100 Years of Mahathir Mohamad – The Architect of Malaysia’s Rise Who Couldn’t Escape the Harshness of History

The controversy surrounding Mahathir Mohamad has reached the point where some questioned whether he was even a Muslim or of Malay descent. Despite his repeated affirmations of pride in his Malay identity, rumours persisted that his father, Mohamed Iskandar, was a Hindu who converted to Islam in order to marry Wan Tempawan, Mahathir’s mother. These claims resurfaced every time Mahathir rose higher in power.

This controversy might have been short-lived had Mahathir retired from politics when he first stepped down as Prime Minister in 2003 at the age of 78. Many believed he could have settled into a peaceful retirement, proud of his legacy. But human nature pulled him back into the political fray. With the spotlight again upon him, some of the hidden flaws in his long political symphony began to emerge, ultimately tarnishing what was otherwise an extraordinary political career.

Still, it must be said: Mahathir’s journey was one of destiny. He often acknowledged in his writings how divine favour seemed to guide him through pivotal moments in Malaysia’s history. Born to a humble teacher, not among the Malay aristocracy or political elite, Mahathir rose to become one of the most impactful leaders in the Muslim world.

A Rebel by Nature

Mahathir described himself as a “troublemaker,” fiercely independent, and often without backing. Yet, he navigated the stormy political seas with the precision of a seasoned captain. He embodied a rare blend of knowledge, wisdom, and strategic acumen. Still, his long career was not without faults, and many accused him of monopolising credit for Malaysia’s progress while sidelining or even imprisoning key contributors.

In his autobiography, A Doctor in the House, Mahathir acknowledges those who laid the groundwork before him:

“Without their wisdom and vision, my task would have been far more difficult.”

At age 44, Mahathir was expelled from the ruling UMNO party, potentially ending his political career. Yet, he returned shortly after with the personal support of then Prime Minister Abdul Razak. Despite his reputation as a political radical, he was fast-tracked into a cabinet position after winning the 1974 elections.

His rise was often aided by fortuitous events—death, illness, or imprisonment of political competitors cleared the way for his ascension. Ultimately, Prime Minister Hussein Onn stepped down due to illness and endorsed Mahathir as his successor. Mahathir became Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister in July 1981, fulfilling a childhood dream he had nurtured despite growing up in poverty.

The Pearl Harbor Lesson

Mahathir often reflected on historical moments. He once said the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor taught him a vital lesson:

“Never fight two enemies at once. Finish one battle before starting another.”

On July 16, 1981, Mahathir took the oath of office. From that moment, the doctor who once healed bodies began treating the diseases of an entire nation. Within years, Malaysian villages of farmers and fishermen began producing microchips and precision technology.

Even at nearly 100 years old, Mahathir continues to publish books. His latest, Capturing Hope: The Struggle Continues for a New Malaysia, reflects on both domestic and global issues—including the plight of Palestinians and the criminalisation of war.

The Malay Dilemma

In 1970, 11 years before he became Prime Minister, Mahathir authored The Malay Dilemma, where he criticised the Malay people for their complacency and dependence on agriculture despite the potential for industrial advancement.

Even after 23 years in office, he lamented that many of the same social problems persisted. When he came to power, 70% of Malaysians lived below the poverty line. The country faced ethnic, religious, and linguistic divides, along with widespread underdevelopment.

Mahathir recognised that the Prime Minister’s office wielded vast power—and he used it to transform his country. Drawing inspiration from Japanese work ethic and precision, he involved himself in all levels of governance—even personally ordering the fixing of broken streetlights or rearranging street vendors.

While often criticised for autocracy, Mahathir promoted a culture of accountability. He discouraged flattery and insisted no public institutions or roads bear his name during his lifetime. He believed loyalty and responsibility should be earned, not forced through political purges.

Islam as National Identity

Malaysia’s constitution affirms Islam as the religion of the federation and defines a Malay as a Muslim who speaks Malay and practises its customs. Islam is thus inseparable from Malay identity.

Mahathir built upon this, stating in his memoirs: “We have every right to describe Malaysia as an Islamic state.”

He spearheaded Malaysia’s integration of Islamic values into governance, establishing Islamic banks, schools, and institutions. While he did not push for strict implementation of Sharia, he promoted Islam’s core values—justice, ethics, and community welfare.

Mahathir’s vision was not one of theocracy, but of moral leadership grounded in faith. He criticised some clerics who pushed for forced application of Islamic law, fearing it would alienate non-Muslims. Instead, he favoured a balanced, inclusive approach.

The Rise of a Nation

Under Mahathir’s leadership, Malaysia became one of Asia’s “economic tigers.” Annual per capita income rose from $1,000 to $16,000, poverty dropped below 4%, and reserves soared from $3 billion to $98 billion.

His three-pillar strategy for national revival focused on education, industrialisation, and social harmony. He declared war on corruption and inefficiency. Education was prioritised above defence, with massive budgets and global scholarship programs.

However, Mahathir expressed regret that many Malays failed to achieve academic excellence. He fought hard to introduce English into the curriculum and faced opposition from Malay nationalists.

Industrial Transformation

With a “Look East” policy, Mahathir pushed for industrial self-reliance. He established major factories for steel, cement, and cars, launching the Proton, Malaysia’s first national car.

Over 15,000 industrial projects were launched with investments exceeding $220 billion and employing millions. These moves were aimed at empowering Malays to take part in nation-building.

Though his success sparked accusations of foreign backing during the Cold War, Mahathir maintained a non-aligned stance, building ties with both East and West—being the first Southeast Asian country to recognise China in 1974.

Military Neglect or Strategic Choice?

Critics argue Mahathir intentionally kept the military weak to avoid provoking Western powers. He revealed that even US-supplied F-16 jets came without critical combat software—rendering them useless unless authorised by Washington.

In response, Malaysia bolstered military ties with China, including joint exercises and weapons procurement.

The Anwar Ibrahim Saga

Perhaps Mahathir’s most turbulent political relationship was with his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim. Once a protégé, Anwar rose rapidly until his dismissal in 1998 amid corruption and sodomy charges, which many viewed as politically motivated.

Years later, Anwar returned to politics, and in a dramatic twist, allied with Mahathir to oust PM Najib Razak. Mahathir returned as Prime Minister in 2018 at the age of 93, promising to hand over power to Anwar—a promise he failed to keep.

In 2020, Mahathir resigned, the ruling coalition collapsed, and Malaysia entered a new phase of instability. Anwar eventually rose to power in 2022, while Mahathir lost his parliamentary seat for the first time in over 50 years.

Conclusion: The Weight of Legacy

Mahathir’s life is a case study in destiny, ambition, brilliance—and the limits of legacy. As one writer aptly put it:

“Winston Churchill once said: History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it. He did. Mahathir lived long enough to see history judge him instead.”

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