He has been described-typically and paradoxically-as a tyrannical dictator, a bête noir, as well as inspiring, courageous and an outspoken defender of the downtrodden, the Third World, and moderate Islam.Īt almost every turn Dr Mahathir rewrote the rules. This remarkable achievement was not without controversy, and Dr Mahathir's extraordinary vision and iron grip earned him both enemies as well as ardent admirers within and outside of Malaysia. He recently published a new book on 8 March 2011 entitled ‘A Doctor in The House – The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, detailing his life and political career over the past 85 years.In his twenty-two years as Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamad transformed his country from an agricultural backwater into an industrial powerhouse that would become the seventeenth-largest trading nation in the world. Dr Mahathir is also the author of several books and articles touching on various issues such as Globalization, Role of Islam and Muslim Ummah, Malaysian Currency Crises, to name a few. He currently serves as an advisor to four Malaysia government entities and retains a prominent role in the international arena. He was also an advocate of third-world development and a prominent international activist for causes such as the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the interests of Bosnians in the 1990s Balkans conflict.įollowing his retirement as Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir was conferred his nation’s highest award, Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara.
He was a dominant political figure, winning five consecutive general elections. Under Dr Mahathir’s leadership, Malaysia played a prominent role in the international arena. By 1976, he had risen to Deputy Prime Minister, and in 1981 was sworn in as Prime Minister.
He is credited with turning Malaysia from an agricultural nation to an industralised economy, at the same time elevating Malaysia’s position as the 17th biggest trading nation in the world.Ī successful medical doctor in his hometown Alor Setar, he became active in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysia's largest political party, before entering parliament in 1964. Mahathir Mohamad is the former Prime Minister of Malaysia (1981 – 2003).
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