Mahathir celebrates 100 years as Malaysia's modern designer

 

Mahathir celebrates 100 years as Malaysia's modern designer

Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is 100 years old today. He has reached a century of life by exerting political influence for decades. Mahathir, the youngest of nine siblings, was born on 10 July 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah.

He led the Barisan Nasional (BN) government from 1981 to 2003 and held top posts under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration from May 2018 to February 2020 to oust the BN.

"He is known as the" "Father of Modernization" "of Malaysia for completing iconic infrastructure projects such as Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, KLIA and Putrajaya as the fourth prime minister." Mahathir oversaw the launch of Malaysia's first car manufacturer, Proton Holdings Bhd, and launched the Look East Policy, which promoted education and business ties with countries such as Japan and South Korea.

"During his first term as prime minister, Mahathir led the emergence of Malaysia's economy as the" "Asian Tiger," "pushing the economy towards industrialisation as a driving force."

He also encouraged widespread privatization of the financial sector, which included many state-owned companies such as Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

He was seen as playing a key role in dealing with the Asian financial crisis, taking bold steps such as capital controls and linking the ringgit to the US dollar, rather than seeking help from the International Monetary Fund.

Mahathir, who is currently an adviser to the PAS-led state governments of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis, remains a divisive figure in Malaysian politics.

He has publicly criticized his former deputy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as PH and UMNO, an important component of the unity government.

He and his wife, Dr. Hasmah Ali (98) has seven children. Marina, Mirjan, Melinda, Mokhzani, Mukhriz, Maijura and Mazhar.