Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad turns 100

Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have extended birthday wishes to former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who turns 100 today. The former two-time Malaysian Prime Minister has officially become a centenarian. Born on 10 July 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir remains a pivotal figure in Malaysian politics. He served as Malaysia’s prime minister for a total of 24 years across two non-consecutive terms — from 1981 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2020. During his 22-year tenure as the country’s fourth prime minister, he introduced several key initiatives, including the Look East Policy, which promoted education and business ties with countries such as Japan and South Korea. He was also responsible for launching the country’s first national car, the Proton. Mahathir oversaw the development of several iconic infrastructure projects, including the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the creation of Putrajaya as the nation’s administrative capital. He now serves as an adviser to the PAS-led state governments of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis, and remains a polarising figure in Malaysian politics, according to Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

Lee Hsien Loong Extends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes

In a Facebook post on Thursday (10 July), Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong extended his well wishes to both Mahathir and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who will turn 99 soon. “Wishing Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad a happy 100th birthday today. Also warmest wishes to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah for her upcoming 99th birthday. May they be blessed with good health and happiness for many years to come.” Lee described Mahathir as “a seminal leader who shaped Malaysia into what it is today – a modern, globally connected, and successful country.” He added that Mahathir had also played a key role in championing ASEAN unity, recognising the importance of regional cooperation in preserving independence and fostering prosperity. He also acknowledged Tun Dr Siti Hasmah’s contributions, noting her advocacy in social and health-related causes, including maternal and children’s healthcare and literacy. Lee noted that Singapore and Malaysia have long shared a deep and multifaceted relationship. While the two countries have not always seen eye to eye on every issue, they have consistently worked together to overcome differences and find common ground. He added that both he and his predecessors valued the opportunity to work closely with Mahathir, and that significant progress was made on many matters during their respective terms as prime minister — progress which he expects their successors will continue to build upon. He ended his post in Malay, “Selamat Hari Lahir Tun dan Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. Semoga panjang umur, terus sihat dan ceria selalu serta dikurnia kasih sayang bersama keluarga dan insan-insan yang dikasihi.”

Prime Minister Anwar Extends Warm Wishes

Malaysia’s current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed his congratulations in a heartfelt message on social media. “Happy 100th birthday to Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. Azizah and I sincerely pray that Tun will continue to be blessed with well-being, peace of mind, and physical strength to live a meaningful life,” he wrote in a Facebook post on 10 July. Anwar added that Mahathir’s healthy lifestyle and lifelong service to the nation serve as an example for a country that is ageing but still full of hope. “May Allah SWT continue to bless Tun, God willing.”