At 100 years old as of July 10, 2025, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad remains one of Malaysia's most polarizing and impactful figures. Known as the "Father of Modernization," his decades-long career has shaped Malaysia's economy, politics, and international standing, blending visionary leadership with authoritarian tendencies. From transforming a resource-dependent nation into an industrial powerhouse to his recent criticisms of global policies, Mahathir's power stems from political longevity, while his wealth—often shrouded in controversy—ties to family businesses and alleged proxies. His influence persists, even after electoral defeats, making him a perennial force in Malaysian affairs.
Political Power: A Career of Ascendancy and Reinvention
Mahathir's political journey spans over seven decades, marked by resilience and adaptability. Born on July 10, 1925, in Alor Setar, Kedah, he entered politics in the 1940s, protesting colonial policies. He joined the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and won his first parliamentary seat in 1964 for Kota Setar Selatan. Expelled from UMNO in 1969 after criticizing Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in his book *The Malay Dilemma*, he rejoined in 1972 under Tun Abdul Razak.
Rising swiftly, Mahathir held key ministerial roles: Minister of Education (1974–1978), Deputy Prime Minister (1976–1981), Minister of Trade and Industry (1978–1981), Minister of Defence (1981–1986), Minister of Home Affairs (1986–1999), and Minister of Finance (1998–1999, 2001–2003). His pinnacle came as Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister from July 16, 1981, to October 31, 2003—the longest-serving in history at 22 years. He returned dramatically as the seventh Prime Minister from May 10, 2018, to March 1, 2020, at age 92, becoming the world's oldest serving leader.
Post-2020, Mahathir founded the Homeland Fighter's Party (PEJUANG) in August 2020 and joined Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (PUTRA) in February 2023, aligning with the Perikatan Nasional coalition. He lost his Langkawi seat in the 2022 general election—his first defeat in 53 years—but continues advising state governments.
His power was often exercised through bold policies: implementing Bumiputera affirmative action, privatizing state enterprises, and navigating the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis with capital controls, defying IMF advice. Critics highlight authoritarianism, including the 1987 Operation Lalang arrests and the 1988 constitutional crisis that curbed judicial independence.
Wealth: Family Empires and Speculative Fortunes
Mahathir's personal wealth is opaque, with no official disclosures, but estimates vary wildly from $40 billion to $100 billion, often cited in lists of richest world leaders. Sources like Microsoft's MSN ranked him sixth richest in 2025 with $45 billion, allegedly amassed through proxies like Tun Daim Zainuddin. These figures are contested, potentially inflated by critics, and tied to Malaysia's oil wealth during his tenure.
Before politics, Mahathir practiced medicine, opening Maha Klinik in 1957—the first Malay-owned private clinic. He ventured into property development, tin mining, a petrol station franchise, and a printing shop. In 2006, he co-founded The Loaf bakery chain, expanding to 12 outlets.
The spotlight falls on his family. Sons Mirzan and Mokhzani declared combined assets exceeding RM1.2 billion (about $270 million) in January 2025 amid a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Mokhzani's assets: RM1 billion; Mirzan's: RM246 million. The Mahathir clan reportedly controls 591 companies worth $60 billion (RM250 billion), spanning energy, shipping, and finance. Mokhzani, a Forbes-listed billionaire (14th richest Malaysian in 2020), heads Kencana Petroleum; Mirzan leads Crescent Capital. Controversies include allegations of cronyism during Mahathir's privatization era, with sons benefiting from government contracts.
Mahathir denies personal enrichment, claiming he receives no remuneration from advisory roles at Proton, Perdana Leadership Foundation, or Petronas. Government perks under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act cover his expenses, including security and travel.
Influence: Domestic Legacy and Global Voice
Mahathir's influence is monumental, earning him accolades like Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2019. Domestically, he modernized Malaysia through infrastructure like the North–South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and Proton car manufacturing, boosting GDP and attracting foreign investment. His "Look East" policy emulated Japan and Korea, while Bumiputera policies aimed at Malay economic upliftment—though criticized for fostering inequality.
Globally, he championed developing nations, serving as Non-Aligned Movement Secretary-General in 2003 and advocating in ASEAN, OIC, and against Western imperialism. He supported Bosnia in the 1990s, strengthened China ties via Belt and Road renegotiations, and critiqued US policies, including Trump's tariffs in May 2025. His anti-war initiatives include the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission.
Even at 100, Mahathir influences politics: Advising Perikatan Nasional governments in 2023 and commenting on issues like the Putra Heights pipeline fire in April 2025. His legacy is mixed—economic success versus authoritarianism and racial rhetoric.
Recent Developments: Active at a Century
In 2025, Mahathir celebrated his centennial with tributes from leaders like Anwar Ibrahim and Lee Hsien Loong. He faced a hacked X account in February promoting crypto and was hospitalized briefly in July after his birthday. Amid family probes, he remains vocal, reflecting on his legacy in interviews and continuing to shape discourse on Malaysia's future. As one analyst notes, "Mahathir is still a factor in Malaysian politics."
