A Doctor in the House

1. From Humble Roots to National Leadership: An Unlikely Ascent

Until the moment I stood before the King waiting to be sworn in, I remained a highly unlikely candidate to attain the highest office in the country.

Breaking the Mold. Mahathir Mohamad's rise to Prime Minister of Malaysia defied expectations. Unlike his predecessors, who hailed from the Malay ruling elite and were trained as lawyers in London, Mahathir was a commoner, the son of a schoolteacher, and a medical doctor from the University of Malaya in Singapore. His ascent challenged the feudalistic norms of Malay society and paved the way for ordinary individuals to aspire to the highest office.

Overcoming Obstacles. Mahathir's path was fraught with challenges. He was expelled from UMNO in 1969 for criticizing the then-Prime Minister, and his troublesome record should have precluded him from holding senior posts. However, Tun Abdul Razak, recognizing his potential, smoothed his way up by making him a full Minister after he won a seat in the 1974 General Election.

Fate and Determination. Despite facing opposition from powerful party members and enduring the arrest of close friends and political secretaries on allegations of communist sympathies and espionage, Mahathir's determination and the support of key figures like Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn propelled him to the top. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a touch of fate in achieving leadership.

2. Family Values: The Foundation of a Statesman

Between my father’s emphasis on education and my mother’s insistence on knowing my religion, I became enthusiastic about acquiring knowledge and reading all kinds of books.

Education and Faith. Mahathir's upbringing instilled in him a deep reverence for learning and knowledge. His father, a schoolteacher, defied societal norms to pursue education, while his mother emphasized the importance of Islamic teachings. This combination of intellectual curiosity and strong moral grounding shaped his character and guided his actions throughout his life.

Modesty and Hard Work. His mother taught him the values of tolerance, respect, and the importance of earning one's way in life. She instilled in him the belief that one must work for what one desires, fostering a sense of self-reliance and a strong work ethic. These values served him well during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister.

Family as a Cornerstone. Observing his parents' close relationship and the importance of the extended family taught Mahathir to value the concept of family. He strived to create a harmonious and supportive family environment, emphasizing the importance of mutual regard, good humor, and compromise. He also recognized the challenges of balancing family ties with the demands of high office, setting clear boundaries to prevent abuse of power and maintain integrity.

3. Embracing Malay Identity: A Complex Tapestry of Heritage and Progress

I am a Malay and am proud of it.

Defining Malayness. Mahathir's exploration of his ethnic origins reveals the complexities of identity in a multiracial society. While acknowledging his South Asian ancestry, he asserts his Malay identity, emphasizing that "Malayness" is a legal construct defined by language, customs, and religion. This definition, he argues, was meant to deflect racism by placing all Malays on an equal footing, regardless of their ethnic heritage.

Challenging Stereotypes. He confronts stereotypes associated with different races in Malaysia, including the perception of Malays as lazy and lacking intellectual capacity. He sought to prove otherwise, demonstrating that Malays are capable of thinking, progressing, and leading.

Malay Contributions. He highlights the Malays' unique aptitude for social harmony and public administration, which has been the basis of Malaysia's success. He also acknowledges the instrumental role of Malays in making Malaysia what it is today because of their good and generous character.

4. Historical Context: Understanding the Malay Journey

To understand the Malays we need first to examine their origins and the journey they have taken to reach where they are today.

Origins and Influences. The Malays, believed to have originated from southern China, migrated to the Malay Peninsula and the archipelago, developing a complex civilization influenced by Indian Hindu-Buddhist cultures. The arrival of Islam introduced changes, emphasizing equality before God while maintaining the existing social order.

Trade and Administration. The Malay states flourished through trade, strategically located on sea routes between East and West. The Rulers of these port cities demonstrated administrative and negotiating skills, attracting traders through security, efficiency, and fairness.

The Rise of Malacca. The founding of Malacca in the 15th century marked a new era of Malay entrepôt ports. The Rulers of Malacca built a sound administration, providing laws for both land and sea, and managing the city's affairs through high-ranking officers.

5. Colonialism's Legacy: From Anglophile to Advocate

It was only when we began the struggle against the British proposal to create the Malayan Union that I realised the full extent of our colonisers’ shrewdness and skill.

Early Admiration. Growing up, Mahathir admired the British and their empire, even contributing to the Malaya Patriotic Fund during World War II. He saw British characters as disciplined and brave, emulating their values.

Shifting Perspective. The British proposal to create the Malayan Union in 1946 triggered a change in Mahathir's perspective. He realized the extent of the colonizers' shrewdness and skill, as well as the duplicity inherent in their agreements with the Malay Rulers.

Malay Nationalism. The Malayan Union proposal sparked Malay nationalism, leading to the formation of UMNO and a determination to protect Malay rights and interests. This marked the beginning of Mahathir's journey from Anglophile to advocate for Malay self-determination.

6. Navigating the Emergency: A Time of Crisis and Transformation

By the time the Pacific War began, the various Southeast Asian natives (or ethnic Malays) had been sidelined and had become the poorest people in their own countries.

Japanese Occupation. The Japanese invasion of Malaya shattered Mahathir's perceptions of British invincibility. He witnessed the defeat of the Orang Putih and the subsequent hardships faced by the local population.

Post-War Disillusionment. The British proposal for the Malayan Union further fueled his disillusionment, as it threatened to dispossess the Malays of their land and grant equal citizenship to immigrants. This led him to question the motives and actions of the colonizers.

Malay Identity. The war and its aftermath strengthened Mahathir's Malay identity and his determination to champion the rights and interests of his people. He recognized the need for Malays to take their future into their own hands and to resist foreign domination.

7. Building a Nation: From Medical Practice to Political Action

I am well aware that my ethnic origin has been the subject of much animated debate.

Education and Opportunity. Mahathir's own educational journey, from a poor neighborhood to medical college, highlighted the importance of education and opportunity for all Malaysians, especially Malays. He became determined to make education more accessible and to empower Malays to reach their full potential.

Early Political Involvement. As a medical practitioner, Mahathir remained engaged in politics, organizing students and advocating for Malay rights. He recognized the need for a change in the Malay value system and sought to inspire self-improvement and self-reliance.

Entering Parliament. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Mahathir's commitment to his people and his vision for Malaysia led him to enter Parliament. He saw politics as a means to achieve progress and to shape a better future for his country.

8. The Visionary Leader: Charting Malaysia's Course to Development

I became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 16 July 1981.

A Clear Vision. Upon becoming Prime Minister, Mahathir set out to transform Malaysia from an agricultural backwater into an industrialized powerhouse. He recognized the need for pragmatic policies, a change in the Malay value system, and a focus on education and technology.

The Look East Policy. Inspired by the success of Japan and South Korea, Mahathir launched the Look East Policy, encouraging Malaysians to emulate the work ethic, discipline, and technological prowess of these nations. This policy played a crucial role in Malaysia's economic transformation.

Affirmative Action. Mahathir implemented affirmative action policies, such as the New Economic Policy (NEP), to address socioeconomic disparities and to empower Malays and other indigenous people. These policies, while controversial, aimed to create a more equitable society and to ensure the long-term stability of Malaysia.

9. Economic Independence: Privatization and Global Trade

We have expanded our skills so greatly that now Malays drill for and produce oil, build roads and power plants, and manage multinational corporations and industries, including those involved with sophisticated engineering and high technological content all over the world.

Privatization. Mahathir's administration embraced privatization as a means to improve efficiency, attract investment, and reduce the government's financial burden. This policy led to the development of key sectors, such as telecommunications, transportation, and energy.

Global Trade. Recognizing the limitations of the domestic market, Mahathir actively promoted global trade, seeking new markets for Malaysian products and attracting foreign investment. This strategy transformed Malaysia into a major trading nation.

The Malay Acumen. The Malays have been able to administer and develop a multiracial country with an array of inherent problems and challenges. The many races in Malaysia are divided by religion, culture, language and—most important of all—by the disparities in their development and wealth. Yet the Malays have made progress and achieved significant success.

10. The Currency Crisis: Defying the IMF and Charting a New Course

I have learnt the frankness of foreigners and employ it in my dealings with them.

The 1997 Crisis. Malaysia faced a severe currency crisis in 1997, triggered by speculative attacks on the ringgit. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) prescribed austerity measures, but Mahathir rejected this approach, believing it would worsen the situation.

Currency Controls. Defying conventional wisdom, Mahathir implemented currency controls, pegging the ringgit to the US dollar and restricting capital flows. This controversial move stabilized the currency and allowed Malaysia to recover faster than other countries in the region.

Economic Sovereignty. Mahathir's decision to reject the IMF's prescriptions and to implement currency controls demonstrated his commitment to economic sovereignty and his willingness to challenge established norms. This bold move solidified his image as a leader who prioritized the interests of his country above all else.

11. The Anwar Ibrahim Saga: A Tumultuous Chapter

From the moment I became Prime Minister, I ceased to belong to my family.

Rising Star. Anwar Ibrahim's entry into UMNO marked a significant shift in Malaysian politics. His charisma, religious credentials, and international connections made him a valuable asset to the party.

Clash of Ambitions. As Anwar's power and influence grew, tensions arose between him and Mahathir. Their differing views on economic policy, political strategy, and the role of Islam created a rift that ultimately led to Anwar's dismissal.

Political Fallout. Anwar's dismissal triggered a period of political turmoil, with street demonstrations, accusations of conspiracy, and a deep division within UMNO. The events surrounding Anwar's downfall continue to shape Malaysian politics to this day.

12. A Legacy of Progress: Reflections on Leadership and Nation-Building

I worry about the Malays and fear for their future, but that does not change the fact that I am proud to be a Malay.

A Complex Legacy. Mahathir's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is credited with transforming Malaysia into an industrialized nation, promoting economic growth, and raising the country's profile on the world stage.

Controversial Policies. His tenure was also marked by controversial policies, such as the Internal Security Act, the suppression of dissent, and the handling of the Anwar Ibrahim affair. These actions have drawn criticism from human rights advocates and political opponents.

A Lasting Impact. Despite the controversies, Mahathir's impact on Malaysia is undeniable. His vision, determination, and leadership have shaped the country's political, economic, and social landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that will be debated and analyzed for generations to come.

Last updated: March 7, 2025