Mahathir Mohamad's Biography

Mahathir Mohamad is a renowned Malaysian politician and statesman, best known for his extended and transformative leadership as the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Born on July 10, 1925, in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir trained as a medical doctor before entering politics. He first rose to prominence in the 1960s, securing a seat in Parliament and later becoming a pivotal figure in Malaysia's ruling party, UMNO. Mahathir served as Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, spearheading rapid modernization, economic growth, and industrialization in the country. After a 15-year retirement, he made a historic political comeback in 2018, becoming the seventh Prime Minister at the age of 92, making him the oldest elected leader in the world. Throughout his political career, Mahathir has been both lauded for his vision and criticized for his authoritarian tendencies. He is a prolific writer, with interests spanning politics, economics, and history, and maintains an active presence on social media. His net worth is estimated at $16.5 million, stemming from government pensions, foundations, and business interests. Mahathir's legacy is marked by his dedication to Malaysia's progress, making him a prominent figure in Southeast Asian politics.