Mahathir Mohamad is a legendary figure in Malaysian politics. He was born on July 10, 1925 in the then malarious northern state of Kedah. No one matches him for acerbic wit coupled with deep perception and sharp intellect. At that incredible century mark, he’s more than ever before a leading voice in our foreign policy and worldwide discourse. As Malaysia’s longest-serving leader, with a combined total of 24 years in power, Mahathir’s impact on the nation’s political landscape is profound. He is perhaps most famous for his militant advocacy of the Palestinian struggle. He is unabashed in his denunciation of Western policies, especially those originating in the United States.
Despite being 98 years old, Mahathir isn’t going anywhere — still vibrant, he continues to enter the political fray and speak publicly. He grabbed headlines a few weeks ago when he called the war in Gaza a genocide. His comments on the war crimes being perpetrated against Palestinians strike a personal chord, underscoring his decades-long dedication to the field of human rights. Mahathir’s journey from a medical doctor to the world’s oldest leader at 92 is nothing short of extraordinary and has sparked discussions about age, leadership, and resilience.
A Remarkable Journey
Mahathir’s political career has had several significant starting and end points. He first held the position of prime minister from 1981 to 2003. Throughout his leadership, he turned Malaysia from a sleepy backwater into one of the world’s fastest growing economies. After stepping down, Hizzoner would enjoy perhaps the most surprising political comeback in recent history, returning to office in 2018 at the age of 92. As leader of the opposition coalition, he unseated Barisan Nasional’s long rule over Malaysia in 2018. This surprise win brought him back to the premiership and awarded him the title of the planet’s oldest leader.
His re-election was further evidence of his political invincibility. Most importantly, it revealed the remarkable political genius underneath the Paterson surface. Mahathir resonates with the electorate naturally, especially given his advanced age. His deftness demonstrates his expertise and adeptness to maneuver through Malaysia’s highly complicated political environment.
“The main thing is that I work all the time. I don’t rest myself,” – Mahathir Mohamad
Perhaps the reason for his long life and vigor is that up until the very end, he lived an active life. In particular, Mahathir pushes the idea of keeping yourself physically active as well as intellectually active as means to help extend one’s years.
“I am always using my mind and body. Keep your mind and body active, then you live longer,” – Mahathir Mohamad
Advocacy for Palestine
Over the years, Mahathir has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians’ rights. His latest statements on the ongoing slaughter in Gaza are indicative of his decades-long devotion to this struggle. He described the ongoing atrocities as a genocide. It reflects the horrors that have previously been inflicted on similar communities, most recently Muslims throughout the Bosnia conflict and Jews during the Holocaust. His perspective is shaped by a belief that those who have experienced suffering should empathize with others undergoing similar hardships.
“Gaza is terrible. They killed pregnant mothers… babies just born, young people, boys and girls, men and women, the sick and the poor… How can this be forgotten?” – Mahathir Mohamad
He said he didn’t know how Israel, which had been subjected to genocide, could do to Palestinians what it suffered. He fears the murder of close to 66,000 Palestinians will indeed define them in history’s eyes. Yet his assertion reminds us that we should no longer look at such tragic occurrences as simply unavoidable.
“It will not be forgotten for maybe centuries,” – Mahathir Mohamad
As he has done for years, Mahathir’s perspective fights against the established narrative and centers the conversation on the historical roots of the conflict. His fervent call to action is a rallying cry for all who, like him, care deeply about the fate of our human rights.
Critique of Western Policies
Mahathir, for his part, is known for his vigorous advocacy of Palestine. Chief among his concerns is a critique of Western hegemony, with an acute focus on the United States. His primary argument is that America’s global influence is in serious decline and that countries such as China are quickly making up the difference.
“It will take China 10 years to catch up with America. After that, China will overtake America,” – Mahathir Mohamad
He was convinced that China is a huge market, and they were smart about doing business. These strengths make China an ever more powerful player on the world stage.
“China by itself is bigger than Europe and America. It’s a huge market. It is quite rich. And Chinese people are very smart in business,” – Mahathir Mohamad
Mahathir’s comments touch on some very fundamental fears regarding the balance of power in the world, and where our collective international relationships are headed.
