Latest news with #Mahathir
ITV News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Longest serving Malaysian prime minister unrelenting as he approaches 100th birthday
Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad spoke to ITV News Reporter Mahatir Pasha. At his offices in Putrajaya - the administrative capital he built, around an hour's drive from central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - I met my namesake, Mahathir bin Mohamad. Despite being 99 years old, Mahathir remains a towering figure in Malaysian and Southeast Asian politics. As Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister, he has shaped the nation's destiny across two remarkable premierships. First elected in 1981, he led the country for 22 consecutive years, overseeing a sweeping economic transformation. Then, in 2018 - at the age of 92 - he staged a stunning political comeback, becoming the world's oldest elected leader. Today, he no longer holds office, but remains deeply involved in public life through his foundation and political campaigns. In his study, Mahathir pores over handwritten notes and books - ever the student of politics. He is, unmistakably, still driven. 'Without fatal diseases, a person should really live a long time,' he told ITV News, with a matter-of-fact tone. 'Provided, of course, that he has a certain discipline.' 'You should behave as if you are okay, you are well, you are doing work, you are meeting people, talking, writing, reading,' he said. 'Because the muscles of the body and the brain regress if you don't use them.' Asked for the secret to his longevity, Mahathir shrugs off the notion of a secret altogether. He eats 'everything', he said, but is careful not to gain weight. 'I've kept my weight at about 62 kilos for the past 40 years,' he added, proudly. Having grown up with his name, I've become used to the polarised reactions it evokes - from admiration to discomfort. It's a reminder of just how divisive this man remains. A political career spanning over seven decades, coupled with his famously blunt style, has earned Mahathir a reputation as both visionary and provocateur. He's credited with turning Malaysia into an economic powerhouse, but has also drawn criticism for his combative approach and controversial remarks. He doesn't shy away from conflict - or from speaking his mind. On the global stage, he's long been critical of Western powers - and continues to be. He was no fan of Donald Trump's tariffs and believes they will ultimately hurt the United States more than its trading partners. 'I've given Trump three months before he negotiates to reduce the tariff,' he told me. 'If there is no America, the world has to go on.' Mahatir urges countries to pivot towards other global players like China and Russia, declaring: 'Most of the products of America can be produced by others.' And in a geopolitical pivot he sees as inevitable, Mahathir said it is now China's turn to lead the world. 'Any country which develops well can dominate the world,' he said, brushing off concerns about China's growing assertiveness, including its posture on Taiwan. But perhaps no issue reveals Mahathir's ire towards the West more than the war in Gaza. 'It's a genocide,' he said bluntly. 'America is a hypocritical nation… it talks about human rights but supports genocide by Israel - by providing money and weapons to Israel to kill Gazan people.' 'America is as guilty of genocide as Israel." Asked for his view of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Mahathir doesn't hold back. 'He's an animal,' he said. 'He doesn't think like human beings. He thinks that killing people is a solution to the so-called safety of Israel. He should be in jail.' We reached out to the Netanyahu's office for a response but they declined to comment on Mahathir's remarks. But Mahathir - who prides himself on his prominence in the Islamic world - doesn't spare his fellow Muslims from criticism either. 'I admit that Muslims are to be blamed also,' he said. 'We call ourselves Muslim, but we don't follow the teachings of Islam… If you follow the way of life found in the Quran, this situation will not happen.' Wealthy Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are singled out. 'God has given us the wealth,' he said, 'but we are not following the teachings of Islam.' On the UK - a nation with close ties to Malaysia during his early premiership - his assessment is equally forthright. 'The UK is a poodle. It just submits to what America says,' he said. 'It is no longer the great power it once was. So I don't think much about the UK.' Turning to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mahathir puts the blame squarely on NATO, accusing the alliance of provoking the war. 'NATO simply provided the money and arms for Ukraine to fight. But it is Ukraine which has to bear the full brunt of the war,' he said. 'Ukraine is now flattened.' He does not condemn Russia's invasion and praises the country's resilience, saying: 'Russia may lose a million people or 10 million people, but Russia is one country that has not been conquered despite many attempts." Closer to home, Mahathir says Malaysia has done more than its fair share to support the persecuted Rohingya community fleeing Myanmar. 'We have no capacity,' he said. 'What do you expect us to do? Attack Myanmar? We can't do that.' 'We have already done a lot… It's time other countries also solve the problem.' Despite being hailed by his supporters as a reformer, an economic visionary, and the "father of modernisation," Mahathir remains a deeply polarising figure. He is widely criticised for his authoritarian approach, particularly his crackdown on political opponents - most notably Anwar Ibrahim, the current prime minister - as well as for making remarks that have been condemned as anti-Semitic and racially inflammatory. He championed the idea of Malay supremacy, giving lucrative business opportunities to select Malay businessmen, which critics called cronyism. But the 99-year old remains unrelenting. "They can accuse me of anything. But the thing is, you have to prove it." In April last year, the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission launched a probe into Mahathir and his sons - an investigation which the nonagenarian has dismissed as politically charged. "The problem is that the present government would like to put me in jail," the elder statesman said, "but they cannot find an excuse." "They still couldn't prove that I've stolen any money simply because I didn't steal any money. And they couldn't get at me, so they went for my children." When asked if he was worried about going to prison at his ripe age, Mahathir concedes he is, but, ever the politician, he pivots: "my worry is mainly about my own people, my own race." "I am a Malay," he added, "This is my country. I work for my country, not for myself." "What happens to me doesn't matter", he said. "I know I'm going to die soon." "But what I can do while I'm still alive, I will do." As Mahathir nears his 100th birthday next month, he remains as active and outspoken as ever. So how does a man who received his country's highest honour - the title of Tun - and was once named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people have to say about his legacy? 'I don't care about that,' he said with a smile. 'I don't want my name to be remembered by people they can forget about me.' 'I'm just passing through.' Any regrets? Many, he admits - chief among them, stepping down in 2003 after his first term. 'I thought young people would take over and continue the policies,' he said. 'But the moment I stepped down, they changed them. The country, once known as an Asian tiger, has now become a kleptocracy.' Mahathir Mohamad turns 100 on July 10.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Govt paid RM486k for Dr M's official visit to Japan
MELAKA: The government bore almost half a million ringgit in costs for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said the government had allocated approximately RM486,000 for the visit after receiving a formal application from Dr Mahathir. "There are existing provisions for former prime ministers to apply for government support for official travel, and if the sitting prime minister approves, the government will bear the cost, including for Tun Mahathir, who recently requested to attend the Nikkei conference in Japan. He applied, and I approved it. I believe the delegation comprised around seven people. "People ask me why we paid for him. He is entitled to apply, but the decision lies with the sitting prime minister. I decided to approve the RM486,000 for him to go to Japan. "I just don't want anyone to misunderstand. I don't want to take a negative attitude. Despite his daily criticisms of the government, we still approved his travel application," Anwar told reporters here today. On May 30, Dr Mahathir was reported to have attended and delivered a speech at the annual Nikkei Future of Asia conference, a platform he has attended regularly over the years. In a separate development, Anwar said he was giving time to two cabinet ministers who recently submitted resignation letters, encouraging them to reconsider their decisions. The prime minister said he had received letters from the two ministers applying for leave and resignation, but had only approved their leave for now. "Let them think about it. Personally, I would prefer that they rejoin the cabinet," he said. The ministers in question, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, reportedly submitted their resignations following defeats in recent party elections. Anwar was speaking after attending an organisational empowerment seminar and a closed-door meeting with PKR leaders here today. Also present were PKR vice-presidents Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, secretary-general Senator Fuziah Salleh, Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek, Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. During the seminar, Anwar urged PKR members to heal internal rifts and put aside dissatisfaction following the party polls last month. He also emphasised the need for unity and maturity for the party's greater mission. "Imagine this, I can work with Umno, even hugging it out. Surely, we can move past our internal disagreements too. Let's move on for the bigger agenda," he added.
Malaysiakini
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Malays need larger table, not big umbrella
COMMENT | Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, you've once again reminded us that Malays must unite under a 'big umbrella.' That they are weak, their future hangs on the hinges of political protection and communal shelter. It's a familiar script, one you've authored for decades. But Mahathir, respectfully, times have changed and so have the people. Let me tell you a different story. A real one. It didn't happen in a marble-floored ministry office or at a political rally. It took place in a regular schoolyard during recess. Two girls - one Malay-Muslim, another Tamil-Hindu - sat side by side. One packet of nasi lemak between them, unwrapped and shared. They ate with their fingers, through mouthfuls of rice and sambal. There were no speeches, no policies, no slogans. Just...
Malaysiakini
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Malays need larger table, not big umbrella
COMMENT | Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, you've once again reminded us that Malays must unite under a 'big umbrella.' That they are weak, their future hangs on the hinges of political protection and communal shelter. It's a familiar script, one you've authored for decades. But Mahathir, respectfully, times have changed and so have the people. Let me tell you a different story. A real one. It didn't happen in a marble-floored ministry office or at a political rally. It took place in a regular schoolyard during recess. Two girls - one Malay-Muslim, another Tamil-Hindu - sat side by side. One packet of nasi lemak between them, unwrapped and shared. They ate with their fingers, through mouthfuls of rice and sambal. There were no speeches, no policies, no slogans. Just...
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Claim that Malay language is under threat merely political rhetoric, say analysts
EXPERTS have described the allegation that the Malay language is being sidelined under the MADANI Government as unfounded and contradictory to the administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen the national language's status. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi views the MADANI Government as more progressive and consistent in promoting Malay as the primary medium of administration and national discourse, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. 'The claim that the Malay language is losing its role is merely a political strategy,' he said, commenting on a statement made yesterday by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who alleged that the Malay language and the position of the Malays are facing mounting threats under the current government. According to Awang Azman, the statement is also inconsistent with Dr Mahathir's administrative history, notably when he introduced the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy in 2003. 'The policy provoked an intense backlash, as many parties, including the Movement to Abolish PPSMI, criticised it for diminishing the Malay language as a medium of knowledge and education,' he said. Awang Azman stated that calls to unite the Malays must be accompanied by concrete actions that are consistent with the principles of justice, inclusivity and respect for Malaysia's cultural and linguistic diversity. Echoing this view, National Professors Council Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan pointed out that this is not the first time Dr Mahathir has used the 'Malay issue' to advance his political objectives. 'There is no such thing as the Malay language being under threat. It is only a small minority who view Malay as unintellectual, but in reality, it is they who lack intelligence. 'The current situation is much more stable compared to when the ICERD issue (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) and the recognition of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court arose in 2018 duringDr Mahathir's administration, which at that time sparked concern among the Malay community,' he said. Meanwhile, a lecturer at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Law, International Islamic University Malaysia, Associate Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz, emphasised that the rights of the Malays, including the status of the Malay language as the official language, are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. 'The King and the ruling government are responsible for implementing the relevant provisions. If anyone claims that the government is failing to uphold these provisions, they must present clear evidence. 'This issue concerning the rights of the Malays has long been used as a political argument by various parties, but its status remains steadfastly protected within the framework of the Constitution,' he said. Shamrahayu stressed that every government is responsible for ensuring the ongoing fulfilment of Malay rights, adding that any neglect of these provisions contradicts the spirit of the Constitution. ‒ June 6, 2025 Main image: Tech Wire Asia
