KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today extended birthday wishes to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his 100th birthday, describing the former prime minister as a figure of discipline, service, and national significance.
“Happy 100th birthday to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.
“Azizah and I sincerely pray that Tun continues to be blessed with well-being, peace of mind and strength to live life meaningfully.”
He praised Mahathir’s healthy lifestyle and continued service, calling them an example for a nation growing older but still aspiring for more.
“May Allah continue to bless Tun, Insya-Allah,” he added.
Born on July 10, 1925, in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir is Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister and the first to reach the milestone age of 100.
He served from 1981 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020 – making him both the fourth and seventh prime minister, and the oldest head of government in the world when reappointed at 92.
In a TikTok video posted to mark his centenary, Mahathir said there was no secret to his health, only a habit of staying physically and mentally active.
“I avoid oversleeping and keep thinking – reading, writing, debating – to keep the brain sharp,” he said.
“If we sleep too much and stop moving, the body and mind weaken.”
Mahathir’s political journey began in Umno, which he joined shortly after its founding. He rose through the ranks to become a dominant figure in the party and government, shaping national policy for decades.
During his first tenure as prime minister, Mahathir drove Malaysia’s transformation through industrialisation, mega infrastructure projects and the Vision 2020 blueprint. He promoted privatisation and economic reform, while also enforcing pro-Bumiputera policies.
His political career was also marked by controversy – none more so than his dramatic fallout with then-deputy Anwar in 1998, during the Asian Financial Crisis. Anwar’s dismissal and subsequent imprisonment on charges widely seen as politically motivated triggered a nationwide “reformasi” movement.
The two men later reconciled politically ahead of the 2018 general election, uniting under Pakatan Harapan to unseat the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government. Mahathir returned as prime minister for a second time, with Anwar as his designated successor – though the transition never materialised before the government collapsed in early 2020.
Despite their long and complicated history, Anwar’s public message today underscores the significance of Mahathir’s centennial as a national moment.
Mahathir remains one of Malaysia’s most influential political figures, credited with shaping the country’s modern landscape while also drawing criticism for his centralised style of leadership. Even in retirement, he continues to speak out on governance, policy, and Malay rights. – July 10, 2025