At the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, a crowd gathered eagerly to see Mahathir Mohamad, 99, who has served as Malaysia's prime minister longer than anyone in the country’s history. First in office from 1981 to 1999, Mahathir transformed Malaysia from a nation dependent on tin and rubber into a tech-heavy economy. Returning to power in 2018 at the age of 92, he set the record as the oldest prime minister in the world.
However, his legacy is mixed. While some praise his economic policies, many criticize him for authoritarian tactics against political rivals, particularly Anwar Ibrahim, the current prime minister. Furthermore, his comments on race and Jews have sparked significant backlash, making him a deeply polarizing figure in the region. In a recent interview, Mahathir reflected on his life, acknowledging both his achievements and the controversies that define his legacy.
However, his legacy is mixed. While some praise his economic policies, many criticize him for authoritarian tactics against political rivals, particularly Anwar Ibrahim, the current prime minister. Furthermore, his comments on race and Jews have sparked significant backlash, making him a deeply polarizing figure in the region. In a recent interview, Mahathir reflected on his life, acknowledging both his achievements and the controversies that define his legacy.
