On July 10, 2025, the world witnessed a rare moment in modern political history: The 100th birthday of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former prime minister of Malaysia, whose long and eventful life has left a deep and enduring imprint not only on his beloved Malaysia but across the developing world.
Dr Mahathir is a statesman of an exceptional breed -- resolute, visionary, and principled. He single-handedly transformed Malaysia from a laidback, underdeveloped country into one of Asia’s most modern, dynamic, and prosperous nations. Under his stewardship, Malaysia rose confidently into the ranks of the emerging economies, earning respect for its independent policies, political stability, and robust infrastructure.
On the world stage, Dr Mahathir was perceived as assertive -- sometimes even arrogant -- but never at the cost of his values. He did not flinch when confronted by powerful Western leaders.
I recall vividly an episode during my diplomatic tenure in London (1983–85) when Malaysia clashed with Britain over the participation of apartheid-era South Africa in the Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher favoured South Africa’s inclusion; Dr Mahathir opposed it unequivocally. The dispute became so intense that Malaysia eventually withdrew all its students from the UK and sent them to the United States. The Commonwealth Games that year were effectively derailed. His moral clarity on apartheid, even at the cost of diplomatic friction, speaks volumes about his integrity.
Similarly, during the Asian financial crisis of 1998, when global financial institutions and influential voices -- most notably George Soros -- urged Malaysia to devalue its currency, Dr Mahathir chose a different course. He resisted the pressure, imposed capital controls, and steered Malaysia out of economic collapse with its dignity and independence intact. His defiance prompted then-Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating to call him “recalcitrant.” The label did little to deter Mahathir. If anything, it became a badge of honour for his resistance to external manipulation.
My years in Singapore (1989–93) allowed me the privilege of observing from close quarters the parallel journeys of two remarkable leaders of our time -- Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Mahathir. Both were tireless, incorruptible, and equally devoted to the transformation of their respective nations -- except that the latter, Dr Mahathir, assumed leadership of his country 16 years after the former, Lee Kuan Yew, had already begun his nation-building journey. While they often appeared as rivals -- perhaps even nemeses -- I always sensed a mutual recognition, if not admiration. I believe Dr Mahathir quietly regarded Lee as a role model, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s success even as he charted Malaysia’s distinct course.
While I was in Singapore, I visited Malaysia quite often, and my attention was drawn to a long billboard across the façade of the immigration entry point with an inscription written in conspicuously bold letters: “MALAYSIA BOLEH” -- meaning “Malaysia can do.” I used to wonder: Was this message meant to inspire Malaysians, or was it directed at Lee Kuan Yew himself? Without doubt, Malaysia is doing well.
A trained medical doctor, Dr Mahathir’s rise in politics was far from easy. His seminal work, The Malay Dilemma, was once banned for its candid critique of Malay society. He himself was expelled from UMNO for challenging orthodoxy. But history vindicated him. Once in power, he not only uplifted Malaysia’s economy but also empowered the Bumiputras -- affirming their rightful place in the nation’s development narrative.
Throughout his life, Dr Mahathir has been a fervent advocate of ASEAN unity, South-South cooperation, and the cause of the developing world. His international leadership and courage to speak truth to power earned him admiration across continents.
Even after stepping down from office -- twice -- Dr Mahathir remained intellectually vibrant, politically alert, and morally anchored. Defeated at the ballot box on more than one occasion, he accepted those results with humility -- proof that greatness lies not in clinging to power but in serving with purpose.
Dr Mahathir has also held a soft spot for Bangladesh, recognizing our struggles as a young nation and welcoming the contributions of our workers to Malaysia’s economy. He also visited Bangladesh a few times. I wish we had a leader like him.
His recent meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus during the Nikkei Annual Conference in Toky, was deeply encouraging. Dr Mahathir lauded Dr Yunus’s efforts to transform Bangladesh’s democratic and institutional landscape, and later, in a media interview, he praised Dr Yunus as a globally respected leader, driven not by personal ambition but by service to his nation.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as you mark this extraordinary milestone, I offer my most sincere felicitations -- and a hundred tube roses, cherished by our people -- as a symbol of our admiration and affection. I pray to the Almighty to bless you with continued health, clarity, and purpose, so that your light may continue to shine on a world in need of moral courage and statesmanlike wisdom.
Your legacy is secure. Yet, your presence still matters -- now more than ever.
Ashraf Ud Doula is a freedom fighter, a retired Secretary and a former Ambassador.