Malaysia’s OG Trailblazer Turns 100 — Why His Story Still Matters
Today, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad hits an iconic milestone — 100 years young. For Gen Z and Millennials, who may know him as the comeback king or that bold guy with sharp tweets, his legacy is far more layered. Love him or challenge him, Mahathir helped define what Malaysia is — and what it could be.
Let’s rewind and rediscover the journey of the doctor-turned-PM, and the ultimate frenemy drama with Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew. Because trust us — this isn’t just history, it’s the blueprint of Southeast Asia’s hustle.
From Small Town to Powerhouse: Mahathir’s Humble Beginnings
- Born: 10 July 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah
- Family: Son of a schoolteacher, no aristocratic roots
- Fun fact: His childhood home is now a museum
Mahathir’s early days weren’t glamorous. He studied medicine at King Edward VII College in Singapore and returned to Kedah as the first Malay doctor in his state — treating everyone, whether they could pay or not.
“His background gave him grit. He wasn’t just elite — he earned his influence through service,” says Dr. Suraya Ali, historian at Universiti Malaya.
Mahathir’s First PM Era (1981–2003): Building Modern Malaysia
Dubbed the “Father of Modernisation,” Mahathir’s 22-year rule redefined Malaysia’s skyline, economy, and global standing.
Highlights of His First Term:
- Malaysia Incorporated: Brought private and public sectors together
- Privatisation boom: Think Telekom, MAS, and Tenaga Nasional
- Megaprojects:
- Proton (first national car)
- Petronas Towers
- Putrajaya & Cyberjaya
- Asian Financial Crisis 1997: Refused IMF help, imposed capital controls — a bold, controversial move that stabilized Malaysia
“He saw Malaysia as a tiger ready to roar — and he pushed it to leap,” says economist Prof. Amir Khalid from Khazanah Research Institute.
Mahathir vs. Lee Kuan Yew: The Clash of Southeast Asia’s Titans
Mahathir’s most iconic rivalry wasn’t with any local politician — it was with Singapore’s first PM, Lee Kuan Yew. Think Churchill vs. De Gaulle, but with more water disputes and nationalism.
Key Contrasts:
| Mahathir | Lee Kuan Yew |
|---|---|
| Affirmative action (NEP) | Meritocracy |
| State-led development | Free-market model |
| Malay nationalism | Multiracial pragmatism |
| Mega-infrastructure | Hyper-efficiency |
They clashed on bridges, racial policies, and who really “won” post-colonialism.
Yet, the respect was mutual. Both were known for razor-sharp intellect and relentless national vision. Their decades-long dynamic helped shape not just Malaysia and Singapore — but the entire ASEAN narrative.
The Comeback King: PM Again at 92 (2018–2020)
Most politicians retire. Mahathir rebooted.
In 2018, at 92, he made global headlines by defeating the very party he once led, ousting his former protégé Najib Razak amidst the 1MDB scandal.
What Made His Return Iconic:
- Became world’s oldest head of government
- Reignited hope for reform and accountability
- Proved age is just a number when it comes to leadership
Although his second term was brief and ended in political turbulence, Mahathir’s return showed that moral authority can still move nations.
Life at 100: Still Writing, Still Watching
Even at 100, Mahathir doesn’t sit back. He continues to write, critique, and comment on everything from Palestine to AI and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Current Habits That Keep Him Sharp:
- Daily writing and reading
- Morning walks and light exercise
- Maintaining strong opinions (some things never change)
“I write because I still care about what Malaysia becomes,” Mahathir shared in an interview with The Edge.
