Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad Turns 100 Amid Lasting Political Legacy

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad celebrated his 100th birthday as an active and influential figure in Malaysian and Southeast Asian politics. Serving two terms totaling 24 years, Mahathir is credited with modernizing Malaysia through initiatives such as the Look East Policy, national car Proton, and landmark infrastructure projects including the Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya. Despite his age and a history of heart disease, he remains mentally and physically active, attributing his longevity to continuous engagement rather than retirement. His leadership style, marked by both transformative policies and controversy, continues to evoke mixed opinions domestically and abroad. Regional leaders, including Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia’s current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, extended birthday wishes, highlighting Mahathir’s role in shaping Malaysia and championing ASEAN unity. Mahathir also reflected publicly on key historical events and regional issues during his birthday, underscoring his ongoing engagement with political affairs.