Profile
Mahathir Mohamad: The Architect of Modern Malaysia
Two-time Prime Minister of Malaysia, born in Alor Setar on 10 July 1925
Mahathir Mohamad was born on 10 July 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah. He trained as a doctor in Singapore and ran his own medical practice before entering politics.
He became Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1981 and served for 22 years. His government oversaw fast economic growth, the Petronas Towers and the new administrative capital Putrajaya.
After retiring in 2003 he became a critic of his successors. In 2018 he returned as prime minister with an opposition alliance, serving until 2020.
Career highlights
- 1925Born in Alor Setar, Malaysia
- 1953Qualifies as a doctor: in Singapore
- 1964Elected to parliament
- 1981Becomes prime minister
- 1996Petronas Towers completed: then the world's tallest buildings
- 1997Asian financial crisis: rejects IMF-style reforms
- 2003Retires: after 22 years in office
- 2018Returns as prime minister: aged 92
- 2020Leaves office: after his coalition collapses
Did you know?He trained in medicine at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore and practised as a doctor in his hometown.
