir a crucial insight into the challenges facing a multicultural society. As a critic of the then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman’s policies, Mahathir published "The Malay Dilemma" in 1970, a controversial book that analyzed the socio-economic plight of the Malay community. Although the book was banned, it played a pivotal role in reshaping Malaysia's affirmative action policies to favor Malays under the New Economic Policy initiated in 1971.

After a period of political exile, Mahathir returned to the limelight when he was appointed as a senator in 1973, and soon after he rejoined the federal cabinet. Rising through the ranks swiftly, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 1976 under Prime Minister Hussein Onn. In 1981, Mahathir became Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, marking the beginning of his first, long tenure, which lasted until 2003.

During his first premiership, Mahathir established a reputation as a modernizer and a strong advocate for economic development. His policies, known as the “Look East Policy,” encouraged Malaysians to emulate the work ethic and industrial practices of countries like Japan and South Korea. Under his leadership, Malaysia underwent significant industrialization, transitioning from an agricultural-based economy to one of Asia’s leading manufacturing hubs. Major infrastructure projects, such as the North-South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the Petronas Twin Towers, symbolized the country’s rapid modernization.

Mahathir’s tenure was not without controversy, as his administration faced criticism over human rights issues and authoritarian tendencies. In 1987, under the Operations Lalang, his government arrested over 100 activists, opposition leaders, and intellectuals, a move that drew significant criticism both domestically and internationally. His use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) allowed for detention without trial, a point of contention that has marked his legacy.

Mahathir retired in 2003, having handpicked Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as his successor. However, his departure didn’t signal the end of his influence in Malaysian politics. Mahathir remained politically active, becoming a vocal critic of subsequent Prime Minister Najib Razak, especially opposing Najib’s involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. This significant corruption scandal provided a renewed platform for Mahathir, who by now had left UMNO and joined the opposition.

In an unprecedented political comeback, Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to victory in the 2018 general elections. This victory marked a historic moment, as he was sworn in as Malaysia's seventh Prime Minister at the age of 92, making him the world's oldest head of government. This second stint as prime minister was marked by a pledge to reform the Malaysian political system and eliminate corruption. Despite his advanced age, Mahathir enacted various institutional reforms, though progress was slower than anticipated, often hampered by political infighting within the coalition.

In 2020, his resignation led to a political crisis and the eventual appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister. Despite stepping down, Mahathir has continued to be an influential figure, often commenting on national and international issues. His enduring presence in the political landscape of Malaysia showcases his deep-seated belief in the nation’s potential and his steadfast commitment to his vision for its future.

Mahathir Mohamad’s story is one of resilience and transformation, both personally and nationally. His policies and leadership style shaped modern Malaysia, and his political journey is a testament to the complexities and challenges of governance in a multicultural society. His impact, both celebrated and criticized, will likely be studied and debated for generations to come, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in Malaysia’s history.