At 99, Mahathir Mohamad remains a pivotal figure in Malaysia's history, eliciting admiration and criticism in equal measure for his transformative leadership.
# Mahathir Mohamad at 99: A Legacy of Triumph and Controversy
# Mahathir Mohamad at 99: A Legacy of Triumph and Controversy
In an exclusive interview, the former prime minister of Malaysia reflects on his complex contributions and challenges to the nation he led for over two decades.
At the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable as worshippers eagerly awaited Mahathir Mohamad, the 99-year-old former prime minister of Malaysia. As he traversed the space, the silver-haired leader in a gray suit attracted enthusiastic supporters, many of whom captured the moment with their smartphones and affectionately sought to touch his hand in greeting.
Mahathir, who served as Malaysia’s prime minister for a total of 24 years—22 years in his first tenure starting in 1981, then a return at the age of 92 in 2018—has left an indelible mark on the country's economy. Under his leadership, Malaysia evolved from a nation reliant on tin, rubber, and palm oil into a competitive powerhouse in the high-tech sector, ranking among the world’s major exporters.
However, Mahathir's legacy is not without its shadows. He is a polarizing figure, lauded by some for his economic successes and criticized by others for his authoritarian tactics, particularly against political adversaries like Anwar Ibrahim, who is now the nation's current prime minister. Throughout his tenure, Mahathir faced allegations of employing strong-arm tactics to suppress dissent and harbored contentious views regarding various ethnic and religious groups, particularly Jews.
His reflections on these complex issues reveal a man who remains unapologetic yet contemplative about his governance, providing insight into the mind of a leader who has navigated both reverence and reproach throughout a long, iconic career in Malaysian politics.
