Mahathir Mohamad

File:Mohamad bin Iskandar.jpg. Mohamad Iskandar was born in 1881 and died in 1961]]

Mahathir was born at his parents' home in a poor neighbourhood at Lorong Kilang Ais, Alor Setar, in the capital of the Malay sultanate of Kedah under a British protectorate, on 10 July 1925.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=8}}{{#tag:ref|Mahathir's birth certificate gives his date of birth as 20 December. He was actually born on 10 July; his biographer Barry Wain explains that 20 December was an "arbitrary" date chosen by Mahathir's father for official purposes.|group=note}} He was the first prime minister that was not born into the aristocracy or a prominent religious or political family.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=5–6}}{{cite news|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30D17F738540C718CDDA80994DB404482|title=New Malaysian Leader's Style Stirs Optimism|last=Perlez|first=Jane|date=2 November 2003|work=New York Times|access-date=12 January 2011}} Mahathir's mother, Wan Tempawan Wan Hanapi, was a Malay from Kedah. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was from Penang of Malay and Indian descent.{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Ida |date=24 August 2024 |title=Dr Mahathir: I'm not ashamed to say I have some Indian blood, but I'm Malay |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/27/dr-mahathir-im-not-ashamed-to-say-i-have-some-indian-blood-but-im-malay/ |access-date=27 August 2024 |work=Malay Mail}} Mahathir's paternal grandfather had come from Kerala, British India but many claim that Mahathir's paternal grandfather had come from Satkania Upazila, Chittagong, British India (present part of Bangladesh).{{Cite news |date=2018-05-10 |script-title=bn:মাহাথির মোহাম্মদের পূর্বপুরুষ বাংলাদেশের |url=https://www.bd-pratidin.com/international-news/2018/05/10/329089 |access-date=2024-12-20 |work=Bangladesh Pratidin |language=bn}}

Mohamad Iskandar was the principal of an English-medium secondary school, whose lower-middle-class status meant his daughters were unable to enrol in a secondary school. Wan Tempawan had only distant relations to members of Kedah's royalty. Both had been married previously. Mahathir was born with six half-siblings and two full-siblings.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=4–5}} His childhood home, with a single shared bedroom and no electricity supply, was later converted to a tourist attraction and opened to the public.{{Cite web |title=Mahathir's Birthplace or 'Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir' |url=https://www.malaysia.travel/en/ay/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/mahathirs-birthplace-or-rumah-kelahiran-mahathir |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728200336/http://www.malaysia.travel/en/ay/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/mahathirs-birthplace-or-rumah-kelahiran-mahathir |archive-date=28 July 2019 |access-date=15 February 2020 |website=Tourism Malaysia}}{{Cite web |last=Alan Teh |first=Leam Seng |date=30 August 2018 |title=GO: Birthplace of Dr. M |url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/jom/2018/08/406327/go-birthplace-dr-m |url-status=live |access-date=20 August 2023 |website=New Straits Times |archive-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805195544/https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/jom/2018/08/406327/go-birthplace-dr-m }} During his childhood, Mahathir enjoyed playing snakes and ladders and demonstrated multiple creative talents, including playing the trumpet, interior decorating, and engaging in crafts and carpentry work.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-11 |title=We Visited Mahathir's Birthplace in Kedah & Found Out Lesser-Known Facts about the Former PM |url=https://gempak.com/rojakdaily/lifestyle/we-visited-mahathirs-birthplace-kedah-found-out-lesserknown-facts-about-former-pm-77798 |access-date= |website=gempak.com |language=en}} He once shared that he was bullied in his youth, recalling how he sold balloons for a small profit but was forced by a stronger peer to use his earnings to buy food for him.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-15 |title=Dr M: I was bullied in school |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/495890 |access-date=|website=Malaysiakini}}

File:Mahathir Mohamad in his schooldays, 1939.jpg

Mahathir began his education at Seberang Perak Malay Boys School, Alor Setar, Kedah in 1930. Mahathir was a hard-working student. Discipline imposed by his father motivated him to study, and he showed little interest in sports. Having become fluent in English well ahead of his primary school peers, including editing the English student newspaper and winning a series of language awards,{{Cite web |date=30 November 2000 |title=The Spokesman: Mahathir Mohamad |url=http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/95/20greats/mahathir.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805165816/http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/95/20greats/mahathir.html |archive-date=5 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |website=Asiaweek}} he won a position in a selective English-medium secondary school Government English School in 1933.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=6–7}} Although he was not a sports fan, Mahathir took up rugby during his school days because he liked the sport and wanted to avoid being lazy and weak.{{Cite web |first1=Esther|last1=Landau|first2=Rohaniza|last2=Idris |date=2018-10-13 |title=Rugby helped me stay in shape, says Dr Mahathir |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/10/420821/rugby-helped-me-stay-shape-says-dr-mahathir |access-date= |website=NST Online }} With schools closed during the Japanese occupation of Malaya in World War II, he started a small business at Pekan Rabu, selling coffee and snacks such as pisang goreng (banana fritters). Even after becoming Prime Minister, Mahathir continued to visit Pekan Rabu whenever he traveled to Alor Setar.{{Cite web |date=1991-03-24 |title=PM never forgets his roots |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/Prominent_Leaders/Mahathir/News_1968-2004/1989-1992/1991/00010117.pdf |website=The Star}}

File:Mahathir Mohamad and Siti Hasmah.jpg (present-day National University of Singapore, resulting after Expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia) in Singapore.|left]]

After the war, Mahathir graduated from secondary school with the highest rank and enrolled to study medicine at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=10–12}} Mahathir studied medicine at what was then called University of Malaya, later renamed University of Singapore.{{Cite journal |last1=Gauhar |first1=Altaf |last2=Mohamad |first2=Mahathir |date=1986 |title=Mahathir Mohamad |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3991559 |journal=Third World Quarterly |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=1–15 |doi=10.1080/01436598608419886 |jstor=3991559 |issn=0143-6597 |access-date=5 August 2023 |archive-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805163814/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3991559 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }} When the university granted him an honorary degree in November 2018, he said "I will always value my stay in Singapore for nearly six years."{{cite news |last=Yusof |first=Amir |date=13 November 2018 |title=NUS confers honorary degree on Malaysia's PM Mahathir |work=Channel NewsAsia |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nus-honorary-degree-mahathir-siti-hasmah-10924728 |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128101543/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nus-honorary-degree-mahathir-siti-hasmah-10924728 |archive-date=28 November 2018}} During his college years, Mahathir developed a passion for driving, often traveling long distances, including from Singapore to his hometown in Alor Setar, in his convertible.{{Cite web |agency=Bernama |date=2019-10-15 |title=Challenges and adversities help to build Dr M's resilience |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/530259/challenges-and-adversities-help-build-dr-ms-resilience |website=NST Online }} In 1947, Mahathir, writing under the pen name 'Che Det' in The Sunday Times, published an article titled Malay Women Make Their Own Freedom, in which he discussed the struggle of Malay women in the post-war period and stated, "It is up to the men and especially the fathers, to realise that they can no longer confine their womenfolk to the kitchen."

File:Mahathir Mohamad appeared in The Straits Times in 1953.jpg reported in 1953 that Mahathir was among the 34 new doctors graduating from the University of Malaya]]

After graduating in 1953 from Universiti Malaya in Singapore, Mahathir began his housemanship at Penang General Hospital.{{Cite web |date=2018-01-14 |title=Dr Mahathir is Langkawi and Langkawi is Dr Mahathir |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/32348 |access-date= |website=www.themalaysianinsight.com }} In 1954, he was sent to Alor Setar General Hospital before being posted to government clinics in Langkawi, Jitra, and Perlis. During his time in Langkawi in 1955, Mahathir was the island's first stationed doctor, witnessing its underdeveloped state—a memory that later influenced his efforts to transform it into a major tourist destination when he became Prime Minister. Reflecting on his early career, Mahathir said he prioritized work over salary, starting with RM400 as a medical officer before a promotion raised it to RM770.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-15 |title=Life's challenges, adversity help build Dr Mahathir's resilience |url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/lifes-challenges-adversity-help-build-dr-mahathirs-resilience |access-date= |website=The Edge Malaysia}} He then resigned to open his private practice, named "Maha Klinik" (Maha Clinic), while his wife worked as a government doctor for 25 years. Maha Klinik was the first privately owned clinic established by a Malay in Malaysia.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-30 |title=M'sian keeps MC issued by ex-PM Mahathir from 1963, clinic still in operation today |url=https://mothership.sg/2021/09/malaysian-keeps-mahathir-mc/ |website=Mothership}}

Mahathir acquired the reputation of being a caring doctor, willing to make house calls at any hour, trudging across rice fields in the dark to treat patients. If they could not afford his fee, they settled by installments or paid what they had. He was the town's first Malay physician and a successful one. He built a large house and employed a Chinese man to chauffeur him in his Pontiac Catalina (most chauffeurs at the time were Malay).{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=11–13}}{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552090-1,00.html|title=Not the Retiring Type|last=Beech|first=Hannah|date=29 October 2006|magazine=Time|access-date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213165611/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552090-1,00.html|archive-date=13 December 2012|url-status=dead}} Mahathir and Siti Hasmah were also involved in welfare and public health activities. He served as President of the Kedah Tuberculosis Association, visiting Indian workers on rubber plantations to treat the disease, while she volunteered in the Kedah Family Planning Association.Barry Wain, Malaysian Maverick (2009): p.14 With the money from his medical practice, Mahathir indulged in his entrepreneurial streak and invested in property development, tin mining, a franchised petrol station, and a shop to do quick printing–sometimes to rescue Malay businessmen in trouble. He helped found the Malay Chamber of Commerce and served as its director.Barry Wain, Malaysian Maverick (2009): p.15-16

After World War II ended and the Japanese withdrew, the British grouped the Malay states and the Straits Settlements into the Malayan Union, and granted citizenship to non-Malays. This caused major backlash from Malays and a wave of Malay nationalism swept across the country. Mahathir became politically activated by these changes, joining protests and activism against the new citizenship policies.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=9}} Mahathir later argued for affirmative action for Malays at medical college. While at college, he contributed to The Straits Times under the pseudonym "C.H.E. Det" and a student journal, in which he fiercely promoted Malay rights, such as calling for the restoration of Malay as an official language.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=11–13}} While practising as a physician in Alor Setar, Mahathir became active in UMNO. His earliest political involvement was in the Kampung Charok Kudong Umno branch, where he made his debut in politics.{{Cite web |date=2004-11-25 |title=Dr M visits branch where he made debut |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1356101/dr-m-visits-branch-where-he-made-debut |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} By the time of the first general election for the independent state of Malaya in 1959, he was the chairman of the party in Kedah.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=19}}

Despite his prominence in UMNO, Mahathir was not a candidate in the 1959 election, ruling himself out following a disagreement with then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Their relationship had been strained since Mahathir had criticised Tunku's agreement to retain British and Commonwealth forces in Malaya after independence. Tunku opposed Mahathir's plans to introduce minimum educational qualifications for UMNO candidates. For Mahathir, this was a significant enough slight to delay his entry into national politics in protest. He contested in the following general election in 1964, and was elected as the federal parliamentarian for the Alor Setar-based seat of Kota Setar Selatan.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=18–19}}

Elected to parliament in a volatile political period, Mahathir, as a backbencher, launched himself into the main conflict of the day: Singapore's future, with its large and economically powerful ethnic Chinese population, as a state of Malaysia.{{Clarify|date=November 2024}} He vociferously attacked Singapore's dominant People's Action Party for being "pro-Chinese" and "anti-Malay" and called its leader, Lee Kuan Yew, "arrogant".{{Clarify|date=November 2024}} Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in Mahathir's first full year in parliament.{{Harvnb|Morais|1982|p=22}} In 1965, Mahathir stated in Parliament that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which grants special rights to Malays, was a source of shame for the community and would eventually be abolished.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-12 |title=Ex-top cop Hanif wrong, Dr Mahathir had criticised Malay rights in 1965, say DAP duo |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ex-top-cop-hanif-wrong-dr-mahathir-had-022643799.html |access-date= |website=Yahoo News }} Despite Mahathir's prominence, he lost his seat in the 1969 election, defeated by Yusof Rawa of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).{{Cite web |date=1969-05-11 |title=5 a.m GERAKAN WINS PENANG: SHOCK DEFEATS FOR SENU, MAHATHIR |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19690511-1.2.2 |website=The Straits Times}}Tan & Vasil, p. 51 Mahathir attributed the loss of his seat to ethnic Chinese voters switching support from UMNO to PAS. Being a Malay-dominated seat, only the two major Malay parties fielded candidates, leaving Chinese voters to choose between the Malay-centric UMNO and the Islamist PAS.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=28}}

Large government losses in the election were followed by the race riots of 13 May 1969. Hundreds of people were killed in clashes between Malays and Chinese. In 1968, Mahathir had expressed concern over escalating racial tensions in two newspaper articles, and feared preventative measures would be needed to avoid violence. Outside parliament, he openly criticised the government, also sending an open dissenting letter to Tunku for failing to uphold Malay interests and calling for his resignation.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=26}} By the end of the year, Mahathir was fired from UMNO's Supreme Council and expelled from the party. Tunku had to be persuaded not to have him arrested.

Expelled from UMNO, Mahathir wrote his first book, The Malay Dilemma, in which he set out his vision for the Malay community. The book argued that a balance had to be achieved between government support for Malays, so that their economic interests would not be dominated by the Chinese, and exposing Malays to sufficient competition. Mahathir saw Malays as typically avoiding hard work and failing to "appreciate the real value of money and property", and hoped this balance would rectify this.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=29–30}} Mahathir criticised Tunku's government in the book, which led to it being banned in Malaysia.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-05 |title=MALAY DILEMMA MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810805-1.2.60.5 |website=The Straits Times}} The ban was only lifted in 1981 under Mahathir's premiership.{{Harvnb|Morais|1982|p=26}}

In 1971, Mahathir announced his plan to rejoin UMNO, stating he would make a formal statement at an appropriate time;{{Cite web |date=1971-11-22 |title=Mahathir to make statement that same year, he also met Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein during a visit to Morib.{{Cite web |date=1981-06-25 |title=Mahathir at turning point in his political career |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810625-1.2.49 |website=New Nation}} Mahathir rejoined UMNO on 7 March 1972.{{Cite web |date=1972-03-08 |title=Mahathir returns to the Umno after 3 '—years— |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720308-1.2.76 |website=The Straits Times}}{{Cite web |last=Arkib |first=Pusat Maklumat dan |date=2021-03-08 |title=Dr. Mahathir sertai semula UMNO |url=https://www.utusan.com.my/lipatan-sejarah/2021/03/dr-mahathir-sertai-semula-umno/ |access-date= |website=Utusan Malaysia |language=ms}} Recognizing his potential and sharp political acumen, Razak appointed Mahathir as a Senator for Kedah in 1973.{{Harvnb|Morais|1982|p=27}} Around the same time, Mahathir also became the chairman of Food Industries of Malaysia (FIMA) Sdn. Bhd.{{Cite web |date=1972-11-29 |title=FIMA appointed Mahathir Mohamad |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digitisation/OCR/OCR4-NAIMAH/1968-1983/1972/00005177.pdf |website=Bernama}}{{Cite web |date=1976-03-06 |title=Mahathir, the Umno rebel who made good |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19760306-1.2.70 |website=The Straits Times}} In January 1973, as chairman of the FIMA, Mahathir visited a government factory in Pekan Nanas.{{Cite web |date=1973-01-25 |title=-Pickets greet Mahathir at first visit to factory |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730125-1.2.126 |website=The Straits Times}} He faced peaceful protests from over 200 workers demanding better working conditions and wage improvements. After Mahathir spoke to the workers and promised to review their grievances, they dispersed peacefully. He remained chairman of FIMA until 1981, when he became Prime Minister and was succeeded by Basir Ismail.{{Cite web |date=1981-09-19 |title=Fima expects M$7m profit this year |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810919-1.2.10.11 |website=The Business Times}}

Mahathir rose quickly in the Abdul Razak government, returning to UMNO's Supreme Council in 1973. He returned to the House of Representatives in the 1974 election, winning the Kedah-based seat of Kubang Pasu unopposed. He was appointed to Cabinet in September 1974 as the Minister for Education.{{Cite web |date=1974-09-06 |title=Mustapha, Mahathir in Razak's new Cabinet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740906-1.2.91.1 |website=The Straits Times}} During his tenure, Mahathir rolled out a new school curriculum for both primary and secondary schools, designed to provide holistic education and cultivate well-rounded individuals.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-17 |title=Dr Mahathir is Malaysia's education minister, Cabinet to be sworn in on May 21 |url=https://www.todayonline.com/dr-mahathir-malaysias-education-minister-cabinet-be-sworn-may-21 |access-date= |website=TODAY }} Around this time, he also ceased his private medical practice.{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Hakim |date=2020-02-27 |title=M Is For Mahathir |url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2020/02/27/m-is-for-mahathir/ |access-date= |website=The Rakyat Post }}

In 1975, Mahathir ran for one of the three vice-presidencies of UMNO. The contest was regarded as a struggle for the party's leadership succession, as the health of Abdul Razak and his deputy, Hussein Onn, waned. Each of Abdul Razak's preferred candidates was elected: former Chief Minister of Melaka, Ghafar Baba; Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a wealthy businessman and member of Kelantan's royal family; and Mahathir. When Razak died the following year, Hussein, as his successor, had to choose between the three men, alongside the Minister of Home Affairs Ghazali Shafie, to be deputy prime minister.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|pp=27–28}}{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=33–34}} Mahathir's rivals had significant political liabilities: Ghazali, having been defeated by others for the vice-presidency, lacked the support of UMNO members; Ghafar had no higher education and was not fluent in English; and Razaleigh was young, inexperienced, and unmarried. Despite their lack of a close relationship, Hussein eventually appointed Mahathir as his deputy.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

File:Suharto and Mahathir Mohamad in Bina Graha, Jakarta.jpg Suharto at Bina Graha, Jakarta, in 1978]]

After six weeks of indecision, Mahathir was appointed deputy prime minister on 5 March 1976.{{Cite web |date=1976-03-06 |title=MAHATHIR SURPRISE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19760306-1.2.3 |website=The Straits Times}} Several political figures praised his appointment, recognizing his proven ability and experience.{{Cite web |date=1976-03-07 |title=Parties support choice of new Cabinet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19760307-1.2.44 |website=The Straits Times}} The appointment meant that Mahathir was the anointed successor to the prime ministership. In October, Mahathir was appointed to lead a cabinet committee to review the Petroleum Development Act.{{Cite web |date=1976-10-28 |title=Mahathir heads team to review Oil Act |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19761028-1.2.41.3 |website=The Straits Times}} To address the growing drug problem, Mahathir launched a nationwide anti-drug campaign in 1978 and announced plans to build a large rehabilitation center on Pisang Island, Johor.{{Cite web |date=1978-04-10 |title=Home for addicts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19780410-1.2.29 |website=New Nation}} He later warned that if the issue was not addressed, drug abuse could lead to the destruction of the nation.{{Cite web |date=1978-06-18 |title=Drug warning |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780618-1.2.80.4 |website=The Straits Times}}

Mahathir is regarded as having been a successful Minister of Education and then Minister of Trade and Industry (1978–81).{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|p=25}}{{Cite web |date=1978-01-01 |title=Dr M made Minister of Trade and Industry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780101-1.2.58.1 |website=The Straits Times}} In the latter post, he implemented a "heavy industries policy", establishing a HICOM, a government-controlled corporation, to invest in the long-term development of manufacturing sectors such as an indigenous car industry.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|p=64}} He spent much of his time in the ministry promoting Malaysia through overseas visits.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=39}} Besides this, as UMNO deputy president, he played a key role in coordinating among the ten component parties of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.{{Cite web |date=1981-05-16 |title=DYNAMIC DISPOSITION |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810516-1.2.19 |website=The Business Times}} In the 1978 general election, Mahathir served as BN's election director for the state of Perak.{{Cite web |date=1978-06-26 |title=Dr. M: A tough poll fight likely |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780626-1.2.3 |website=The Straits Times}}

In September 1978, Mahathir launched the Central Unit of the Federal Industrial Development Authority, a streamlined "one-stop agency" aimed at simplifying the application process for licences, permits, and facilities.{{Cite web |date=1978-09-15 |title=MAHATHIR TO LAUNCH 'ONE-STOP AGENCY' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780915-1.2.73.6 |website=The Straits Times}} Later that month, he led a 31-member trade delegation on a 20-day tour to the United States, aiming to attract American investors by highlighting opportunities in Malaysia, including tax exemptions and other incentives.{{Cite web |date=1978-09-22 |title=Mahathir off to woo US investors |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780922-1.2.67.12 |website=The Straits Times}} In June 1979, Mahathir led a 23-member delegation to Pyongyang to sign Malaysia's first trade agreement with North Korea, aimed at exploring opportunities to increase imports of North Korean products.{{Cite web |date=1979-06-06 |title=Off to sign trade pact |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790606-1.2.90.3 |website=The Straits Times}} During the visit, he also met with North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Il Sung.{{Cite web |last=Ping |first=Hoo Chiew |date=2019-02-28 |title='No positive outcome' |url=https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2019/02/464824/no-positive-outcome |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} In August, Mahathir reported that total approved capital investment in Malaysian companies for 1978 had increased by 38.6 per cent from the previous year, rising from US$441.3 million in 1977 to US$611.4 million; the number of approved projects also increased from 400 to 428, and the number of approved projects for expansion grew from 103 in 1976 and 150 in 1977 to 190 in 1978.{{Cite web |date=1979-08-30 |title=Higher investment |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19790830-1.2.51 |website=The Business Times}} In December, Mahathir launched the Manpower Development Board to improve manpower training and to help make the 1980s a decade of resource-based industries.{{Cite web |date=1979-12-17 |title=Master plan to boost manpower training |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19791217-1.2.60.4 |website=The Straits Times}}

In 1981, facing health issues and advancing age, Hussein Onn decided to step down, paving the way for Mahathir to take over.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=38–40}} In his first speech as UMNO president, Mahathir said that Malaysia and the majority Malays had a bright future, but achieving it required a just, strong, and stable government.{{Cite web |date=1981-06-30 |title=Wide margin |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810630-1.2.111 |website=The Straits Times}} A few days before being sworn in, Mahathir told Bernama that there would be no major changes in Malaysia's policies, particularly in foreign affairs, trade, and education, while also emphasizing Islam's continued prominence as the official religion.{{Cite web |date=1981-07-13 |title=Razaleigh can remain Finance Minister |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810713-1.2.34 |website=The Business Times}}{{Cite web |date=1981-07-13 |title=Razaleigh has been offered Finance job: Mahathir |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810713-1.2.61.2 |website=The Straits Times}}

{{main|First premiership of Mahathir Mohamad}}

{{Further|First Mahathir cabinet|Second Mahathir cabinet|Third Mahathir cabinet|Fourth Mahathir cabinet|Fifth Mahathir cabinet|Sixth Mahathir cabinet}}

File:Mahathir Mohamad and Ronald Reagan.jpg, Mahathir met with President Ronald Reagan, with First Lady Nancy Reagan standing behind Mahathir]]

On 16 July 1981, Mahathir was officially appointed as Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, and was sworn in during a ceremony attended by acting Chief Justice Sultan Azlan Shah and Chief Secretary to the Government Hashim Aman.{{Cite web |last=Babulal |first=Veena |date=2018-07-16 |title=Same date, 37 years apart, Dr M makes history yet again |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/391402/same-date-37-years-apart-dr-m-makes-history-yet-again |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} The swearing-in ceremony, which took 10 minutes, was witnessed by all Cabinet ministers except for Foreign Minister Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Ismail, who was in New York.{{Cite web |date=1981-07-17 |title=Mahathir angkat sumpah PM M'sia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19810717-1.2.12 |website=Berita Harian |language=ms}} He said effective implementation of the economic programme and strengthening of relations with the neighbouring ASEAN countries would be the priority items in his domestic and foreign policies.{{Cite web |date=1981-07-17 |title=Malaysia may relax curbs on investment |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810717-1.2.11.2 |website=The Business Times}} Two days after his appointment, Mahathir announced a cabinet reshuffle, including the appointment of Musa Hitam as Deputy Prime Minister.{{Cite web |date=1981-07-19 |title=Few changes in new Cabinet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810719-1.2.19.2 |website=The Straits Times}}

At his first Cabinet meeting on 23 July, Mahathir announced that the government had chosen the contractor and decided on a concrete girder type design for the long-planned Penang Bridge project.{{Cite web |date=24 July 1981 |title=What Penang Bridge will look like... |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810724-1.2.93 |website=The Straits Times}} Shortly after taking office, he freed 21 political prisoners, including Kassim Ahmad, chairman of the opposition Malaysian People's Socialist Party, and two members of parliament from the Democratic Action Party, while also lifting the ban on his book The Malay Dilemma.{{Cite web |date=1981-07-30 |title=Copyright 1981 Associated Press |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/News-Article/Mahathir/us-news/1981-1985/20.pdf |website=Perdana Leadership Foundation}}

Mahathir implemented a new initiative to promote punctuality in the government by introducing a clock-in system for all ministers and senior officials. The system required even top leaders to "punch" in, setting an example for the rest of the civil service.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-11 |title=Punch cards for ministers too? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810811-1.2.58.8 |website=The Straits Times}} His policy quickly showed results, reducing tardiness among civil servants and easing traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur as workers began their journeys earlier to avoid penalties for being late to government offices.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-24 |title='Clock-in' move begins to pay off |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810824-1.2.133 |website=The Straits Times}} Mahathir later said he introduced the system because he noticed then that some civil servants left the office at 3pm.{{Cite web |date=2002-07-30 |title=PM: Just a few abuse punch card system |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1499819/pm-just-a-few-abuse-punch-card-system |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

Throughout August, he welcomed Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang{{Cite web |date=1981-08-10 |title=ZHAO IN KL |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810810-1.2.39.2 |website=The Straits Times}} and made his first official visits to Indonesia{{Cite web |date=1981-08-14 |title=Talks on Indon workers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810814-1.2.17 |website=New Nation}} and Thailand.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-24 |title=Mahathir to discuss common security interests with Prem |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19810824-1.2.34 |website=The Business Times}} Zhao assured Mahathir that China had made efforts to distance itself from the Communist Party of Malaya, and Mahathir responded that Malaysia would only be fully satisfied if China severed all ties with the CPM.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-11 |title=Zhao: We have tried our best to cut CPM links |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810811-1.2.10 |website=The Straits Times}} On 29 August, The Straits Times commented that in just six weeks, Mahathir had shown he meant business through bold actions and rapid reforms, with his hyperactive movements generating almost daily headlines in the local press.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-29 |title=A premier who means business |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810829-1.2.34.2 |website=The Straits Times}} Meanwhile, Mahathir fell ill with an upset stomach during an open-air rally in Alor Star, and had to cut short his speech;{{Cite web |date=1981-08-23 |title=Mahathir, ill, leaves rally |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19810823-1.2.11 |website=New Nation}} this also prompted him to leave for a two-week vacation in Spain and Portugal with his family starting from September 1, during which Musa Hitam acted as Prime Minister.{{Cite web |date=1981-09-03 |title=Mahathir will miss C'wealth talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810903-1.2.3 |website=The Straits Times}}

In September, during a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Mahathir offered Malaysia's assistance for Iran's development programme, pledged to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to helping resolve the Iran-Iraq conflict.{{Cite web |date=1981-09-19 |title=Mahathir offers help to Iran |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810919-1.2.77.7 |website=The Straits Times}} Meanwhile, Mahathir announced that he would not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Melbourne, citing heavy workload in Malaysia and criticising the Commonwealth for producing "too much talk and very little results.{{Cite web |date=1981-09-16 |title=Mahathir: Why I,m not attending C'wealth talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810916-1.2.3 |website=The Straits Times}} He approved a secretive stock market operation known as the "Dawn Raid" on the London Stock Exchange, enabling Malaysian agency Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) to regain majority control of Guthrie, a major British plantation company.{{cite news |date=9 September 1981 |title=Bringing Guthrie back home |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D65UAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xY8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5584%2C1582790 |access-date= |work=New Straits Times |page=1}}

On 23 October, as Mahathir was nearing his first 100 days as Prime Minister, Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah introduced a budget focused on tax cuts, inflation control, and encouraging savings and tourism.{{Cite web |date=1981-10-24 |title=Razaleigh's new Budget reads like list of 'cuts' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19811024-1.2.14 |website=The Straits Times}} Mahathir believed that the removal of various taxes under the 1982 Budget would stimulate Malaysia's commercial sector and strengthen its tourism industry.{{Cite web |date=1981-10-25 |title=Tax cuts will help private sector: Dr M |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19811025-1.2.17.3 |website=The Straits Times}}

Mahathir launched the 'Bersih, Cekap & Amanah' campaign to improve government efficiency and combat corruption.{{Cite web |title=Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad |url=https://www.perdana.org.my/pms-of-malaysia/tun-dr-mahathir-mohamad/ |website=Perdana Leadership Foundation}} He explained that the concept emphasized administrative integrity, public service responsiveness, and disciplined, hardworking personnel guided by strong ethical values and a commitment to the public good.{{Cite web |date=1982-10-13 |title=PM JELASKAN KONSEP BCA |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/NA/Newspaper/0001/BeritaHarian%5B13Oct1982%5BPMJelaskanKonsepBCA.pdf |website=Berita Harian |language=ms}}

On 31 December 1981, Mahathir oversaw the introduction of Malaysian Standard Time, aligning the country's time zones and aiding regional economic integration.{{Cite web |last=Jayne |first=Tamara |date=2024-02-16 |title=Did You Know: Malaysia Once Had 2 Different Time Zones. Here's Why |url=https://says.com/my/lifestyle/did-you-know-malaysia-once-had-two-time-zones |website=SAYS}}

Mahathir suffered a heart attack in 1989 but chose to undergo treatment locally, later leading to the establishment of the National Heart Institute.{{cite book|last=Cheah|first=Boon Keng|title=Malaysia: the making of a nation|year=2002|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=981-230-154-2|page=219}}{{Cite web |date=2012-11-18 |title=A blessing in disguise: Dr M |url=https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/83236/a-blessing-in-disguise-dr-m/ |access-date= |website=dailyexpress.com.my |language=en}} In 1989, Mahathir oversaw peace talks with the Communist Party of Malaya, resulting in the Hat Yai Agreement that ended the decades-long conflict.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-28 |title=Thomas hits back at Annuar over Chin Peng barb |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/index.php/s/201352#google_vignette |access-date= |website=www.themalaysianinsight.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Arutchelvan |first=S. |date=2019-11-28 |title=Inconsistent stance over Chin Peng and ideologies |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/501582 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}}

In 1997, Mahathir named the Malaysian flag the Jalur Gemilang, or Stripes of Glory (sometimes translated as Stripes of Excellence) on the occasion of the country's 40th independence celebration.{{Cite web |agency=Bernama |date=2021-08-05 |title=Fly the Jalur Gemilang, instill love for the nation |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/715123/fly-jalur-gemilang-instill-love-nation |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}}

Under his leadership, the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Malaysia Plans were successively introduced.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Dr Mahathir — a true giant of history |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2018/05/10/dr-mahathir-a-true-giant-of-history/ |access-date= |website=The Malaysian Reserve |language=en}}

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mahathir implemented major structural reforms aimed at reducing the public sector's role in the economy. When he assumed office, Malaysia faced high budget deficits—peaking at 15% of GDP in 1982—and a federal debt level that reached over 100% of GDP by 1987. In response, Mahathir cut development spending and promoted private sector-led growth. These fiscal adjustments coincided with a recession in 1985, but they laid the groundwork for sustained economic expansion from 1988 to 1996, when GDP growth averaged 9.5% annually.{{Cite web |date=2003-10-16 |title=The economic legacy of Dr M |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4322983/the-economic-legacy-of-dr-m |access-date= |website=Investor's Digest}}

Mahathir launched the "Malaysia Incorporated" concept in 1983, which envisioned the government and private sector working as partners in national development.{{Citation |last=Ali |first=Ahmad Tajuddin |title=Chapter 4. Malaysia's Move Toward a High-Income Economy: Five Decades of Nation Building—A View from Within |work=Breaking the Oil Spell |url=https://www.elibrary.imf.org/display/book/9781513537863/ch005.xml |date=2016-04-15 |publisher=International Monetary Fund |language=en |isbn=978-1-5135-3786-3}} In line with this vision, he trimmed the civil service through the privatisation of government agencies.{{Cite web |last=Augustin |first=Sean |date=2017-04-08 |title=Dr Mahathir: Privatise like I did to reduce civil service |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/04/08/dr-mahathir-privatise-like-i-did-to-reduce-civil-service |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} The policy aimed to reduce the government's role in the economy and to promote private sector growth.{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIA UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MAHATHIR MOHAMAD: TURNED MALAYSIA INTO A RICH COUNTRY |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332352093 |website=PEOPLE International Journal of Social Sciences}} Industries such as telecommunications, utilities, and airlines were privatised, resulting in the establishment of major companies like Telekom Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional, and Malaysia Airlines (MAS). By the time Mahathir stepped down in 2003, the number of civil servants had fallen to below one million. However, during Najib Razak's tenure as prime minister, the civil service grew again relative to the population, which drew criticism.

Mahathir successfully diversified Malaysia's economy from reliance on raw material exports to include manufacturing, services, and tourism.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Malaysia - KADIN |url=https://bsd-kadin.id/download/malaysia/ |access-date= |website=bsd-kadin.id |language=en-US}}

With the expiry of the New Economic Policy in 1990, Mahathir introduced his long-term economic vision for Malaysia. In 1991, he launched Vision 2020, aiming to make Malaysia a fully developed nation by 2020 through sustained growth of around seven percent GDP annually.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=1–3}}{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|p=165}} Vision 2020 was supported by the National Development Policy (NDP), which continued affirmative action while opening some programs to non-Bumiputera groups.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|pp=165–166}} The policy prioritized balanced growth and regional equity.{{Cite web |date=1991-06-17 |title=Malaysia aims for economic development |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1991/06/17/Malaysia-aims-for-economic-development/5658677131200/ |access-date= |website=UPI |language=en}}

Under the NDP, poverty fell below nine percent by 1995, and income inequality narrowed.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|p=74}} Pro-business reforms, including tax cuts and financial liberalization, attracted foreign investment and propelled annual growth above nine percent until 1998.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=104–105}} Malaysia became the world's 17th largest trading nation.{{Cite web |date=2004-05-16 |title=SC pays tribute to Dr M's bold initiatives |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1825175/sc-pays-tribute-to-dr-m-s-bold-initiatives |access-date= |website=New Sunday Times}}

During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Malaysia faced severe economic turmoil as the ringgit lost 35% of its value, foreign reserves dwindled, and the stock market halved. Mahathir refused to accept an IMF bailout, rejecting the austerity measures imposed by global lenders, and instead implemented unorthodox policies including capital controls, a fixed exchange rate, and lower interest rates. Though initially criticized, his measures stabilized the economy, restored investor confidence, and enabled Malaysia to recover rapidly—contracting 7.4% in 1998 but rebounding with 6.1% growth in 1999—while avoiding the social and political upheaval seen in countries like Indonesia and Thailand. Mahathir’s bold defiance of conventional economic wisdom was later vindicated by economists such as Paul Krugman and even acknowledged by the IMF and World Bank.{{Cite news |date=2017-07-07 |title=Mahathir still hates currency traders, 20 years after Asian financial crisis |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-still-hates-currency-traders-20-years-after-asian-financial-crisis |access-date= |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

File:KL VIEW (8522984387).jpg (left) and the Petronas Twin Towers (right), two of the most iconic infrastructure projects initiated during Mahathir's administration]]

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mahathir initiated numerous large-scale infrastructure projects.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-24 |title=3 mega projects Tun Mahathir said yes to |url=https://www.iproperty.com.my/guides/3-mega-projects-tun-mahathir-said-yes-to-17970 |access-date= |website=iproperty.com.my}}

As early as July 1979, when Mahathir was serving as Minister of Trade and Industry, he proposed a feasibility study on the development of a Malaysian-manufactured car, based on the view that heavy industries were important for national economic development.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-29 |title=The Proton Saga |url=https://www.toc.edu.my/automotiveandmotorsports-hub/2017/the-proton-saga |access-date= |website=TOC Automotive College |language=en}} In October 1981, after becoming Prime Minister, Mahathir invited Yohei Mimura, the then President of Mitsubishi Corporation, to consider participating in the project. In January 1983, Mahathir visited Mitsubishi's Okazaki plant, where he was shown two proposed models, codenamed LM41 and LM44, as potential bases for Malaysia's national car initiative.

The national car project was approved in 1982, and Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (Proton) was established on 7 May 1983. The company was placed under the ownership of Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Brian |date=2022-03-10 |title=The History of Proton: Malaysia's First National Carmaker |url=https://www.carsome.my/news/item/the-history-of-proton |access-date= |website=Carsome Malaysia |language=en-US}} By 1985, Mahathir introduced the Proton Saga, the country's first national car.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-31 |title=Mahathir's Proton saga ends |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/336027 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}} The Proton Saga quickly gained popularity in Malaysia and secured a 64% market share within its segment by 1986.{{Cite web |title=History of Proton Cars |url=https://proton.cars/historyofproton/ |access-date= |website=Proton Cars South Africa |language=en}} Following this domestic success, Proton expanded into the European market, beginning with the United Kingdom. In 1988, Proton showcased the Saga at the British International Motor Show, where it received three awards for quality, coachwork, and ergonomics. The model was also recognised as the fastest-selling new car make ever to enter the UK market at the time.

Mahathir significantly developed Langkawi by declaring it a duty-free zone in 1987, boosting trade and tourism. He upgraded infrastructure, including a modern airport, and created the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to ensure dedicated funding. His efforts attracted investment and major events, including the signing of the Langkawi Declaration on Environment at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Mahathir also initiated key events such as Le Tour de Langkawi, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, solidifying Langkawi's status as a key tourism hub.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-04 |title=Mahathir contributions for Langkawi that made his name synonymous with the island |url=https://malaysiaindicator.com/mahathir-contributions-for-langkawi-that-made-his-name-synonymous-with-the-island/ |access-date= |website=Malaysia Indicator |language=en}}

The North–South Expressway (NSE) was revived during the administration of Mahathir in the 1980s.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-20 |title=NSE was built, opened in stages |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/489891/nse-was-built-opened-stages |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} Spanning approximately 847.7 km from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysia–Thailand border to Johor Bahru in the south, it became the longest expressway in Malaysia.{{Cite web |last=Keran |date=2023-05-31 |title=Did You Know Malaysia Has A Time Capsule 5 Years Past Its Scheduled Big Reveal? |url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2023/05/31/did-you-know-malaysia-has-a-time-capsule-5-years-past-its-scheduled-big-reveal/ |access-date= |website=The Rakyat Post |language=en}} The expressway was completed in stages and officially launched by Mahathir on 8 September 1994.

MEASAT (Malaysia East Asia Satellite) was Malaysia's first communications satellite initiative, launched under the leadership of Mahathir in 1993. At the time, the telecommunications sector in Malaysia was heavily dominated by Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), a government-owned entity. To break this monopoly and encourage private sector participation, Mahathir facilitated the establishment of Binariang Sdn Bhd, a privately owned company that was awarded the contract to operate the MEASAT system. Binariang later became known as Maxis. In 1994, Binariang signed a contract with Hughes Space and Communications Company (now Boeing Satellite Systems) to build two satellites. The first, MEASAT-1, was launched in January 1996 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, in a ceremony officiated by Mahathir himself.{{Cite web |last=Ujang |first=Azman |date=2024-12-02 |title=Remembering Ananda Krishnan |url=https://thesun.my/opinion-news/remembering-ananda-krishnan-KH13367863 |access-date= |website=thesun.my |language=en}} It was positioned in geostationary orbit at 91.5° East and enabled direct-to-home broadcasting, expanded telecommunications coverage, and supported the growth of private broadcasters such as Astro. Later that year, MEASAT-2 was launched to supplement the first satellite, offering additional capacity and coverage. Together, MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 played a crucial role in modernizing Malaysia's broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure during the 1990s.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-10 |title=The Sad Story Of MEASAT-1: M'sia's First Comm Satellite |url=https://cilisos.my/measat-1-satellite-malaysia-history/ |access-date= |website=CILISOS |language=en}}

As part of Mahathir's modernization and infrastructure development policies, he supported large-scale projects such as the Petronas Twin Towers, which became a landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Serving as the headquarters of the national oil company, Petronas, the 88-storey towers were designed by architect César Pelli. Construction began in 1993 and was completed in 1996. The towers held the title of the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers globally.{{Cite web |date=2016-09-29 |title=Tun Mahathir's Top 10 Tech Legacies |url=https://soyacincau.com/2016/09/29/tun-mahathirs-top-10-tech-legacies/ |access-date= |website=SoyaCincau |language=en}} The towers were officially opened to the public on 31 August 1999 by Mahathir.{{Cite web |author1=Terence Toh |author2=Hani Diyana|date=2024-08-30 |title=5 fascinating facts as the Petronas Twin Towers turn 25 |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2024/08/31/5-fascinating-facts-as-the-petronas-twin-towers-turn-25 |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} Mahathir maintained an office on the 86th floor of one of the towers.

Additionally, Mahathir supported the development of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The project was launched in 1993 based on the government's assessment—under Mahathir's leadership—that Subang Airport was no longer able to accommodate the increasing volume of air passengers. KLIA officially opened on 27 June 1998. Since its inauguration, the airport has been regarded as a world-class international gateway and has received numerous awards from global institutions, including Skytrax and the International Air Transport Association.{{Cite web |last=Ying |first=Teoh Pei |date=2020-08-15 |title=NST175: Malaysian aviation through the years |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/616768/nst175-malaysian-aviation-through-years# |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} Another notable project was the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower), a telecommunications and broadcasting facility that also became a cultural and tourism landmark.{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://kltower.com.my/ourstory/ |access-date= |website=KL Tower |language=en}} Mahathir officiated the installation of the tower's antenna mast on 13 September 1994, marking its final height of 421 meters, and later presided over its official launch on 1 October 1996.

In the 1980s, Mahathir proposed the establishment of a new federal administrative center to decentralize government functions and ease congestion in Kuala Lumpur.{{Cite web|title=Rentetan peristiwa penting Putrajaya|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1973169/rentetan-peristiwa-penting-putrajaya|website=Berita Harian|date=2000-11-08|language=ms|access-date=}} In 1993, the Cabinet approved the selection of Prang Besar as the development site,{{Cite web|title=Kronologi mengenai Putrajaya dan Kuala Lumpur|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2059540/kronologi-mengenai-putrajaya-dan-kuala-lumpur|website=Berita Harian|date=2001-02-01|language=ms|access-date=}} and the area was later renamed Putrajaya in 1994.{{Cite web|title=Jangan biar 'bandar dalam taman' hanya tinggal tema|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/kolumnis/2019/08/595362/jangan-biar-bandar-dalam-taman-hanya-tinggal-tema#google_vignette|website=Berita Harian|date=2019-08-12|language=ms|access-date=}} Mahathir launched the construction of Putrajaya in 1995, with the project projected to be completed by 2005 at an estimated cost of RM20 billion.{{cite news |title=The shape of things to come: Malaysia's new city |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19951105-1.2.51.2?ST=1&AT=filter&K=putrajaya&KA=putrajaya&DF=&DT=&Display=0&AO=false&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=1995&QT=putrajaya&oref=article |format= |work= |publisher=The Straits Times |page= |date=1995-11-05 |accessdate= |language=en}} He officiated the groundbreaking ceremony on 10 September 1996 and declared Putrajaya a city in 1997. On 21 June 1999, Mahathir began working from his new office in Putrajaya, marking the official move of the Prime Minister's Department.{{Cite web|title=Putrajaya will be a money-spinner: PM|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2862762/putrajaya-will-be-a-money-spinner-pm|website=Business Times|date=1999-06-22|language=en|access-date=}} In 2001, Mahathir announced that Putrajaya would become Malaysia's third Federal Territory, after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.{{Cite web|title=Putrajaya declared country's third Federal Territory|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1546897/putrajaya-declared-country-s-third-federal-territory|website=New Straits Times|date=2001-02-02|language=en|access-date=}} The city was once described by the BBC as "one of the world's greenest cities".{{Cite web |date=2021-09-02 |title=Putrajaya: The capital city you've never heard of |url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210901-putrajaya-the-capital-city-youve-never-heard-of |access-date= |website=www.bbc.com |language=en}}

Mahathir launched the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996 as part of his efforts to transform Malaysia into a knowledge-based economy in line with Vision 2020. He officially announced the project at the Multimedia Asia Conference on 1 August 1996, aiming to develop a high-tech zone stretching from the Petronas Twin Towers to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. To promote the initiative, Mahathir visited the United States in January 1997, where he successfully attracted interest from major IT companies and established an international advisory panel of 30 experts to support the MSC's development.{{Cite web |title=Invest Malaysia - MSC Malaysia |url=https://www.akit.com.my/investmalaysia/jp/MSC.htm |access-date= |website=www.akit.com.my}} Cyberjaya, developed as the first hub of MSC, has since become known as Malaysia's "Silicon Valley" due to its concentration of tech infrastructure, multinational corporations, and higher learning institutions.{{Cite web |title=Intelligent city Cyberjaya rises to become the 'Silicon Valley of Malaysia' |url=https://www.worldfinance.com/wealth-management/real-estate/living-in-cyberjaya-the-silicon-valley-of-malaysia |access-date= |website=www.worldfinance.com |language=en}}

In 2000, Microsoft founder Bill Gates described the MSC in Cyberjaya as the fastest developing IT centre in the world, praising it as one of the most ambitious and committed technology initiatives outside the United States.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-05 |title=Malaysia's 'Silicon Valley' seeks a reboot |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2018/12/05/malaysias-silicon-valley-seeks-a-reboot/ |access-date= |website=The Malaysian Reserve |language=en}} Mahathir also invested heavily in constructing the Bukit Jalil National Stadium and related facilities to host the 1998 Commonwealth Games.{{Cite web |last=Hunter |first=Murray |date=2019-06-06 |title=Malaysia: Another Crisis Looming? |url=https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/malaysia-another-crisis-looming/ |access-date= |website=Geopolitical Monitor |language=en}} The event was widely regarded as a success,{{Cite web |date=1998-09-24 |title=Games success a tribute to all Malaysians |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3787449/games-success-a-tribute-to-all-malaysians |access-date= |website=The Malay Mail}} during which Queen Elizabeth II, who officiated the closing ceremony, remarked that she and Prince Philip were deeply impressed with Malaysia's infrastructure development.{{Cite web |date=1998-09-23 |title=Royal couple impressed with our development |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1105231/royal-couple-impressed-with-our-development |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} Commonwealth Games chairman Michael Fennell also declared during the closing ceremony that "Malaysia promised the best ever Commonwealth Games, and Malaysia delivered".{{Cite web |date=2000-10-11 |title=Kuala Lumpur '98, Sydney 2000 the best ever sporting events |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1569123/kuala-lumpur-98-sydney-2000-the-best-ever-sporting-events |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

In 1981, Mahathir launched the Buy British Last (BBL) policy as a response to the British government's decision to raise tuition fees for foreign students, which disproportionately affected Malaysian scholars in the United Kingdom. At the time, Malaysia had over 17,000 students in the UK, and the removal of subsidies placed a significant financial burden on the government. When Mahathir's appeal for reinstating subsidies was rejected by the Margaret Thatcher administration, Malaysia retaliated by limiting imports from British companies, publicly discouraging British goods and services unless deemed absolutely necessary.{{Cite web |last=Iman |first=Kyle |date=2022-06-03 |title=The petty reason Dr M started the 'Look East' Policy in 1982 |url=https://cilisos.my/dr-m-told-us-to-look-east-in-1982-heres-how-malaysias-love-affair-with-japan-began/ |access-date= |website=CILISOS |language=en}}

The Buy British Last campaign was part of Mahathir's broader vision to reduce Malaysia's reliance on the West and assert greater national autonomy. In line with this approach, he introduced the Look East Policy (LEP) in 1982, which encouraged Malaysians to adopt the work ethic and development model of East Asian nations, particularly Japan and South Korea. The policy involved sending Malaysian students and trainees to Japan for education and industrial training, while also inviting Japanese professionals to contribute to Malaysia's development. Mahathir was deeply impressed by Japan's post-war recovery and industrial discipline, which he saw as a model for Malaysia's own modernization efforts. He also noted in his speech at the 20th Anniversary of the Look East Policy in 2002 that nations had looked to Japan for inspiration even prior to the policy's formal launch, citing the Meiji Restoration and Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War as pivotal moments that encouraged many Asian countries to resist Western colonial domination.{{Cite web |title=MOFA: Look East Policy - The Challenges for Japan in a Globalized World |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/malaysia/pmv0212/speech.html |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |website=www.mofa.go.jp |language=en}} In 2022, during the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy, Mahathir said the policy had been largely successful, noting that over 26,000 Malaysians had been sent to Japan since 1982 and nearly 1,500 Japanese companies were operating in Malaysia, employing more than 400,000 Malaysians.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-18 |title=Dr Mahathir: Malaysia should keep the Look East Policy |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/05/18/dr-mahathir-malaysia-should-keep-the-look-east-policy/ |access-date= |website=The Malaysian Reserve |language=en}}

Upon assuming office as Prime Minister, Mahathir identified drug abuse as the primary public enemy of the nation.{{Cite web |title=The Malaysian Drug Trade {{!}} Chapter 4: The Golden Triangle |url=https://www.rage.com.my/drugtrade/chapter4.html |access-date= |website=Rage |language=en}} Shortly after taking office, he stressed that the misuse and abuse of drugs were socially destructive, and that governments bore a heavy responsibility to prevent drug abuse from harming societies and leading the younger generation into irresponsibility and social deviance.{{Cite web |date=1981-12-12 |title=Mahathir - Guide |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digitisation/OCR/OCR4-NAIMAH/1968-1983/1981/00000281.pdf |website=Bernama}}

Malaysia introduced the death penalty for offences such as murder and drug trafficking in 1975, initially as a discretionary punishment.{{Cite web |last=Su-Lyn |first=Boo |date=2023-04-18 |title=Ramkarpal: Desperately Poor Drug Mules Inspired Malaysia's Repeal Of Mandatory Death Penalty |url=https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/04/ramkarpal-desperately-poor-drug-mules-inspired-malaysias-repeal-of-mandatory-death-penalty/ |access-date= |website=CodeBlue |language=en-US}} During Mahathir's administration, the death penalty for drug trafficking was made mandatory in 1983, reflecting the government's hardline stance against drug-related crimes at the time. The media has described Malaysia as having some of the world's toughest drug laws, including a mandatory death penalty for those convicted of trafficking 15 grams (0.5 oz) or more of heroin or morphine, 1,000 grams (2.2 lbs) of opium, or 400 grams (14 oz) of cannabis.{{Cite web |date=1986-09-22 |title=Malaysia toughens drug laws |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/09/22/Malaysia-toughens-drug-laws/3498527745600/ |access-date= |website=UPI |language=en}}

Under Mahathir's leadership, the government also implemented other anti-drug measures, including strengthening border control and launching large-scale public education campaigns. Anti-drug stories appeared regularly in the newspapers, and public service announcements became a common feature on television. The establishment of the Anti-Narcotics Committee and its executive arm, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, in 1983 was a key part of these efforts. The committee, chaired by the Prime Minister and accountable to the National Security Council, was empowered by legislation passed in 1985, which allowed the government to detain suspected drug syndicate leaders without trial.{{Cite news |last=Schwarz |first=Michael |date=1987-03-22 |title=DEADLY TRAFFIC |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/22/magazine/deadly-traffic.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

According to data from Amnesty International, Malaysian authorities executed over 120 prisoners convicted of capital drug offenses between 1983 and 1992, with at least 39 executions in 1992, the highest annual total ever recorded by Amnesty International in Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=A Brief History of the Death Penalty in Malaysia |url=https://www.amnesty.my/abolish-death-penalty/a-brief-history-of-the-death-penalty-in-malaysia/ |access-date= |website=Amnesty Malaysia |language=en}} Notable cases include the execution of Kevin Barlow and Brian Chambers, two Australian nationals in 1986, who became the first Westerners to be sentenced to death in Malaysia. Last-minute appeals for clemency from Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Amnesty International were unsuccessful, with Hawke condemning the hangings as "barbaric", and Mahathir responding, "You should tell that to the drug traffickers".{{Cite magazine |date=1986-07-21 |title=Malaysia: The Hangman Strikes Again |url=https://time.com/archive/6706651/malaysia-the-hangman-strikes-again/ |access-date= |magazine=TIME |language=en}} In May 1990, eight Hong Kong citizens were hanged in Malaysia, marking the largest mass execution for drug offenses in the country's history.{{Cite web |date=1990-05-29 |title=Eight Hong Kong nationals executed for drug offenses |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/05/29/Eight-Hong-Kong-nationals-executed-for-drug-offenses/4564643953600/ |access-date= |website=UPI |language=en}}

Due to the anti-drug policies, Malaysia's drug-related incidents decreased from 14,624 cases in 1983 to 7,596 cases in 1987, and the number of foreign nationals apprehended for drug trafficking also declined.{{Cite web |author=DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD |date=1988-03-14 |title=THE EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL NARCOTICS CONFERENCE |url=https://www.pmo.gov.my/ucapan/?m=p&p=mahathir&id=1102 |website=Prime Minister's Office}} In 1987, Mahathir was elected as the President of the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,{{Cite journal |date=1987-03-17 |title=Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Elected President of International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3800743 |journal=United Nations Digital Library System |language=en}} where he chaired the plenary session.{{Cite web |date=1987-06-30 |title=Mahathir - Drug |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/Prominent_Leaders/Mahathir/News_1968-2004/1984-1988/1987/00006481.pdf |website=Bernama}} During the discussions on two working papers, one on guidelines for combating the drug menace and the other on the declaration against drugs, 138 nations provided overwhelming support.

{{main|1993 amendments to the Constitution of Malaysia}}

File:Putin in Malaysia - August 5 2003 - 2.jpg Vladimir Putin (left) and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (right) during Putin's official visit to Malaysia in 2003]]

Under Malaysia's federal and state constitutions, the Malay Rulers are bound by Westminster-style conventions, with the King generally expected to act on the advice of the executive. This arrangement had functioned relatively smoothly—until Mahathir became Prime Minister and the federal government began to take action against certain Rulers who flouted the law and lived lavishly at public expense.{{Cite journal |last=Schuldt |first=Lasse |date=2019-05-12 |title=Hello – and Goodbye! How Royal Powerplay aborted Malaysia's ICC Membership |url=https://verfassungsblog.de/hello-and-goodbye-how-royal-powerplay-aborted-malaysias-icc-membership/ |journal=Verfassungsblog |doi=10.17176/20190517-143926-0 |issn=2366-7044}}

In 1983, Mahathir introduced a series of constitutional amendments aimed at limiting the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Among the proposed changes were the imposition of a 30-day limit for the monarch to veto legislation and a restriction on the King's authority to declare a state of emergency. The proposals were met with significant resistance from the Malay rulers, prompting Mahathir's government to launch a public campaign to pressure the monarchy into accepting the changes. Eventually, a compromise was reached, and a revised amendment was passed, restoring the King's right to declare emergencies and allowing up to 60 days to delay legislation, but royal assent was no longer required for the enactment of laws.{{Cite web |last=Anbalagan |first=V. |date=2017-01-17 |title=Mahathir's conflicts with royalty: A history |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/01/17/mahathirs-conflicts-with-royalty-a-history |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}}

In 1993, another constitutional crisis unfolded following an alleged assault by the Sultan of Johor on hockey coach Douglas Gomez. Up until then, the rulers had enjoyed absolute personal immunity from proceedings in any civil or criminal court. On 6 December 1992, Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar Johor hockey coach Douglas Gomez lodged a police report alleging that he was beaten by the then Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail.{{Cite web |date=1992-12-07 |title=Gomez lodges police report |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1032321/gomez-lodges-police-report |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} Responding to the report, Mahathir had said: "The royalty is not above the law. They cannot kill people. They cannot beat people." Four days later, on 10 December, the Dewan Rakyat held a special session and passed a motion to curb the powers of the royalty if necessary. The motion received 96 votes from the 180 lawmakers, including two votes from PAS and DAP. It was the first time a reproach against the monarchy was accepted by the Dewan Rakyat.{{Cite web |date=2017-12-14 |title=Dr Mahathir no stranger to royal tussles |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/27534 |access-date= |website=www.themalaysianinsight.com |language=en}}

The then Deputy Prime Minister Ghafar Baba subsequently moved a bill to amend the Constitution to make the rulers liable to criminal and civil proceedings in ordinary courts. The motion stated that "all necessary action must be taken to ensure that a similar incident" would not recur. Semangat 46, led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, opposed the motion, arguing it would undermine royal authority and Malay privileges.

During this period, page 2 of the government-controlled New Straits Times regularly featured reports exposing royal excesses. Sultan Ismail Petra of Kelantan, for instance, was said to have imported 30 duty-free luxury cars—far exceeding the permitted seven—and once evaded customs officials in a Lamborghini Diablo by claiming he was test-driving it. The paper highlighted the RM200 million cost of maintaining the rulers, including exclusive hospital wards and RM9.3 million spent on new cutlery and bedspreads for the King—enough, it noted, to build two hospitals, 46 rural clinics, or 46 primary schools.{{Cite web |date=1993-01-31 |title=A stick to beat the sultans of swing: Raymond Whitaker reports from |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a-stick-to-beat-the-sultans-of-swing-raymond-whitaker-reports-from-kuala-lumpur-on-a-bitter-power-struggle-between-wayward-royals-and-a-thoroughly-modern-prime-minister-1481790.html |access-date= |website=The Independent |language=en}}

On 19 January 1993, following a two-day special sitting, the Dewan Rakyat overwhelmingly passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 1993 with 133 votes in favour, aiming to remove the legal immunity of the Malay Rulers.{{Cite web |date=1993-01-20 |title=Amendment Bill passed |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/954424/amendment-bill-passed |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} However, the sultans refused to comply, arguing that the constitution clearly prohibited the government from enacting laws affecting them without their consent.{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Charles P. |date=1993-02-02 |title=Regional Outlook : A Battle Royal in Malaysia Turns Nasty : Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed is determined to strip his nation's sultans of their legal immunity. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-02-wr-1047-story.html |access-date= |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en}} In a joint statement condemning Parliament's move, the rulers asserted that they had always played a vital constitutional role—particularly in securing independence, shaping the federal constitution, and preserving Malay unity. In March 1993, a compromise bill was introduced with several key concessions: no civil or criminal action could commence against the royalty in their personal capacity except with the attorney-general's consent under Article 183; rulers were permitted to initiate civil proceedings; all such cases would be tried under a Special Court established under Articles 181(2) and 182; and the Conference of Rulers would nominate two out of five judges to the Special Court under Article 182(1). If convicted, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, rulers, and their consorts could be pardoned by the Conference of Rulers under Article 42(12)(b). These reforms were eventually accepted by a majority of the Conference of Rulers, formalising the Special Court system. The first notable case under the new system occurred in October 2008, when the court ordered the then Negeri Sembilan Sultan to pay US$1 million to a bank in a civil suit.{{Cite web |author=M. MAGESWARI |date=2008-10-15 |title=Negri ruler Tuanku Ja'afar ordered to pay bank US$1m (updated) |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2008/10/15/negri-ruler-tuanku-jaafar-ordered-to-pay-bank-us1m-updated/ |access-date= |website=The Star |language=en}}

Further reforms followed in 1994 when the government amended the constitution to ensure that any law passed by Parliament would automatically become law within 30 days, regardless of whether the King gave assent. These three episodes marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and the executive, with Mahathir consolidating civilian authority over royal prerogatives. His administration was the first to successfully curtail the discretionary powers of the Malay rulers in post-independence Malaysia.

{{main|Military history of Malaysia}}

File:Mahathir Langkawi 1997.jpg 1997. He initiated LIMA in 1991, establishing it as a major defense and aerospace exhibition.]]

Under Mahathir's leadership, Malaysia undertook significant military modernization efforts. As Minister of Defence from 1981 to 1986, he played a key role in shaping the country's defense strategy. His administration oversaw the procurement of advanced military assets, including 18 Russian-made MiG-29N fighter jets and eight American-made F/A-18D Hornets, diversifying Malaysia's defense partnerships beyond traditional suppliers. Malaysia also explored the purchase of submarines, with plans to acquire British Oberon-class submarines in 1988, although the deal was later canceled. Additionally, Mahathir strengthened Malaysia's defense ties with various countries, including Poland, Brazil, India, and Pakistan, expanding the range of military equipment procurement.{{Cite web |last=SALLEH |first=ZAKI |date=2020-07-15 |title=Pertahanan era Mahathir |url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/92204/pertahanan-era-mahathir |access-date= |website=Sinar Harian |language=ms}}

A major structural reform during Mahathir's leadership was the establishment of the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 Briged Para) in 1994 as a Rapid Deployment Force (Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat). Internationally, Malaysia became a key contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, deploying around 18,000 military and police personnel between 1998 and 2003. The country's active participation peaked between 1992 and 1996, with about 2,500 peacekeepers sent to Cambodia, Bosnia, and Somalia. In recognition of Malaysia's commitment, the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre (MPC) was established in Port Dickson in 1996, following an agreement with the UN to provide personnel for peacekeeping missions at any time.

{{main|1997 Indonesian forest fires|1997 Southeast Asian haze|Operation Haze}}

During Mahathir's first tenure as Prime Minister, transboundary haze pollution emerged as a serious regional concern, with severe episodes beginning in the early 1990s and peaking in 1997. The haze, caused primarily by forest fires in Indonesia, posed significant environmental and health risks across Southeast Asia. In response to the 1997 crisis, the Malaysian government declared a state of emergency in Sarawak and several cities in Peninsular Malaysia. Mahathir's administration deployed 2,000 firefighters, the SMART disaster relief team, and Royal Malaysian Air Force units for cloud seeding operations in affected areas. He also established a disaster management committee, introduced policies on disaster and haze control, and reactivated the National Haze Action Plan. Mahathir publicly warned 17 Malaysian plantation companies operating in Indonesia to extinguish fires on their concessions or face repercussions.{{Cite web |last=Ahmad |first=Datuk Dr Ruhanie |date=2019-09-24 |title=Why is Asean not enforcing haze control protocols? |url=https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2019/09/524314/why-asean-not-enforcing-haze-control-protocols |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} On 11 December 1997, Malaysia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly address transboundary haze issues through information exchange, joint training, and public awareness efforts.{{Cite web |date=1997-12-12 |title=Malaysia, Indonesia sign MoU to handle disasters |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1154801/malaysia-indonesia-sign-mou-to-handle-disasters |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} These bilateral efforts contributed to the eventual signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Kuala Lumpur on 10 June 2002.{{Cite web |date=2002-06-11 |title=Asean sign historic agreement to prevent and combat haze |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1499443/asean-sign-historic-agreement-to-prevent-and-combat-haze |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

{{main|1987 United Malays National Organisation leadership election}}

In 1987, Mahathir faced a serious challenge to his leadership when Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah contested the UMNO presidency, supported by former deputy Musa Hitam. Mahathir, backed by most party elites and the media, narrowly retained his position. Razaleigh's faction disputed the outcome, leading to legal battles that resulted in the courts declaring UMNO illegal in 1988.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|pp=40–43}}{{cite news|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB071EFC3A580C748CDDAB0894D0484D81|title=Malay Party Ruled Illegal, Spurring Conflicts|last=Crossette|first=Barbara|date=7 February 1988|work=The New York Times|access-date=5 February 2011|archive-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519220158/https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB071EFC3A580C748CDDAB0894D0484D81&legacy=true&status=nf|url-status=live}} Mahathir quickly formed UMNO Baru, sidelining his rivals who later formed Semangat 46 under Razaleigh.{{Harvnb|Milne & Mauzy|1999|pp=43–44}}

In foreign policy, Mahathir advocated for diversifying Malaysia's international relations by actively exploring non-traditional and lesser-known markets, believing that a trading nation should not rely solely on established partners.{{Cite web |date=1999-08-24 |title=PM: More trade links with small nations will be sought |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2859357/pm-more-trade-links-with-small-nations-will-be-sought |access-date= |website=Business Times}} By 1999, Malaysia's trade with small and weak countries of the South had generated RM90 billion in volume annually since the Government initiated approaches in this direction.{{Cite web |date=1999-08-24 |title='Unwise to ignore small South nations' |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1461545/-unwise-to-ignore-small-south-nations-hl- |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

Mahathir turned to East Asia, promoting the “Look East Policy” and proposing the formation of the East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) to deepen regional economic integration. While initially facing resistance, the idea laid the foundation for the ASEAN Plus Three framework, which was formalised in 1999.{{Cite web |title=AVI PERSPECTIVE ISSUE: 2019, No. 13 {{!}} Malaysia's Foreign Policy under Mahathir's Premiership |url=https://asianvision.org/archives/publications/avi-perspective-issue-2019-no-13 |access-date= |website=Asian Vision institute |language=en}}

Mahathir also pursued broader South–South cooperation, strengthening ties with Muslim-majority countries through platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Developing Eight (D-8). His administration encouraged economic collaboration with these nations, including through the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) using Islamic finance instruments such as mudarabah.

{{main|Malaysia–United States relations}}

Although Mahathir was a strident critic of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure, American investment in Malaysia nevertheless boomed. After becoming Prime Minister, Mahathir declined the American ambassador's suggestion to meet the U.S. president, saying it was not in his plans, and only visited the United States three years later in 1984 while he was in North America.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-21 |title=Mahathir: I didn't tell anyone to pay for George Bush meeting |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/09/21/mahathir-i-didnt-tell-anyone-to-pay-for-george-bush-meeting |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} Mahathir said that his visit aimed to raise awareness of Malaysia among Americans and to encourage greater investment and trade ties with the United States.{{Cite web |date=1984-01-15 |title=Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrived in the United... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/01/15/Malaysian-Prime-Minister-Mahathir-Mohamad-arrived-in-the-United/3649442990800/#google_vignette |access-date= |website=UPI |language=en}} During his first visit, Mahathir received a warm welcome with full presidential honours, including transport by Air Force and Marine One, and met with President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office as well as Vice President George H. W. Bush.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-21 |title=Don't lie about White House treatment, Dr Mahathir tells Najib |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/15470#google_vignette |access-date= |website=www.themalaysianinsight.com |language=en}} He held discussions with Reagan on bilateral relations, global economic recovery, and regional security, with both sides expressing a high degree of agreement and a commitment to strengthening cooperation, especially in trade and economic matters.{{Cite web |date=1984-01-18 |title=Remarks of the President and Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia Following Their Meetings |url=https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/remarks-president-and-prime-minister-mahathir-bin-mohamad-malaysia-following-their |access-date= |website=www.reaganlibrary.gov |language=en}}

Mahathir signed a joint counterterrorism declaration with the U.S. and called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to adopt a unified definition of terrorism. The U.S., while occasionally at odds with Mahathir’s outspoken rhetoric, often prioritized strategic and economic considerations in its dealings with Malaysia. For example, the Clinton administration chose not to penalize Malaysia under the 1996 Helms-Burton Act after its state-owned Petronas signed a US$2 billion deal with Iran, citing American national interests.{{Cite web |date=2003-10-28 |title=Why the west will miss Mahathir |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/432587/why-west-will-miss-mahathir |access-date= |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

{{main|Indonesia–Malaysia relations}}

Mahathir and former Indonesian President Suharto were close friends, frequently visiting each other during their respective tenures as national leaders.{{Cite web |date=2013-05-12 |title=4 Alasan Mahathir sebut Indonesia butuh Soeharto |url=https://www.merdeka.com/peristiwa/4-alasan-mahathir-sebut-indonesia-butuh-soeharto.html |access-date= |website=merdeka.com |language=id}} He made an official visit to Indonesia less than a month after taking office.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-14 |title=Mahathir has talks with Suharto |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810814-1.2.10 |website=The Straits Times}} In a joint communiqué issued after talks with Suharto, both countries urged the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea and called for a political solution in Afghanistan.{{Cite web |date=1981-08-15 |title=All smiles at Jakarta talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810815-1.2.4 |website=The Straits Times}}

During his tenure, Malaysia and Indonesia significantly expanded their bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the sectors of investment and trade. Cooperation was notably strong in the plantation sector, with Malaysian companies investing heavily in palm oil and rubber plantations across Indonesia, including in Riau, Kalimantan, and Irian Jaya.{{Cite web |title=CABARAN KERJASAMA EKONOMI MALAYSIA DAN INDONESIA DALAM PELABURAN DAN PERDAGANGAN ERA TUN MAHATHIR MOHAMAD (1981-2003) |url=http://journalarticle.ukm.my/19904/1/34023-106155-1-SM.pdf |website=UKM Journal Article Repository |language=ms}}

To facilitate and protect bilateral investments, both countries signed several agreements:

• A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement on 22 January 1991, aimed at eliminating the double taxation of income such as business profits, dividends, and royalties, thereby enhancing cross-border trade and investment flows.
• An Investment Guarantee Agreement (IGA) on 22 January 1994, designed to protect investors from non-commercial risks such as expropriation and to ensure the free transfer of profits and capital between the two countries.

Mahathir also played a role in promoting regional subnational economic zones that included Indonesia, such as:

• The Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), proposed in 1993, which focused on economic cooperation between northern Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and southern Thailand.
• The SIJORI Growth Triangle involving Singapore, Johor, and the Riau Islands, which promoted economic integration across complementary sectors.
• The Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), established in 1994, which aimed to develop less-developed territories in Borneo and eastern Indonesia.

In 1997, Mahathir and Suharto jointly proposed the Malacca Strait Bridge, a megaproject intended to physically connect Peninsular Malaysia with Sumatra,{{Cite web |date=1997-06-16 |title=Bridge across Malacca Straits under study |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1183997/bridge-across-malacca-straits-under-study |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} although the plan was never realized.

Despite the strong economic ties, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis posed serious challenges. Many Malaysian firms scaled back or suspended operations in Indonesia, and land disputes emerged as Indonesian workers and locals reclaimed plantation lands previously held by Malaysian companies. However, Mahathir and the Indonesian leadership worked to stabilize and rebuild economic relations in the post-crisis period.

On 28 August 2003, Mahathir met with Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri in Kuching, where they discussed efforts to combat terrorism and address the continued influx of Indonesian undocumented migrants into Malaysia;{{Cite web |date=2003-08-28 |title=Illegal immigrant and terrorism issues to dominate Kuching summit |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1407634/illegal-immigrant-and-terrorism-issues-to-dominate-kuching-summit |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} following the meeting, Mahathir announced that both countries had agreed on a range of strategies to curb the entry of Indonesian illegal immigrants.{{Cite web |date=2003-08-29 |title=Preventing entry of illegals |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1406972/preventing-entry-of-illegals-hl- |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} In the same year that Mahathir was due to retire, during the ASEAN Summit in Bali, Megawati paid tribute to Mahathir ahead of his retirement, describing him as a steadfast friend and influential ASEAN leader;{{Cite web |date=2012-05-11 |title=SPEECH BY INDONESIAN PRESIDENT MEGAWATI ON THE PRESENTATION OF A FAREWELL GIFT TO MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD AT THE ASEAN SUMMIT IN BALI, INDONESIA 7 October 2003 |url=https://asean.org/speech-by-indonesian-president-megawati-on-the-presentation-of-a-farewell-gift-to-malaysian-prime-minister-dr-mahathir-mohamad-at-the-asean-summit-in-bali-indonesia-7-october-2003/ |website=ASEAN Main Portal}} Mahathir responded by expressing gratitude and reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to ASEAN.{{Cite web |date=2012-05-11 |title=REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA THE HON. DATO SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD IN RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT MEGAWATI'S FAREWELL REMARKS DURING THE 9TH ASEAN SUMMIT, BALI, INDONESIA ON TUESDAY, 7 OCTOBER 2003 |url=https://asean.org/remarks-by-the-prime-minister-of-malaysia-the-hon-dato-seri-dr-mahathir-bin-mohamad-in-response-to-president-megawatis-farewell-remarks-during-the-9th-asean-summit-bali-indonesia-on-tuesd/ |website=ASEAN Main Portal}} Following this, media reports stated that Megawati was "in tears" at the summit due to her emotional tribute to Mahathir.{{Cite web |date=2003-10-07 |title=Tearful Megawati, other leaders, pay tribute to Dr M |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/17363 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}}

File:Vladimir Putin at APEC Summit in Brunei 15-16 November-11.jpg Vladimir Putin during the APEC Summit in Brunei in November 2000]]

On 29 July 1987, following visits to the United Kingdom and Hungary, Mahathir began an official visit to the Soviet Union, where he was received at the airport in Moscow by Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze.{{Cite web |date=1987-07-30 |title=Dr M to hold talks with Gorbachev |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870730-1.2.23.1 |website=The Straits Times}} During his meetings with Soviet officials, including a two-hour bilateral discussion with Soviet Communist Party Secretary-General Mikhail Gorbachev at the Kremlin, both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties through regular high-level consultations and increased economic cooperation.{{Cite web |date=1987-08-01 |title=Boosting ties with Soviets |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/Prominent_Leaders/Mahathir/News_1968-2004/1984-1988/1987/00006699.pdf |website=New Straits Times}} They affirmed support for peaceful dispute resolution and endorsed Southeast Asia as a zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality. Discussions also covered Kampuchea, Afghanistan, the Iran–Iraq War, and disarmament. Mahathir raised concerns about the Soviet stance on Antarctica, leading to an agreement for further dialogue between foreign ministers.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Mahathir continued to strengthen Malaysia–Russia relations throughout the 1990s. Economic cooperation deepened, particularly in defense procurement, with Malaysia purchasing 18 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia in 1995, contributing to a record bilateral trade volume of US$827.6 million that year.{{Cite web |date=1999-08-18 |title=MAHATHIR'S VISIT MAKES IMPACT ON RUSSIANS |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/Digital_Content/Prominent_Leaders/Mahathir/News_1968-2004/1999-2000/1999ko/mahatct%20on%20russians.pdf |website=Bernama}}

In 1998, following a meeting with Khabarovsk Head of Administration Viktor Ishayev in Kuala Lumpur during the APEC summit, Mahathir abolished the visa requirement for Russians from the region for visits of up to one month.

In August 1999, Mahathir visited the Russian Far East region of Khabarovsk, where he met with local officials and emphasized the importance of fostering regional-level cooperation. He noted that due to Russia’s vast size, bilateral relations should not be limited to Moscow alone. Impressed by Khabarovsk's economic potential, he expressed interest in increasing Malaysian imports from the region and finding new markets for Malaysian exports, particularly fruits. He highlighted the need to address transportation and logistics costs to boost two-way trade. Mahathir also proposed promoting cultural exchanges among the younger generations to strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries. Subsequently, he visited the Republic of Buryatia in Russia at the invitation of its president Leonid Potapov, becoming the first foreign head of government to do so, where he explored cooperation in aero-defence technology, mining, and timber processing.{{Cite web |date=1999-08-20 |title=PM and delegation to make exploratory visit to Buryatia |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2859485/pm-and-delegation-to-make-exploratory-visit-to-buryatia |access-date= |website=Business Times}}

Since Vladimir Putin assumed the presidency of Russia, Mahathir met with him on multiple occasions. These included meetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Brunei in 2000 and again at the 2001 APEC summit in Shanghai. Mahathir had planned to make an official visit to Moscow in September 2001, but the trip was postponed following the September 11 attacks.{{Cite web |last=Blagov |first=Sergei |date=2002-03-18 |title=Mahathir sniffs out Russian opportunities |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/10766 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}} Following Mahathir’s official visit to Russia in March 2002,{{Cite web |date=2002-03-14 |title=Dr M's visit to strengthen ties with Russia |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1508023/dr-m-s-visit-to-strengthen-ties-with-russia |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} Malaysia and Russia agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission as well as the Malaysia-Russia and Russia-Malaysia Business Councils to follow up on decisions made during the bilateral meetings held in Moscow.{{Cite web |date=2002-03-16 |title=Malaysia and Russia to form joint economic commission |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4142057/malaysia-and-russia-to-form-joint-economic-commission |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

Putin visited Malaysia twice in 2003 — first on an official trip in August, and later in October to participate in the OIC Summit.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia-Russia |url=https://eng.rmcouncil.com/malaysia/relations/ |access-date= |website=eng.rmcouncil.com}} The August visit saw Putin confer the Order of Friendship on Mahathir and both leaders witness the signing of a major defence contract for 18 Su-30MKM fighter jets, along with agreements on scientific and technical cooperation and information and communications technology.{{Cite web |date=2003-08-05 |title=President Vladimir Putin held negotiations with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad |url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/29153 |access-date= |website=President of Russia |language=en}} According to Viktor Kladov, a senior official from Rostec and a special envoy of Putin, Putin held Mahathir in high regard and expressed strong respect for his leadership, viewing him as a figure capable of propelling Malaysia towards becoming a great nation.{{Cite web |last=David |first=Adrian |date=2019-08-30 |title='Russian president shares special bond with Dr M' |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/08/517247/russian-president-shares-special-bond-dr-m#google_vignette |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} Putin also valued Mahathir’s longstanding efforts, particularly since the early 1990s, in developing Malaysia’s aerospace and defence sectors, including the establishment of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).

Under Mahathir’s leadership, Japan emerged as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner. Between 1997 and 2002, Malaysia recorded 643 Japanese investment projects valued at RM11.4 billion. Mahathir also secured low-interest Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans from Japan, supporting infrastructure and industrial development.

{{main|1982 Malaysian general election|1986 Malaysian general election|1990 Malaysian general election|1995 Malaysian general election|1999 Malaysian general election}}

File:Dewan Rakyat 1982 (blocs).svg

On 22 April 1982, Malaysia held a general election that had been called 16 months early by Mahathir. The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 131 of 154 parliamentary seats as final landslide results came in from East Malaysia.{{Cite news |date=1982-04-28 |title=Malaysian premier cinches his hold in landslide vote |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1982/0428/042827.html |access-date= |work=Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729}} The victory was attributed to Mahathir and Musa Hitam's popularity, effective campaigning, and strategic candidate selection.{{Cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |last2=Times |first2=Special To the New York |date=1982-04-24 |title=MALAY COALITION WINNING BY LANDSLIDE VOTE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/24/world/malay-coalition-winning-by-landslide-vote.html |access-date= |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

On 2 August 1986, Malaysia held a general election in which the ruling BN coalition, led by Mahathir, won 148 out of 177 parliamentary seats, securing a two-thirds majority. The strong mandate further consolidated Mahathir's leadership.{{Cite web |last=Archive |first=Abdul Kareem, Head of |date=2018-09-15 |title=August 4, 1986: Mahathir's power increases in elections |url=https://gulfnews.com/today-history/august-4-1986-mahathirs-power-increases-in-elections-1.1873241 |access-date= |website=Gulf News |language=en}}

On 21 October 1990, Malaysia held its eighth general election, in which Mahathir secured a third term with a landslide victory. His BN coalition won 121 out of 180 parliamentary seats, retaining a two-thirds majority. However, the opposition alliance led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah won all 39 state seats in Kelantan.{{Cite news |last=Reuter |date=1990-10-22 |title=MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER MAHATHIR WINS REELECTION |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/10/22/malaysian-prime-minister-mahathir-wins-reelection/9713bdf8-9774-4db7-b8d5-9964c74059a6/ |access-date= |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}

On 24 April 1995, Malaysia held its ninth general election. The ruling BN, led by Mahathir, won a landslide victory by securing 162 out of 192 parliamentary seats, significantly increasing its majority from 125 seats in the previous term. The opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) saw its representation reduced from 20 seats to just 9. The election was widely regarded as a personal triumph for Mahathir, who campaigned on his Vision 2020 agenda to transform Malaysia into a fully developed nation. The result also reinforced his position within the ruling coalition.{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Charles P. |date=1995-04-26 |title=Malaysia's Ruling Coalition Wins Electoral Landslide |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-04-26-mn-59106-story.html |access-date= |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

On 29 November 1999, Malaysia held its tenth general election. The ruling BN coalition, led by Mahathir, won 149 out of 193 parliamentary seats, securing more than a two-thirds majority.{{Cite web |date=1999-11-30 |title=PM: Win proves BN still the party of choice for rakyat |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2852159/pm-win-proves-bn-still-the-party-of-choice-for-rakyat |access-date= |website=Business Times}} Mahathir, at a press conference after the victory, said that the result was a clear indication that "the Barisan Nasional is still the party of choice of the people of Malaysia".{{Cite web |date=1999-12-01 |title=Let the work begin |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1443933/let-the-work-begin |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} The election reaffirmed his leadership and the coalition's strong mandate,{{Cite web |date=1999-12-01 |title=BN scores resounding win |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4172933/bn-scores-resounding-win |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} while the opposition DAP suffered significant losses, including the defeat of senior leaders such as Secretary-General Lim Kit Siang and Vice Chairman Karpal Singh.{{Cite web |date=1999-11-30 |title=BN gets two-thirds majority mandate (HL) |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2853299/bn-gets-two-thirds-majority-mandate-hl- |access-date= |website=Business Times}}

Additionally, Mahathir had a 16–9 win–loss record in parliamentary by-elections while leading the ruling coalition, representing a 64 percent success rate. In one instance—Lipis in 1997—the BN coalition won uncontested. Across the 24 contested by-elections during his leadership, the ruling coalition averaged 54.37 percent of the vote share.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-17 |title=Tanjung Piai is Dr M's worst by-election loss |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/500148 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}}

In May and June 2002, Mahathir made historic{{Why|date=May 2025}} visits to the United States and the Vatican, respectively.{{Cite web |date=2002-05-15 |title=Malaysia, U.S. focus on terror fight |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/05/14/malaysia.bushmeet/index.html |access-date= |website=CNN}}{{Cite web |date=2002-06-09 |title=malaysian prime minister foresees deeper ties with holy see |url=https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2002/06/10/malaysian-prime-minister-foresees-deeper-ties-with-holy-see&post_id=20811 |access-date= |website=ucanews.com |language=en}} On 22 June 2002, Mahathir unexpectedly announced his resignation during the UMNO general assembly.{{Cite web |date=2002-06-24 |title=Mahathir may finally be ready to retire |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/mahathir-may-finally-be-ready-to-retire-20020624-gdubts.html |access-date= |website=The Age |language=en}} However, the decision was retracted less than an hour later following emotional appeals from his colleagues and supporters. On 26 June, the secretary-general of UMNO, Mohd Khalil Yaakob, announced that Mahathir's resignation would take effect only after the Organisation of Islamic Conference Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2003,{{Cite news |date=2002-06-26 |title=Mahathir tells Malaysia he will go in 16 months |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jun/26/malaysia |access-date= |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} stating that the reins of government would then pass to his deputy, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.{{Cite web |date=2002-06-27 |title=Accept new reality |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1503468/accept-new-reality |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}

On 31 October 2003, as Mahathir step down after 22 years in office,{{Cite web |date=2003-11-01 |title=Thousands turn up to bid farewell |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1394851/thousands-turn-up-to-bid-farewell |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}{{Cite web |date=2003-11-01 |title=Dr Mahathir thanks all who wished him well |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1395112/dr-mahathir-thanks-all-who-wished-him-well |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} hundreds of tribute messages appeared in Malaysian newspapers in the weeks leading up to his retirement, hailing him as a national hero for overseeing Malaysia's rapid economic development and for giving the country a stronger voice on the global stage.{{Cite web |date=2003-10-30 |title=Malaysian PM Mahathir to retire Friday |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-10/30/content_277049.htm |access-date= |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}} A 10-volume encyclopedia of his ideas was launched in both Arabic and English. His successor, Abdullah, said that Mahathir's legacy would be reflected in "an ever-flowing cornucopia of ideas, thoughts and opinions on a wide range of issues and topics", and added that "laymen and intellectuals will find pearls of wisdom in his ideas and thoughts", while also noting that "Malaysians and Muslims will benefit enormously from reading and re-reading his speeches".

Following his retirement as Prime Minister, Mahathir and his wife, Siti Hasmah, were both conferred the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (S.M.N.), the nation's highest federal award, which carries the honorific title "Tun".{{Cite web |date=2003-11-01 |title=Dr Mahathir, Dr Siti Hasmah conferred Tun title |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1394930/dr-mahathir-dr-siti-hasmah-conferred-tun-title |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} In recognition of Mahathir's contributions to the nation, the government under Abdullah conferred upon him the title Bapa Pemodenan Malaysia (Father of Malaysia's Modernisation).{{Cite web |date=2003-12-22 |title=Dr Mahathir declared Bapa Pemodenan Malaysia |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3947350/dr-mahathir-declared-bapa-pemodenan-malaysia |access-date= |website=The Malay Mail}} As part of the tribute, Galeri Sri Perdana—the former official residence of Mahathir prior to his move to Putrajaya—was reopened as a national gallery highlighting his life and tenure as Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister.{{Cite web |date=2003-12-21 |title=Galeri Sri Perdana - tribute to Dr M |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1826964/galeri-sri-perdana---tribute-to-dr-m |access-date= |website=New Sunday Times}}

File:Mahathir 2007.jpg celebrations in August 2007]]

On his retirement, Mahathir was named a Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm, the highest honor in Malaysia, allowing him to adopt the title of "Tun".{{cite news |date=31 October 2003 |title=Mahathir honoured as he steps down |work=The Age |location=Australia |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/31/1067597152513.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106110701/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/31/1067597152513.html |archive-date=6 November 2012}} Under Mahathir's leadership, Malaysia was transformed into an industrialising nation.{{Cite web |date=1998-07-24 |title=Book examining Dr M's policies launched |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1119832/book-examining-dr-m-s-policies-launched |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} He pledged to leave politics "completely", rejecting an emeritus role in Abdullah's cabinet.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=307}} Abdullah immediately made his mark as a quieter and less adversarial premier. With stronger religious credentials than Mahathir, he beat back PAS's surge in the 1999 election and lead the Barisan Nasional in the 2004 election to its biggest win ever, taking 199 of 219 parliamentary seats.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=307–318}} On 23 October, Mingguan Malaysia published an exclusive interview with Mahathir, marking his first since retiring as Prime Minister.{{Cite web |date=2003-11-24 |title=Dr M speaks of relief of being a pensioner |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1396662/dr-m-speaks-of-relief-of-being-a-pensioner |website=New Straits Times}}

After retiring, Mahathir maintained a busy schedule,{{Cite web |date=2004-04-13 |title=Dr M maintains busy schedule to 'keep me alive' |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1383784/dr-m-maintains-busy-schedule-to-keep-me-alive- |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} engaging in various activities and speaking engagements both locally and internationally.{{Cite web |title=Mahathir Mohamad |url=https://worldleaders.columbia.edu/directory/dr-mahathir-mohamad |website=World Leaders Forum}} In 2005, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited him at his private residence, where they held a four-hour meeting discussing Malaysia's economic transformation and development strategies.{{Cite magazine |last=Campbell |first=Charlie |date=2025-05-02 |title=Nearly 100, Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad Reflects on Trump and Today's World |url=https://time.com/7282169/mahathir-mohamad-malaysia-prime-minister-hundred-years-trump-world-interview/ |access-date= |magazine=TIME |language=en}} He emphasized the importance of staying active, stating, "Never retire. You have to work. When you work, it will keep you alive." His office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation and residence at the Mines Resort City, as well as expenses for meal allowances, escorts, bodyguards, a medical officer, and a special assistant during overseas trips, are funded by the government under the Member of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 (Act 237).{{Cite web |last=ISMAIL |first=LAILI |date=2017-11-09 |title=Govt paying 21 personnel to serve Tun M |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/11/301437/govt-paying-21-personnel-serve-tun-m |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}}

Mahathir was the CEO and chairman, and hence a senior adviser, for many flagship Malaysian companies such as Proton, Perdana Leadership Foundation and Malaysia's government-owned oil and gas company Petronas.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=322}} He did not receive any remuneration for his advisory positions.{{Cite web |date=2004-06-18 |title=Dr M: I'm not paid as adviser |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1376874/dr-m-i-m-not-paid-as-adviser |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} He was also made Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) Chancellor in 2004, succeeding the late Raja Mohar Raja Badiozaman.{{Cite web |date=2004-03-25 |title=Dr Mahathir to be UTP Chancellor |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1385346/dr-mahathir-to-be-utp-chancellor |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} On 15 June of the same year, Mahathir was appointed chairman of the NAM Business Council International Advisory Panel.{{Cite web |date=2004-06-16 |title=Mahathir elected council chairman |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1375815/mahathir-elected-council-chairman |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} In 2006, Mahathir co-founded The Loaf bakery with Motoko Resources Sdn Bhd, opening its first store in Telaga Harbor, Langkawi, before expanding to 12 outlets in locations such as KLCC, Pavilion, Sogo, and Empire Shopping Gallery.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-04 |title=Dr M-linked bakery The Loaf has new owner |url=https://www.edgeprop.my/content/1507025/dr-m-linked-bakery-loaf-has-new-owner |access-date= |website=Edgeprop.my |language=en}} He also served as The Loaf's chairman.{{Cite web |date=2013-07-11 |title=Mahathir hopes 'The Loaf' can expand abroad |url=https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/86049/mahathir-hopes-the-loaf-can-expand-abroad/ |access-date= |website=www.dailyexpress.com.my |language=en}}

Despite his business ventures, Mahathir remained an influential figure, and his views on national matters continued to draw attention. Mahathir and Abdullah had a major fallout over Proton in 2005. While Abdullah was attempting to reform the company and implemented high import tariffs on foreign cars, Mahathir accused Abdullah's government of cronyism in relation to import licences.{{Cite news |date=29 July 2005 |title=Mahathir raises heat in feud on Malaysian carmaker (Published 2005) |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/29/business/worldbusiness/mahathir-raises-heat-in-feud-on-malaysian-carmaker.html |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820190626/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/29/business/worldbusiness/mahathir-raises-heat-in-feud-on-malaysian-carmaker.html |url-status=live }} Proton's chief executive, a Mahathir ally, had been sacked by the company's board. With Abdullah's blessing, Proton then sold one of its prise assets, the motorcycle company MV Agusta, which was bought on Mahathir's advice.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=320}}

Mahathir criticised the awarding of import permits for foreign cars, which he claimed were causing Proton's domestic sales to suffer,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/family-ties-lubricate-malaysia-wheels-of-power/2005/08/09/1123353320054.html|title=Family ties lubricate Malaysia wheels of power|last=Backman|first=Michael|date=10 August 2005|work=The Age|location=Australia|access-date=12 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183440/http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/family-ties-lubricate-malaysia-wheels-of-power/2005/08/09/1123353320054.html|archive-date=28 June 2011|url-status=live}} and attacked Abdullah for cancelling the construction of a second causeway between Malaysia and Singapore.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=321}}

Mahathir complained that his views were not getting sufficient airing by the Malaysian press.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|pp=323–25}} In response, he began writing a column for Malaysiakini and starting his own blog.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=325}} He unsuccessfully sought election from his local party division to be a delegate to UMNO's general assembly in 2006, where he planned to initiate a challenge to Abdullah's leadership.{{Harvnb|Wain|2010|p=326}} Mahathir had previously missed the Umno General Assembly twice since 2006 for health reasons.{{Cite web |date=2006-11-13 |title=Dr M opts to watch live telecast |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1612657/dr-m-opts-to-watch-live-telecast |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}{{Cite web |date=2007-11-05 |title=Dr M will not attend assembly |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1702392/dr-m-will-not-attend-assembly |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} After the 2008 election, in which UMNO lost its two-thirds majority in parliament, Mahathir resigned from the party.{{Cite web |date=2008-05-20 |title=This is the only way, says Dr Mahathir |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4360163/this-is-the-only-way-says-dr-mahathir |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} When Abdullah was replaced by his deputy Najib Razak in 2009, Mahathir re-joined the party{{Cite web |date=2009-04-05 |title=Umno member 00001 returns |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4594220/umno-member-00001-returns |access-date= |website=New Sunday Times}} and urged all former members to follow his move.{{Cite web |date=2009-04-07 |title=Return to Umno fold, urges former PM |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4674243/return-to-umno-fold-urges-former-pm |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} Before the 2013 general election, Mahathir promised to keep the government in check and ensure it fulfilled its manifesto promises, vowing to protest and fight against it if it failed.{{Cite web |date=2013-04-22 |title=GE13: Mahathir to ensure Government keeps its promises |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2013/04/22/ge13-mahathir-to-ensure-government-keeps-its-promises |access-date= |website=The Star |language=en}}

Mahathir established the Kuala Lumpur Initiative to Criminalise War Forum in an effort to end war globally,{{cite news |last=Buang |first=Salleh |date=23 April 2015 |title=A dream to criminalise war |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/dream-criminalise-war |work=The New Straits Times |access-date=2 April 2019 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402122455/https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/dream-criminalise-war |url-status=live }} as well as the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission to investigate the activities of the United States, Israel and its allies in Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.{{cite web |title=Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission |url=http://www.brussellstribunal.org/KL.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030000757/http://www.brussellstribunal.org/KL.htm |archive-date=30 October 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011 |website=Brussels Tribune}} In March 2015, Mahathir attended a conference where he stated his belief in a "New World Order", where an elite would attempt rule the planet in a single world government, and exterminate billions of humans.{{Citation |title=FULL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE THE "NEW WORLD ORDER" A RECIPE FOR WAR or PEACE! | date=7 April 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-2V3F4AQF8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/1-2V3F4AQF8 |language=en |access-date=24 September 2021 |archive-date=12 December 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |title=Dr M warns against New World Order |url=http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/News_2015/Rare/March/NewStraits%20Times/NST-100315.pdf |accessdate=6 October 2021 |work=PERDANA LIBRARY PERDANA LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925132558/http://lib.perdana.org.my/PLF/News_2015/Rare/March/NewStraits%20Times/NST-100315.pdf |url-status=live }}

By 2015, even at 90 years old, Mahathir remained sharp and combative.{{Cite web |date=2015-07-10 |title=Dr Mahathir turns 90, still sharp and combative |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dr-mahathir-turns-90-still-sharp-and-combative |access-date= |website=TODAY |language=en}} He repeatedly called for prime minister Najib Razak to resign over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal.{{Cite news |last=Holmes |first=Oliver |date=2015-08-21 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir calls for parliament to sack prime minister Najib Razak |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/21/malaysias-mahathir-calls-for-parliament-to-sack-prime-minister-najib-razak |access-date= |work=The Guardian |language=en |issn=0261-3077}}{{cite web |date=14 October 2015 |title=Dr M, BN men have every right to meet up, Nur Jazlan says |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/dr-m-bn-men-every-meet-nur-jazlan-100000465.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017174638/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/dr-m-bn-men-every-meet-nur-jazlan-100000465.html |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=14 October 2015 |website=Yahoo! News Singapore}} On 30 August 2015, he and Siti Hasmah attended the Bersih 4 rally, a mass protest organised in response to the scandal.{{cite web |title=Dr M shows up at Bersih 4 rally, with Dr Siti Hasmah (VIDEO) |url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-shows-up-at-bersih-4-rally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920100442/http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/dr-m-shows-up-at-bersih-4-rally |archive-date=20 September 2016 |access-date=12 June 2016 |website=The Malay Mail}} In 2016, Mahathir chaired the Malaysian Citizens' Declaration, which brought together several political figures and non-governmental organisations in calling for Najib's resignation.{{cite web |title=Malaysia alliance demands removal of scandal-hit PM Najib |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-alliance-demands/2572686.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611000255/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-alliance-demands/2572686.html |archive-date=11 June 2016 |access-date=12 June 2016 |website=Channel News Asia |publisher=}}{{cite web |date=4 March 2016 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir and opposition sign declaration to oust Najib |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-and-opposition-sign-declaration-to-oust-najib |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406220116/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-and-opposition-sign-declaration-to-oust-najib |archive-date=6 April 2016 |access-date=12 June 2016 |website=Straits Times |publisher=}} In this declaration, Mahathir listed 37 points.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title=Full Citizens' Declaration Speech Text By Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad |url=https://www.pocketnews.com.my/2016/03/04/full-citizens-declaration-speech-text-by-tun-dr-mahathir-mohamad/ |access-date= |website=Pocket News |language=en}} Later, the Citizens' Declaration reached one million signatures in May of the same year.{{Cite web |last=FOO |first=NOEL |date=2016-05-13 |title=Citizens' Declaration has met one million signatures target, says Dr Mahathir |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/05/13/citizens-declaration-signature-dr-mahathir |access-date= |website=The Star |language=en}} In the 2016 Sungai Besar by-election, he supported Amanah and other Pakatan Harapan leaders, lending his influence to the opposition coalition.{{Cite web |last=Razak |first=Radzi |date=2016-06-18 |title=Sg Besar: Amanah thanks Mahathir, PH for their support |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/06/18/sg-besar-amanah-thanks-mahathir-ph-for-their-support/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}}

Mahathir left UMNO in 2016, and formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU).{{cite news |title=Malaysia's PM in danger as Mahathir quits party |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-mahathir-idUSKLR14546620080519 |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511145928/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-mahathir-idUSKLR14546620080519 |archive-date=11 May 2018}}{{cite news |title=Mahathir quits Umno, calling it 'Najib's party' |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-quits-umno-calling-it-najibs-party |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512071928/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-quits-umno-calling-it-najibs-party |archive-date=12 May 2018}} The new party was officially registered on 9 September 2016, and Mahathir became its chairman.{{cite news |date=9 September 2016 |title=Dr Mahathir's new party officially registered |work=Free Malaysia Today |url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/09/09/dr-mahathirs-new-party-officially-registered/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015145627/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/09/09/dr-mahathirs-new-party-officially-registered/ |archive-date=15 October 2016}} By 2017, he had officially joined the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan. Negotiations then took place between different factions of the coalition for Mahathir to become the chairman and prime ministerial candidate.{{cite news|title=Mahathir Mohamad's return shows the sorry state of Malaysian politics|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21724432-former-prime-minister-reinventing-himself-leader-opposition-mahathir-mohamads|access-date=2 July 2017|newspaper=The Economist|date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701235202/http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21724432-former-prime-minister-reinventing-himself-leader-opposition-mahathir-mohamads|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}} He assumed the position of chairman on 14 July 2017, despite reservations from supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, who could not contest in polls himself while imprisoned.{{cite news |title=Mahathir named chairman, Anwar named de facto leader of Pakatan Harapan |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-named-chairman-anwar-named-de-facto-leader-of-pakatan-rakyat |url-status=live |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515185345/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-named-chairman-anwar-named-de-facto-leader-of-pakatan-rakyat |archive-date=15 May 2018}}{{cite news |date=17 May 2018 |title=Anwar credits Wan Azizah, Siti Hasmah, for reconciliation with Mahathir |work=New Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/anwar-credits-wan-azizah-siti-hasmah-for-reconciliation-with-mahathir |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307163506/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/anwar-credits-wan-azizah-siti-hasmah-for-reconciliation-with-mahathir |url-status=live }}

In 2016, Mahathir had his police outriders withdrawn after his privileges were revoked due to his participation in anti-government events.{{Cite web |date=2016-05-04 |title=No more police escort for Malaysian former PM Mahathir: Police - SE Asia |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2016/05/04/no-more-police-escort-for-malaysian-former-pm-mahathir-police.html |access-date= |website=The Jakarta Post |language=en}} A year later, in 2017, the government further withdrew his personal bodyguard service provided by the police Special Action Unit (UTK), following the earlier termination of his cook and office assistant's contracts.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-01 |title=Mahathir's bodyguard service withdrawn |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/11/01/mahathirs-bodyguard-service-withdrawn/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} This decision by the government also drew criticism from various parties.{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Minderjeet |date=2017-11-01 |title='The people will be Mahathir's bodyguards now' |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/11/01/the-people-will-be-mahathirs-bodyguards-now/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nambiar |first=Predeep |date=2017-11-02 |title=Removal of Dr M's bodyguards is un-Malaysian, says Guan Eng |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2017/11/02/removal-of-dr-ms-bodyguards-is-un-malaysian-says-guan-eng/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} However, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun denied this, stating that only ordinary police officers had been recalled, while Mahathir's bodyguard service from the elite UTK remained intact.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-05 |title=Dr Mahathir still has bodyguards, says Malaysia's police chief |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/dr-mahathir-still-has-bodyguards-says-malaysias-police-chief |access-date= |website=TODAY |language=en}} The Prime Minister's Department also refuted this claim, stating that it was still paying for 21 staff at Mahathir's home and office.{{Cite news |date=2017-11-10 |title=Malaysia says Mahathir has 21 staff members with salaries paid by government |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-says-mahathir-has-21-staff-members-with-salaries-paid-by-government |access-date= |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

In early 2018, Mahathir was announced as Pakatan Harapan's prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election. Wan Azizah, wife of his former political enemy Anwar, ran as his deputy.{{cite web |date=8 January 2018 |title=Mahathir Mohamad: Ex-Malaysia PM, 92, to run for office |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42603220 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111033621/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42603220 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |access-date=11 January 2018 |website=BBC News |publisher=}} Mahathir's election promise was to seek a pardon for Anwar, in order to allow him to take over as prime minister after an interim period.{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Amanda |date=9 January 2018 |title=Mahathir Mohammad runs for PM in partnership with former rival Anwar Ibrahim |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/mahathir-mohammad-runs-for-pm-in-partnership-with-former-rival-anwar-ibrahim/news-story/08387ad835ac31d78ab749b0213aed3d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224083136/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/mahathir-mohammad-runs-for-pm-in-partnership-with-former-rival-anwar-ibrahim/news-story/08387ad835ac31d78ab749b0213aed3d |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=11 January 2018 |work=The Australian}}{{cite web |last=Malhi |first=Amrita |date=12 January 2018 |title=Mahathir Mohamad crops up again in bid to lead Malaysia – with Anwar on the same side |url=https://theconversation.com/mahathir-mohamad-crops-up-again-in-bid-to-lead-malaysia-with-anwar-on-the-same-side-89917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111213006/http://theconversation.com/mahathir-mohamad-crops-up-again-in-bid-to-lead-malaysia-with-anwar-on-the-same-side-89917 |archive-date=11 January 2018 |access-date=11 January 2018 |work=The Conversation}}

{{main|Second premiership of Mahathir Mohamad|Seventh Mahathir cabinet}}

File:Secretary Pompeo and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (43814325601).jpg Mike Pompeo in August 2018]]

File:President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accompanies Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as the latter is accorded foyer honors upon his arrival at the Malacañan Palace for his two-day official visit to the Philippines on March 7, 2019.jpg, 7 March 2019]]

Pakatan Harapan defeated Barisan Nasional in the 2018 general election.{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Adam |date=9 January 2018 |title=How old is too old to be a world leader? |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/01/09/how-old-is-too-old-to-be-a-world-leader |url-status=live |access-date=12 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110135856/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/01/09/how-old-is-too-old-to-be-a-world-leader/ |archive-date=10 January 2018}}{{cite web |last=Tay |first=Chester |date=10 May 2018 |title=Tun M hopes to be sworn in as PM by 5pm today |url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/tun-m-hopes-be-sworn-pm-5pm-today |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013031/http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/tun-m-hopes-be-sworn-pm-5pm-today |archive-date=11 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |work=The Edge Markets}}{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Pakatan Harapan wins 14th General Election |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2018/05/367907/pakatan-harapan-wins-14th-general-election |website=NST Online |language=en}} Concerns for a smooth power transition emerged as Najib declared that no party had achieved a majority.{{cite web |date=10 May 2018 |title=Najib: No party has simple majority |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/424051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510062746/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/424051 |archive-date=10 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |website=Malaysiakini |agency=}} The National Palace of Malaysia subsequently confirmed Mahathir would be sworn in as Malaysia's seventh prime minister, refuting any claims of delaying the appointment.{{cite web |date=10 May 2018 |title=Istana Negara confirms Dr M to be sworn in tonight, refutes claims of delaying PM appointment |url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/istana-negara-confirms-dr-m-be-sworn-tonight-refutes-claims-delaying-pm-appointment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511013243/http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/istana-negara-confirms-dr-m-be-sworn-tonight-refutes-claims-delaying-pm-appointment |archive-date=11 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |website=The Edge Markets |agency=}}{{cite web |title=Mahathir sworn in as Malaysia's 7th Prime Minister |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-sworn-in-as-malaysias-7th-prime-minister |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512044839/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mahathir-sworn-in-as-malaysias-7th-prime-minister |archive-date=12 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |website=The Straits Times |agency=}} Immediately after the declaration of the results, people in Kuala Lumpur expressed their joy in celebration of the historic victory.{{Cite web |last=Massola |first=James |date=2018-05-09 |title=Mahathir claims historic victory in incredible Malaysian election |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/mahathir-claims-historic-victory-in-incredible-malaysian-election-win-20180509-p4zeco.html |access-date= |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}} Mahathir announced a two-day public holiday, adding: 'But there will be no holidays for the winners.'{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad set to be world's oldest leader |url=https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/world/86764/malaysias_mahathir_mohamad_set_to_be_worlds_oldest_leader_ |access-date= |website=MaltaToday.com.mt |language=en}}

He became the world's oldest serving state leader (aged {{ayd|10 July 1925|10 May 2018}} at the time), and the first Malaysian prime minister not to represent UMNO.{{Cite news |author1=Euan McKirdy |author2=Marc Lourdes |author3=Ushar Daniele |date=10 May 2018 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad is now the world's oldest leader |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/10/asia/malaysia-election-mahathir-victory-intl/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510110157/https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/10/asia/malaysia-election-mahathir-victory-intl/index.html |archive-date=10 May 2018}} Mahathir was also officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest serving prime minister.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-11 |title=Oldest Prime Minister records as Mahathir bin Mohamad becomes Malaysia's leader aged 92 |url=https://guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2018/5/oldest-prime-minister-records-as-mahathir-bin-mohamad-becomes-malaysias-leader-a-525206 |access-date= |website=Guinness World Records |language=en}} His deputy, Wan Azizah became the first female deputy prime minister of Malaysia.{{cite web |date=10 May 2018 |title=Mahathir says he's poised to lead Malaysia again |url=http://www.afr.com/news/world/mahathir-says-hes-poised-to-lead-malaysia-again-20180510-h0zx2w |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510162550/http://www.afr.com/news/world/mahathir-says-hes-poised-to-lead-malaysia-again-20180510-h0zx2w |archive-date=10 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |website=AFR |agency=Reuters}}

In April 2019, Mahathir was listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people.{{Cite web |last=AR |first=Zurairi |date=17 April 2019 |title=Dr M named among Time's 100 most influential people |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/04/17/dr-m-named-among-times-100-most-influential-people/1744327 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329172904/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/04/17/dr-m-named-among-times-100-most-influential-people/1744327 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=18 April 2019 |title=Dr M listed in Time's 100 most influential people |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/472705 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323062022/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/472705 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |website=Malaysiakini}}

Mahathir promised to "restore the rule of law", and reopen investigations into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, telling the press that Najib would face consequences if found guilty of corruption.{{cite web |title=1MDB poses fresh threat to Najib |url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/05/10/1mdb-poses-fresh-threat-to-najib/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530164115/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/05/10/1mdb-poses-fresh-threat-to-najib/ |archive-date=30 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018 |website=Free Malaysia Today |date=10 May 2018 |agency=}} Mahathir instructed the Department of Immigration to bar Najib and his wife, the notoriously extravagant Rosmah Mansor, from leaving the country after they attempted to fly to Indonesia.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2018 |title=Police cordon off home of Malaysia's ex-PM Najib after travel ban |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2145899/police-cordon-residence-malaysias-ex-pm-najib-razak-after |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307083415/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2145899/police-cordon-residence-malaysias-ex-pm-najib-razak-after |archive-date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

Mahathir formed his cabinet of 29 ministers in June 2018.{{Cite web |date=2 July 2018 |title=Three more ministers to be appointed to Cabinet |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/386564/three-more-ministers-be-appointed-cabinet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307083419/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/386564/three-more-ministers-be-appointed-cabinet |archive-date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |work=New Straits Times |language=en}} He abolished the unpopular Goods and Services Tax, reducing it from six to zero per cent.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2018 |title=Malaysia says GST reduced to zero per cent from 6 per cent, fulfilling PH promise |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-says-gst-reduced-to-zero-per-cent-from-6-per-cent-fulfilling-ph-promise |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=The Straits Times |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024044/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-says-gst-reduced-to-zero-per-cent-from-6-per-cent-fulfilling-ph-promise |url-status=live }} Mahathir implemented a "no gifts policy," stating that he would only accept food, flowers, and fruits, while prohibiting government officials from receiving any other gifts to prevent corruption.{{Cite web |date=2018-06-08 |title=Dr M: Only food, flowers and fruits in govt's new 'no gifts policy' |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/377901/dr-m-only-food-flowers-and-fruits-govts-new-no-gifts-policy |website=NST Online |language=en}}

He also vowed to cut fiscal spending by firing thousands of civil servants, cancelling an expensive Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail link and cutting back on large infrastructure projects initiated under Najib.{{Cite news |last=Bevins |first=Vincent |date=30 May 2018 |title=Analysis: New Malaysian government steps back from spending, Chinese projects |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/05/30/new-malaysian-government-steps-back-from-spending-chinese-projects/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012231008/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/05/30/new-malaysian-government-steps-back-from-spending-chinese-projects/ |archive-date=12 October 2020 |issn=0190-8286}} Malaysia's freedom of the press improved slightly under Mahathir's tenure, and the country's rank rose in the Press Freedom Index.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia : Back to harassment, intimidation and censorship |url=https://rsf.org/en/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124091549/https://rsf.org/en/malaysia |archive-date=24 November 2021 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Reporters Without Borders |language=en}} The government announced palm oil cultivation would be limited to 6.55 million hectares by 2023, and began a lobbying campaign to improve palm oil's reputation abroad.{{Cite news |date=23 August 2019 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir says linking palm oil to deforestation 'baseless' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-palmoil-deforestation-idUSKCN1VD0CR |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902100303/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-palmoil-deforestation-idUSKCN1VD0CR |url-status=live }}

On 20 June 2018, Mahathir met the father of murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu and agreed that the case of her murder should be reopened.{{Cite web |date=20 June 2018 |title=After meeting Altantuya's dad, PM Mahathir 'agrees her murder case should be reopened' |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/after-meeting-altantuyas-dad-pm-mahathir-agrees-her-murder-case-should-be-reopened |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125131352/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/after-meeting-altantuyas-dad-pm-mahathir-agrees-her-murder-case-should-be-reopened |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kaos |first=Joseph Jr. |title=After meeting her father, Dr M agrees that Altantuya case should be re-opened |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/20/after-meeting-her-father-dr-m-agrees-that-altantuya-case-should-be-reopened |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125132902/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/20/after-meeting-her-father-dr-m-agrees-that-altantuya-case-should-be-reopened |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=The Star |date=20 June 2018 |language=en}}

A year into his term, Mahathir's approval ratings had fallen as the economy slowed and several planned reforms, such as abolishing capital punishment and the Sedition Act 1948, were not realised amid divisions in the coalition.{{Cite news |last1=Sipalan |first1=Joseph |last2=Latiff |first2=Rozanna |date=10 May 2019 |title=Malaysia's hopes of economic revival under Mahathir fade |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-analysis-idUSKCN1SG08R |access-date=29 August 2023 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829234319/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-analysis-idUSKCN1SG08R |url-status=live }} Mahathir announced the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 in October 2019, which set out for Malaysia to become a high income country by 2030.{{Cite web |date=5 October 2019 |title=PM launches Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, says will hit the ground running |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/05/pm-launches-shared-prosperity-vision-2030-says-will-hit-the-ground-running |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014224009/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/05/pm-launches-shared-prosperity-vision-2030-says-will-hit-the-ground-running |archive-date=14 October 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=The Star |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Loheswar |first=R. |date=7 October 2019 |title=Three things we learned about Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/07/three-things-we-learned-about-shared-prosperity-vision-2030/1797797 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024061451/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/07/three-things-we-learned-about-shared-prosperity-vision-2030/1797797 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}} Another priority of his administration was a more transparent approach to defence. The government prepared the country's first defence policy white paper outlining long-term plans for the country.{{Cite web |last=Parameswaran |first=Prashanth |title=Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan Government Undertakes 3 New Defense Plans |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/malaysias-pakatan-harapan-government-undertakes-3-new-defense-plans/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321161248/https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/malaysias-pakatan-harapan-government-undertakes-3-new-defense-plans/ |archive-date=21 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}}

{{main|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Mahathir Mohamad during his second term}}

File:Mahathir Mohamad and Joko Widodo shaking hands.jpg Joko Widodo receiving Mahathir at Bogor Palace, 29 June 2018]]

File:20190531malaysia01.jpg]]

Early in his second tenure, Mahathir visited Japan and Indonesia to reaffirm good relations, and reignited a water dispute with Singapore.{{cite news |last=Parameswaran |first=Prashanth |date=3 July 2018 |title=What Does Mahathir's Visit Mean for Indonesia-Malaysia Relations? |work=The Diplomat |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/what-does-mahathirs-visit-mean-for-indonesia-malaysia-relations/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035621/https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/what-does-mahathirs-visit-mean-for-indonesia-malaysia-relations/ |archive-date=29 August 2018}} By the end of 2018, several disputes over maritime and airspace borders with Singapore had continued.{{Cite web |date=15 January 2019 |title=What are the sticking points in Malaysia-Singapore relations? |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/2182048/not-quite-handbags-dawn-malaysia-singapore-air-and-sea-tensions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805173612/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/2182048/not-quite-handbags-dawn-malaysia-singapore-air-and-sea-tensions |archive-date=5 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}} Mahathir met twice with president Rodrigo Duterte in his first year in office to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on a broad range of security, economic and political issues.{{Cite web |last=Parameswaran |first=Prashanth |date=12 March 2019 |title=Mahathir-Duterte Summit Puts Malaysia-Philippines Ties Into Focus |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/mahathir-duterte-summit-puts-malaysia-philippines-ties-into-focus/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826121716/https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/mahathir-duterte-summit-puts-malaysia-philippines-ties-into-focus/ |url-status=live }} Mahathir again prioritised relations with Japan{{Cite news |date=10 June 2018 |title=In Mahathir's Malaysia, Japan is back amid doubts over Chinese funding |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-japan-idUSKBN1J60AZ |url-status=live |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820092818/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-japan-idUSKBN1J60AZ |archive-date=20 August 2023}} and strengthened economic and defence ties with Russia.{{Cite web |last=Bowie |first=Nile |date=10 September 2019 |title=The ties that bind Mahathir to Moscow |url=https://asiatimes.com/2019/09/the-ties-that-bind-mahathir-to-moscow/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414112349/https://asiatimes.com/2019/09/the-ties-that-bind-mahathir-to-moscow/ |archive-date=14 April 2021 |access-date=4 December 2022 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US}} He visited Vladivostok for a meeting of the Eastern Economic Forum in late 2019, where he cast doubt on the Joint Investigation Team's findings related to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. Mahathir called the murder charges brought to four Russians related to the flight "ridiculous", calling it "a political issue on how to accuse Russia of wrongdoing".{{Cite news |date=20 June 2019 |title=MH17 crash: Malaysia PM Mahathir denounces murder charges |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48702115 |url-status=live |access-date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426151840/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48702115 |archive-date=26 April 2023}} Malaysia launched a foreign policy framework in late 2019.{{Cite web |last=Parameswaran |first=Prashanth |title=What Does Malaysia's New Foreign Policy Framework Mean for Pakatan Harapan's Approach to the World? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/what-does-malaysias-new-foreign-policy-framework-mean-for-pakatan-harapans-approach-to-the-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321161248/https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/what-does-malaysias-new-foreign-policy-framework-mean-for-pakatan-harapans-approach-to-the-world/ |archive-date=21 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}} In response to European Union regulations phasing out palm-oil based biofuels, Mahathir discussed bringing a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization or a case to the European Court of Justice with Indonesian president Joko Widodo.{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Mahathir weighs taking EU to court over palm oil ban |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Exclusive-Mahathir-weighs-taking-EU-to-court-over-palm-oil-ban |access-date=2 September 2023 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902100303/https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Exclusive-Mahathir-weighs-taking-EU-to-court-over-palm-oil-ban |url-status=live }}

Mahathir condemned the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018{{cite news |last1=Tang |first1=Ashley |date=22 October 2018 |title=Dr M: Khashoggi's killing extremely cruel, unacceptable |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/10/22/dr-m-khashoggis-killing-extremely-cruel-and-unacceptable/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024112900/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/10/22/dr-m-khashoggis-killing-extremely-cruel-and-unacceptable/ |archive-date=24 October 2018}} and the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States in 2020.{{Cite web |title='Soleimani killing illegal, immoral': Malaysian premier |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/-soleimani-killing-illegal-immoral-malaysian-premier/1695288 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126103742/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/-soleimani-killing-illegal-immoral-malaysian-premier/1695288 |archive-date=26 January 2020 |access-date=26 January 2020 |website=aa.com.tr}}

Mahathir was supportive of the 2018–19 Korean peace process.{{cite web |author=Jonathon Loh |date=12 June 2018 |title=Malaysia PM Mahathir says the world can learn from Kim Jong Un's 'new attitude' and decision to meet Trump |url=https://www.businessinsider.my/dr-mahathir-praises-kim-jong-un-new-attitude-decision-trump-world-learn/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615083238/https://www.businessinsider.my/dr-mahathir-praises-kim-jong-un-new-attitude-decision-trump-world-learn/ |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=15 June 2018 |website=Business Insider |publisher=}}{{cite web |date=12 June 2018 |title=Malaysia, Japan hope for successful US – North Korea summit |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/379164/malaysia-japan-hope-successful-us-north-korea-summit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615111037/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/379164/malaysia-japan-hope-successful-us-north-korea-summit |archive-date=15 June 2018 |access-date=15 June 2018 |work=New Straits Times |publisher=}} He also indicated that Malaysia would re-open its embassy in North Korea, which had remained closed since the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong-nam.{{cite web |author1=Praveen Menon |author2=Darren Schuettler |date=12 June 2018 |title=Malaysia to reopen embassy in North Korea: Mahathir |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-malaysia/malaysia-to-reopen-embassy-in-north-korea-mahathir-idUSKBN1J80O2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614224658/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-malaysia/malaysia-to-reopen-embassy-in-north-korea-mahathir-idUSKBN1J80O2 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=15 June 2018 |website=Reuters |publisher=}}

{{Further|China–Malaysia relations}}

Mahathir's administration committed to retaining good relations with China, but promised to review all Belt and Road Initiative projects in Malaysia that were initiated by the previous government. He characterised these as "unequal treaties". His government suspended work on the East Coast Rail Link,{{Cite news |date=26 January 2019 |title=Malaysia to cancel $20 billion China-backed rail project: minister |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-malaysia-idUSKCN1PK03P |url-status=live |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308135350/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-malaysia-idUSKCN1PK03P |archive-date=8 March 2022}} which recommenced after terms had been renegotiated.{{Cite web |last1=Anis |first1=Mazwin Nik |last2=Kaos |first2=Joseph |last3=Carvalho |first3=Martin |date=16 April 2019 |title=Work on ECRL expected to resume next month |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/16/work-on-ecrl-expected-to-resume-next-month |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172518/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/16/work-on-ecrl-expected-to-resume-next-month |archive-date=8 March 2022 |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=The Star |language=en}} Mahathir cancelled approximately $2.8 billion worth of deals with China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau altogether, citing high repayment costs.{{Cite news |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=20 August 2018 |title='We Cannot Afford This': Malaysia Pushes Back Against China's Vision |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/world/asia/china-malaysia.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816132513/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/world/asia/china-malaysia.html |archive-date=16 August 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=9 September 2018 |title=Malaysia cancels China-backed pipeline projects |url=https://www.ft.com/content/06a71510-b24a-11e8-99ca-68cf89602132 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180909174605/https://www.ft.com/content/06a71510-b24a-11e8-99ca-68cf89602132 |archive-date=9 September 2018 |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=Financial Times}}

On 13 February 2020, Mahathir spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping to express solidarity and discuss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.{{Cite web |date=14 February 2020 |title=Dr M expresses solidarity with China in half-hour call to President Xi |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/510780 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520154632/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/510780 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |website=Malaysiakini}}{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Julia |date=14 February 2020 |title=PM says Malaysia stands with China in Covid-19 battle in phone call with President Xi |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/02/14/pm-says-malaysia-stands-with-china-in-covid-19-battle-in-phone-call-with-pr/1837447 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329094918/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/02/14/pm-says-malaysia-stands-with-china-in-covid-19-battle-in-phone-call-with-pr/1837447 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}} Prior to this, Mahathir had expressed his hopes that 2020, the 'Year of Culture and Tourism' between Malaysia and China, would further strengthen the ties and friendship between the two nations.{{Cite web |date=2020-01-20 |title=Mahathir hopes year of the metal rat will boost Malaysia-China friendship |url=https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/mahathir-hopes-year-of-the-metal-rat-will-boost-malaysia-china-friendship-KG1910297#google_vignette |access-date= |website=thesun.my |language=en}}

{{Main|2020–2022 Malaysian political crisis}}

By late 2019, disagreements emerged within Pakatan Harapan about Mahathir's planned handover of power to Anwar Ibrahim, eventually culminating in a political crisis in 2020. Mahathir and a faction of the coalition felt that Anwar would be unable to command a parliamentary majority.{{Cite news |date=6 March 2020 |title=Malaysian machinations: How Southeast Asia's veteran leader lost the plot |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-endgame-insight-idUSKBN20T0HZ |url-status=live |access-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916214511/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-endgame-insight-idUSKBN20T0HZ |archive-date=16 September 2021}}{{Cite web |date=24 February 2020 |title=Malaysia's 94-year-old PM Tenders His Resignation |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_malaysias-94-year-old-pm-tenders-his-resignation/6184738.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113232332/https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_malaysias-94-year-old-pm-tenders-his-resignation/6184738.html |archive-date=13 January 2022 |access-date=13 January 2022 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} MPs supporting Anwar demanded a timeframe for Mahathir's resignation and handover of power.

In February 2020, MPs opposed to Anwar taking over met and agreed to form a new government.{{Cite web |title=Leaders holed up in political meetings |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/23/leaders-holed-up-in-political-meetings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113146/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/23/leaders-holed-up-in-political-meetings |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020 |website=The Star|date=23 February 2020 }}{{Cite web |title=Consensus dinner ends, MPs begin leaving Sheraton PJ |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/23/vehicles-seen-entering-istana-negara-following-talk-of-new-coalition-govt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113148/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/23/vehicles-seen-entering-istana-negara-following-talk-of-new-coalition-govt |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020 |website=The Star|date=23 February 2020 }}{{Cite web |title=C131 MPs attend dinner at hotel |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/131-mps-attend-dinner-at-hotel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113148/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/131-mps-attend-dinner-at-hotel |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020 |website=The Star|date=24 February 2020 }} Anwar told the media that he had been "betrayed".{{cite web |title=Anwar confirms bid to shake up PH |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/anwar-confirms-bid-to-shake-up-ph |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113145/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/anwar-confirms-bid-to-shake-up-ph |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020 |website=The Star|date=24 February 2020 }}{{cite web |title=Anwar Ibrahim says he has been betrayed by Pakatan Harapan partners amid talk of new ruling coalition |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-anwar-mahathir-pakatan-harapan-umno-pas-12462606 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226160122/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-anwar-mahathir-pakatan-harapan-umno-pas-12462606 |archive-date=26 February 2020 |access-date=23 March 2020 |website=Channel News Asia}} Anwar and Mahathir met to clarify the situation, where Mahathir insisted he had no involvement in a new government.{{cite news |date=24 February 2020 |title=Pemimpin PH jumpa Dr Mahathir |work=Berita Harian |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/politik/2020/02/658588/pemimpin-ph-jumpa-dr-mahathir |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906161127/https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/politik/2020/02/658588/pemimpin-ph-jumpa-dr-mahathir |archive-date=6 September 2021}}{{cite news |date=24 February 2020 |title=Anwar Hails 'Good Meeting' With Mahathir Amid Malaysia Rumors |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-02-23/anwar-says-there-are-attempts-to-form-new-malaysian-government |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226120658/https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-02-23/anwar-says-there-are-attempts-to-form-new-malaysian-government |archive-date=26 February 2020}}

Mahathir, refusing to work with UMNO leaders, submitted his resignation to the Agong, Abdullah of Pahang, on 24 February 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/24/asia/malaysia-prime-minister-mahathir-resigns-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad resigns as Prime Minister|author1=Helen Regan|author2=Ushar Daniele|website=CNN|date=24 February 2020|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224081618/https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/24/asia/malaysia-prime-minister-mahathir-resigns-intl-hnk/index.html|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/anwar-i-appealed-to-dr-m-to-stay-on-as-pm-but-he-refused-to-be-associated-with-past-regime|title=Anwar: I appealed to Dr M to stay on as PM but he refused to be associated with past regime|website=The Star|date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113150/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/24/anwar-i-appealed-to-dr-m-to-stay-on-as-pm-but-he-refused-to-be-associated-with-past-regime|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}} The Agong appointed him interim prime minister until a replacement could be agreed.{{cite news |title=Malaysia's Mahathir submits resignation, 'quits' his party |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/malaysia-mahathir-turns-resignation-reports-200224054737676.html |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224073723/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/malaysia-mahathir-turns-resignation-reports-200224054737676.html |archive-date=24 February 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Teoh |first1=Shannon |title=Mahathir resigns as Malaysian Prime Minister, PH loses majority after MPs leave |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-pm-mahathir-resigns-in-tactical-move-to-thwart-anwar-succession-sources |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=The Straits Times |date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224074148/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-pm-mahathir-resigns-in-tactical-move-to-thwart-anwar-succession-sources |archive-date=24 February 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Regan |first1=Helen |title=Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad resigns |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/24/asia/malaysia-prime-minister-mahathir-resigns-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=CNN |date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224081614/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/24/asia/malaysia-prime-minister-mahathir-resigns-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=24 February 2020 |url-status=live }} BERSATU President Muhyiddin Yassin declared the party's withdrawal from Pakatan Harapan; Mahathir also resigned from the party in response. The next day, Mahathir reported to work as usual in his new role as caretaker prime minister.{{Cite web |last=Salleh |first=Nur Hasliza Mohd |date=2020-02-25 |title=Dr Mahathir clocks in to work as govt left without Cabinet |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/02/25/dr-mahathir-clocks-in-to-work-as-govt-left-without-cabinet/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} During his interim premiership, he introduced the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package to counter the economic impact of COVID-19,{{Cite web |last=ZAHIID |first=SYED JAYMAL |date=2020-02-27 |title=Interim PM announces RM20b stimulus package to cure economy of Covid-19 |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/02/27/interim-pm-announces-rm20b-stimulus-package-to-cure-economy-of-covid-19/1841533 |access-date= |website=Malay Mail |language=en}} based on three strategies: mitigating its impact, spurring people-centric economic growth, and promoting quality investments.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-28 |title=The economic stimulus package 2020 |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/02/28/the-economic-stimulus-package-2020/#google_vignette |access-date= |website=The Malaysian Reserve |language=en-US}}

On 29 February, the Agong appointed Muhyiddin prime minister, determining that he was most likely to be able to hold the support of a majority in parliament.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/01/muhyiddin-is-eighth-pm-says-king|title=Muhyiddin is eighth PM, says King|date=29 February 2020|work=The Star|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301040316/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/01/muhyiddin-is-eighth-pm-says-king|archive-date=1 March 2020|url-status=live}} Mahathir unsuccessfully attempted to challenge this with the Agong, but eventually left the prime minister's office an hour before Muhyiddin was sworn in.{{Cite news |date=1 March 2020 |title=Mahathir Mohamad questions legitimacy of Malaysia's new PM |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/29/muhyiddin-yassin-named-as-malaysian-prime-minister |access-date=29 August 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829083651/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/29/muhyiddin-yassin-named-as-malaysian-prime-minister |url-status=live }}

Despite his advanced age and having stepped down as prime minister, Mahathir remains active on the international stage, frequently traveling, delivering speeches, and continuing to voice his views and influence both domestically and globally.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=Mahathir, 2 years shy of 100 and still on the go |url=https://www.malaysianow.com/multimedia/2023/07/10/mahathir-2-years-shy-of-100-and-still-on-the-go |access-date= |website=MalaysiaNow |language=en}} He formed the Homeland Fighter's Party (PEJUANG) in August 2020.{{Cite web |last=Arif |first=Zahratulhayat Mat |date=2020-08-12 |title='Those who left Bersatu can join Pejuang' |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2020/08/616150/those-who-left-bersatu-can-join-pejuang |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}} Four other MPs joined the new party, including Mahathir's son Mukhriz. The party was registered in July 2021.{{cite news |last=Yusof |first=Amir |date=13 August 2020 |title=What we know about former Malaysian PM Mahathir's new political party so far |work=Channel News Asia |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-mahathir-mohamad-pejuang-warriors-new-party-13017710 |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904083134/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-mahathir-mohamad-pejuang-warriors-new-party-13017710 |archive-date=4 September 2020}}{{cite news |date=14 July 2021 |title=斗士党成功注册 马哈迪：马来领袖贪婪恋权以致马来人分裂失势 |url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/sea/story20210714-1168678 |work=Lian He Zao Bao 联合早报 |access-date=2 August 2021 |archive-date=2 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802012236/https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/sea/story20210714-1168678 |url-status=live}} In August 2021, Mahathir and other MPs protested in Merdeka Square, calling for Muhyiddin's resignation over the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, after being blocked from entering parliament by police.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia opposition MPs gather at Merdeka Square after being blocked from entering parliament |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-opposition-dataran-merdeka-parliament-postponed-covid19-2084501 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307172402/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-opposition-dataran-merdeka-parliament-postponed-covid19-2084501 |archive-date=7 March 2022 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=Channel News Asia |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2 August 2021 |title=Opposition MPs renew calls for Malaysia's PM Muhyiddin to resign |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/heavy-police-presence-outside-malaysian-parliament |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802080101/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/heavy-police-presence-outside-malaysian-parliament |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}

In April 2022, UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi filed a defamation lawsuit against Mahathir.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Ida |date=27 April 2022 |title=Zahid sues Dr Mahathir for defamation, insists never met to discuss court case before latter became PM again |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/04/27/zahid-sues-dr-m-for-defamation-insists-never-met-to-discuss-court-cas/2055873 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502094120/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/04/27/zahid-sues-dr-m-for-defamation-insists-never-met-to-discuss-court-cas/2055873 |archive-date=2 May 2022 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=27 April 2022 |title=Zahid sues Dr M for defamation over lobbying claim |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/619413 |website=Malaysiakini |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502094119/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/619413 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=27 April 2022 |title=UMNO president Ahmad Zahid sues former Malaysia PM Mahathir for defamation |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/umno-ahmad-zahid-hamidi-sues-dr-mahathir-defamation-2650496 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502094119/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/umno-ahmad-zahid-hamidi-sues-dr-mahathir-defamation-2650496 |archive-date=2 May 2022 |website=Channel News Asia |language=en}} In June 2022, Mahathir made irrendentist comments by stating that Singapore and the Riau Islands of Indonesia was once owned by Johor, and argued the state should claim them as part of Malaysia.{{Cite web |last=Auto |first=Hermes |date=20 June 2022 |title=Ex-PM Mahathir says Malaysia should claim Singapore and Riau Islands |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ex-pm-mahathir-says-malaysia-should-claim-singapore-and-riau-islands |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620210501/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ex-pm-mahathir-says-malaysia-should-claim-singapore-and-riau-islands |archive-date=20 June 2022 |access-date=21 June 2022 |website=Straits Times |language=en}}

In September 2022, Mahathir said he was open to becoming the prime minister for a third time if there were no other suitable candidates.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/24/if-there-are-calls-i-am-open-to-being-pm-for-a-third-time-says-dr-m|title=If there are calls, I am open to being PM for a third time, says Dr M|website=The Star|date=24 September 2022|access-date=27 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927091458/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/24/if-there-are-calls-i-am-open-to-being-pm-for-a-third-time-says-dr-m|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/26/dr-m-muhyiddin-not-fit-to-be-next-pm-says-zahid|title=Dr M, Muhyiddin not fit to be next PM, says Zahid|website=The Star|date=26 September 2022|access-date=27 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927010910/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/09/26/dr-m-muhyiddin-not-fit-to-be-next-pm-says-zahid|url-status=live}} Having previously said he would not defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat,{{Cite web |last=Zulkifli |first=Adie |date=9 March 2022 |title=Tun Mahathir not defending Langkawi seat in GE15 |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/03/778306/tun-mahathir-not-defending-langkawi-seat-ge15|website=NST Online |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317003653/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2022/03/778306/tun-mahathir-not-defending-langkawi-seat-ge15 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=Dr Mahathir not contesting in GE15 |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/370813 |website=The Malaysian Insight |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309135931/https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/370813 |url-status=live }} he announced he would contest the 2022 general election.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/11/ge15-dr-m-will-defend-langkawi-seat|title=GE15: Dr M will defend Langkawi seat|website=The Star|date=11 October 2022|accessdate=12 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011134241/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/11/ge15-dr-m-will-defend-langkawi-seat|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/11/ge15-umnos-dirty-trick-to-push-for-polls-during-monsoon-says-dr-m|title=GE15: UMNO's dirty trick to push for polls during monsoon, says Dr M|website=The Star|date=11 October 2022|accessdate=12 October 2022|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011233612/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/11/ge15-umnos-dirty-trick-to-push-for-polls-during-monsoon-says-dr-m|url-status=live}} In the election on 19 November, Mahathir lost his seat and election deposit, marking his first defeat in 53 years.{{Cite web |date=19 November 2022 |title=Ex-Malaysia PM Mahathir Mohamad suffers shock defeat in polls |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/mahathir-mohamad-ex-malaysia-pm-loses-seat-in-first-poll-defeat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119232308/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/mahathir-mohamad-ex-malaysia-pm-loses-seat-in-first-poll-defeat |archive-date=19 November 2022 |access-date=20 November 2022 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} No candidate from PEJUANG or Gerakan Tanah Air secured a seat.{{Cite news |date=19 November 2022 |title=Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir loses seat in first election defeat in 53 years |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysias-mahathir-fails-win-seat-general-election-2022-11-19/ |access-date=19 November 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130215018/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysias-mahathir-fails-win-seat-general-election-2022-11-19/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Mahathir Mohamad: Ex-Malaysia PM loses seat in shock defeat |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/mahathir-mohamad-ex-malaysia-pm-loses-seat-in-first-poll-defeat |access-date=19 November 2022 |work=Al Jazeera |date=19 November 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=19 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119201937/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/19/mahathir-mohamad-ex-malaysia-pm-loses-seat-in-first-poll-defeat }} He later said that his party's plans "had to be dropped" and he would shift his focus to writing about Malaysian history.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Keval |date=23 November 2022 |title=Former PM Mahathir to focus on writing about Malaysia's history, after shock defeat in polls |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-s-former-pm-mahathir-to-focus-on-writing-history-after-his-shock-defeat-in-polls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130230112/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-s-former-pm-mahathir-to-focus-on-writing-history-after-his-shock-defeat-in-polls |archive-date=30 November 2022 |access-date=1 December 2022 |website=Straits Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=23 November 2022 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir says will focus on writing after poll defeat |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221123-malaysia-s-mahathir-says-will-focus-on-writing-after-poll-defeat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201180742/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221123-malaysia-s-mahathir-says-will-focus-on-writing-after-poll-defeat |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=1 December 2022 |website=France 24 |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}}

In February 2023, Mahathir and 13 other members of PEJUANG (leaving his own son as the sole leader of that party) left the party and joined Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).{{Cite web |last=Jun |first=Soo Wern |date=25 February 2023 |title=Dr Mahathir, 13 former Pejuang members join Putra |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/02/25/dr-mahathir-13-former-pejuang-members-join-putra/56698 |website=Malay Mail |language=en |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225061842/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/02/25/dr-mahathir-13-former-pejuang-members-join-putra/56698 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=11 February 2023 |title=Mahathir, 12 others leave Pejuang |url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/654864 |website=The Edge Markets |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225061854/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/654864 |url-status=dead }} Later in 2023, Mahathir began promoting a "Malay Proclamation", aimed at uniting Malays. He met with PAS and PN leaders to garner support for the 12-point document listing political, economic and social issues.{{Cite web |last=Sipalan |first=Joseph |date=10 July 2023 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir, 98, isn't done with politics. Is he 'obsessed' with Anwar? |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3227200/malaysias-mahathir-turns-98-malay-supremacy-his-mind-he-obsessed-anwar |access-date=4 September 2023 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=4 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904070838/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3227200/malaysias-mahathir-turns-98-malay-supremacy-his-mind-he-obsessed-anwar |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/03/pas-leaders-sign-mahathir039s-039malay-proclamation039|title=PAS leaders sign Mahathir's 'Malay Proclamation'|website=The Star|date=3 May 2023|accessdate=12 May 2023|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513041528/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/03/pas-leaders-sign-mahathir039s-039malay-proclamation039|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Noorshahrizam |first=Shahrin Aizat |date=5 July 2023 |title=Muhyiddin-Mahathir meet over Malay Proclamation 'fruitful', says secretariat chairman |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/05/muhyiddin-mahathir-meet-over-malay-proclamation-fruitful-says-secretariat-chairman/77940 |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Malay Mail |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829083651/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/05/muhyiddin-mahathir-meet-over-malay-proclamation-fruitful-says-secretariat-chairman/77940 |url-status=live }} Mahathir was questioned by police over this campaign under the Malaysian Penal Code, for carrying out "activities that undermine parliamentary democracy".{{Cite news |date=2 June 2023 |title=Mahathir questioned by police over Malay Proclamation campaign, says lawyer |language=en |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/former-malaysian-pm-mahathir-questioned-by-police-over-malay-proclamation-campaign-says-lawyer |access-date=8 September 2023 |issn=0585-3923 |archive-date=8 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908150729/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/former-malaysian-pm-mahathir-questioned-by-police-over-malay-proclamation-campaign-says-lawyer |url-status=live }} Mahathir also left GTA, criticising the coalition for its poor performance in the election.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/12/039gta-failed-to-get-support-from-voters039-says-dr-m-on-his-decision-to-quit|title='GTA failed to get support from voters', says Dr M on his decision to quit|website=The Star|date=12 May 2023|accessdate=12 May 2023|archive-date=12 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512021145/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/12/039gta-failed-to-get-support-from-voters039-says-dr-m-on-his-decision-to-quit|url-status=live}} He supported Perikatan Nasional, the coalition that had ousted him in 2020, in six state elections and was named its "unofficial adviser" for the four state governments under its control.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Julia |date=15 September 2023 |title=Perikatan names Dr Mahathir as unofficial adviser to four states under its control |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/15/perikatan-names-dr-mahathir-as-unofficial-adviser-to-four-states-under-its-control/90981 |access-date=20 September 2023 |website=Malay Mail |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920000153/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/15/perikatan-names-dr-mahathir-as-unofficial-adviser-to-four-states-under-its-control/90981 |url-status=live }}

On 31 August 2024, Mahathir attended the Merdeka Day celebration in Putrajaya in his personal capacity, as he was not officially invited by the government. His presence at the event, where he was warmly received by the crowd, sparked public debate. Prominent academic Chandra Muzaffar criticized the government's decision, describing it as a breach of Malaysian etiquette and values, particularly given Mahathir's status as the country's longest-serving prime minister. He stated that the exclusion contradicted the principles of the Rukun Negara, which emphasize courtesy and morality, and called for a clear explanation from the government.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title='Biadap' not to invite Mahathir to Merdeka celebration, says prominent thinker |url=https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2024/09/03/biadap-not-to-invite-mahathir-to-merdeka-celebration-says-prominent-thinker |access-date= |website=MalaysiaNow |language=en}}

File:Funeral of Tun Abdullah (35).jpg, and a group of others, arrived at the National Mosque to attend the state funeral of his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]]

In February 2025, Mahathir's official Facebook account confirmed that his X account (@chedetofficial) had been hacked, resulting in a post promoting cryptocurrency, and efforts were underway to recover it.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-05 |title=Dr M's official X account was hacked |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/05/dr-m039s-official-x-account-was-hacked |access-date= |website=The Star |language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2025-02-05 |title=Dr M's X account hacked, promoting crypto coin |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/02/05/dr-ms-x-account-hacked-promoting-crypto-coin/ |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} In April 2025, following the Putra Heights pipeline fire in Subang Jaya, Mahathir visited the Incident Control Post and urged the public not to make premature accusations before the investigation was completed.{{Cite web |last=Makmal |first=Nasha Alysa |date=2025-04-02 |title=Tun M on Putra Heights blast cause: Don't go around accusing people |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/1196481/tun-m-putra-heights-blast-cause-dont-go-around-accusing-people |website=NST Online |language=en}} Shortly thereafter, he also attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.{{Cite web |last1=Radhi |first1=Nor Ain Mohamed |last2=Iskandar |first2=Iylia Marsya |last3=Nizam |first3=Fuad |last4=As |first4=Mohamad Al |date=2025-04-15 |title=Tun M pays last respects to Pak Lah [WATCH] |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/1202064/tun-m-pays-last-respects-pak-lah-watch|website=NST Online |language=en}} In an interview in May 2025, he criticized Donald Trump's tariff policies and described him as "living in an old world" over his foreign policy.{{Cite web |date=9 May 2025 |title=Nearing 100, Malaysian ex-PM Mahathir blasts 'old world' Trump |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250509-nearing-100-malaysian-ex-pm-mahathir-blasts-old-world-trump |access-date= |website=France 24 |language=en}}

{{main|Political positions of Mahathir Mohamad}}

File:HE Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia (44582220115).jpg, United Kingdom in 2018]]

Mahathir's political views have shifted during his lengthy career. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a supporter of third-worldism, while during other periods he has been a proponent of "Asian values" and globalisation. A Muslim thinker, he holds Islamic political views.{{Cite book |last=Schottmann |first=Sven |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvvn4z8 |title=Mahathir's Islam: Mahathir Mohamad on Religion and Modernity in Malaysia |date=2018 |publisher=University of Hawai'i Press |jstor=j.ctvvn4z8 |isbn=978-0-8248-4674-9 |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115163815/https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvvn4z8 |url-status=live }} In 2002, he characterised himself as an Islamic fundamentalist.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2002 |title=Malaysia a fundamentalist Islamic country, says PM |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/11804 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=Malaysiakini |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817083532/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/11804 |url-status=live }} Mahathir is generally respected in developing and Islamic countries,{{cite news |date=31 January 2007 |title=Mahathir to launch war crimes tribunal |publisher=The Star (Associated Press) |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/31/nation/20070131173214&sec=nation |url-status=dead |access-date=14 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612065755/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F1%2F31%2Fnation%2F20070131173214&sec=nation |archive-date=12 June 2008}} particularly due to his oversight of Malaysia's economic growth and his support of liberal Muslim values.{{cite news |author=Bowring, Philip |date=23 September 1998 |title=Twin Shocks Will Leave Their Mark on Malaysia |work=International Herald Tribune |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/09/23/edbow.t_0.php |url-status=dead |access-date=14 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611121810/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/09/23/edbow.t_0.php |archive-date=11 June 2008}}

Mahathir has been described as a proponent of Malay nationalism. In The Malay Dilemma, he argued that the Malay race had been marginalised, and voiced his support for affirmative action policies for them.{{Cite news |date=1 September 2022 |title=Mahathir Mohamad: The man who dominated Malaysian politics |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44028023 |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122132932/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44028023 |archive-date=22 November 2022}} Upon his first resignation, he expressed his disappointment at the progress made towards his "principle task" of supporting the Malay race. In 2021, Mahathir said he did not believe in "Ketuanan Melayu", calling it a "fantasy", and said instead that he believed in the concept of "Bangsa Malaysia",{{Cite web |date=12 December 2021 |title=I don't believe in 'Ketuanan Melayu' fantasy, says Dr M |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/12/12/i-dont-believe-in-ketuanan-melayu-fantasy-says-dr-m/ |website=Free Malaysia Today |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212114214/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/12/12/i-dont-believe-in-ketuanan-melayu-fantasy-says-dr-m/ |url-status=live }} but later clarified in 2023 that his vision of Bangsa Malaysia meant the assimilation of non-Malay people into Malay culture and argued against multiculturalism.{{Cite web |last=Tee |first=Kenneth |date=13 November 2023 |title=Citing Indonesia, Dr Mahathir says non-Malays should be assimilated and 'become Malays' as part of 'Bangsa Malaysia' |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/13/citing-indonesia-dr-mahathir-says-non-malays-should-be-assimilated-and-become-malays-as-part-of-bangsa-malaysia/101791 |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=Malay Mail |language=en |archive-date=14 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114164819/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/13/citing-indonesia-dr-mahathir-says-non-malays-should-be-assimilated-and-become-malays-as-part-of-bangsa-malaysia/101791 |url-status=live }} He has been described as anti-royalist by Libération, owing to his efforts to oppose immunity for members of Malaysia's monarchies.{{Cite web |last=Defranoux |first=Laurence |title=Abdication surprise du roi de Malaisie |url=https://www.liberation.fr/planete/2019/01/06/abdication-surprise-du-roi-de-malaisie_1701288/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115165633/https://www.liberation.fr/planete/2019/01/06/abdication-surprise-du-roi-de-malaisie_1701288/ |archive-date=15 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Libération |language=fr}}

Mahathir is a vocal critic of neoliberalism and the Western world.{{cite web |date=19 August 2022 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir says US seeking to provoke war in Taiwan |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-taiwan-nato-96f52741ce6e9e6a2cdcfce5fd459ad8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829161943/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-taiwan-nato-96f52741ce6e9e6a2cdcfce5fd459ad8 |archive-date=29 August 2022 |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=Associated Press}} In 2011, Mahathir suggested that the September 11 attacks might have been staged by the United States government.{{cite news |author=Roslan Rahman |date=11 September 2011 |title=Malaysia's Mahathir: 9/11 not work of Muslims |work=AFP News |url=https://my.news.yahoo.com/malaysias-mahathir-9-11-not-muslims-045737526.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109114620/https://my.news.yahoo.com/malaysias-mahathir-9-11-not-muslims-045737526.html |archive-date=9 November 2014}}{{Cite web |last=AR |first=Zurairi |date=9 March 2015 |title=In Dr M's 'New World Order' meet, academics claim war on terror 'big US lie' |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2015/03/09/in-dr-ms-new-world-order-meet-academics-claim-war-on-terror-big-us-lie/855701 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924060323/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2015/03/09/in-dr-ms-new-world-order-meet-academics-claim-war-on-terror-big-us-lie/855701 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |access-date=24 September 2021 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}} Mahathir condemned the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1997, suggesting it be revised to place greater importance on economic growth over civil liberties.{{cite news |date=2 August 1997 |title=Madeleine Albright Sings Out |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/02/opinion/madeleine-albright-sings-out.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104181455/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/02/opinion/madeleine-albright-sings-out.html |archive-date=4 January 2018}} In 2019, Mahathir stated that Malaysians should learn from the hard work of China's citizens, which enabled their nation to achieve technological advancement within a few decades.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=By Ida |date=2019-04-02 |title=Dr M: Malaysia can learn from China who overtook us |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/04/02/dr-m-malaysia-can-learn-from-china-who-overtook-us/1738821 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}}

Mahathir has advocated for a balance between environmental protection and natural resource use for economic growth in developing countries.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2019 |title=Mahathir highlights Malaysia's conservation efforts |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/493474 |access-date=2 September 2023 |website=Malaysiakini |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902100302/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/493474 |url-status=live }} He referred to the outcomes of the Earth Summit as "eco-imperialism", arguing that Global North countries put an undue burden on Global South countries for environmental degradation.{{Cite journal |last=Mohamed |first=Mahathir bin |date=April 1999 |title=The Green Flag of Eco-Imperialism |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/0893-7850.00214 |journal=New Perspectives Quarterly |language=en |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=8–9 |doi=10.1111/0893-7850.00214 |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902100302/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/0893-7850.00214 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }} In response to international scrutiny, he said in 2019 that linking palm oil production to deforestation was "baseless, unfair and unjustified" and that the Malaysian palm oil sector had developed sustainably.

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| quote = We (Muslims) are actually very strong. 1.3 billion people cannot be simply wiped out. The Europeans killed 6 million Jews out of 12 million. But today the Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them.

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| source = –Mahathir, 2003{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/16/oic.mahathir/|title=Mahathir attack on Jews condemned|last=Ressa|first=Maria|date=17 October 2003|work=CNN |access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=18 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218103928/http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/16/oic.mahathir/|url-status=live}}

}}

A strident critic of Israel, Mahathir has been accused of antisemitism throughout his political life.{{cite web |title=Global Anti-Semitism Still Potent |url=https://www.adl.org/news/op-ed/global-anti-semitism-still-potent |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512112804/https://www.adl.org/news/op-ed/global-anti-semitism-still-potent |archive-date=12 May 2018 |access-date=11 May 2018 |website=The Anti-Defamation League |publisher=}} In The Malay Dilemma, he wrote that "Jews are not merely hook-nosed, but understand money instinctively".{{cite web |last=Sugarman |first=Daniel |date=17 January 2019 |title=Oxford Union criticised for inviting antisemitic Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to speak |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/oxford-union-criticised-for-inviting-antisemitic-malaysian-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-to-speak-1.478744 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125020442/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/oxford-union-criticised-for-inviting-antisemitic-malaysian-prime-minister-mahathir-mohamad-to-speak-1.478744 |archive-date=25 January 2019 |access-date=24 January 2019 |work=The Jewish Chronicle}} In August 1983, Mahathir claimed in a speech that Jews control the international media.{{Cite journal |last=Yegar |first=Moshe |date=2006 |title=Malaysia: Anti-Semitism Without Jews |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25834698 |url-status=live |journal=Jewish Political Studies Review |volume=18 |issue=3/4 |pages=81–97 |issn=0792-335X |jstor=25834698 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204152312/https://www.jstor.org/stable/25834698 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |access-date=4 December 2021}} In March 1994, he banned the screening of Schindler's List on the grounds that he viewed it as anti-German, pro-Jewish propaganda. During the collapse of the ringgit and the economic crisis in 1997, he made a series of remarks blaming Jews, in particular George Soros, a Jewish "agenda", and "an international Jewish conspiracy" attempting to destroy the economies of Muslim countries.{{Cite news |last=Mydans |first=Seth |date=16 October 1997 |title=Malaysian Premier Sees Jews Behind Nation's Money Crisis |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/16/world/malaysian-premier-sees-jews-behind-nation-s-money-crisis.html |url-status=live |access-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204151154/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/16/world/malaysian-premier-sees-jews-behind-nation-s-money-crisis.html |archive-date=4 December 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |date=24 October 2003 |title=Mahathir's dark side |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3597972/Mahathirs-dark-side.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421180307/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/3597972/Mahathirs-dark-side.html |archive-date=21 April 2018}}

During an Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit held in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, he accused Jews of "ruling the world by proxy" and getting "others to fight and die for them".{{cite news |date=21 October 2003 |title=Views on Jews By Malaysian: His Own Words |work=The New York Times |agency=The Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/21/world/views-on-jews-by-malaysian-his-own-words.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512113255/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/21/world/views-on-jews-by-malaysian-his-own-words.html |archive-date=12 May 2018}} His speech was denounced by President George W. Bush.{{cite news |date=21 October 2003 |title=Bush rebukes Malaysia leader over remarks about Jews |agency=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/20/rice.mahathir/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318091827/http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/20/rice.mahathir/index.html |archive-date=18 March 2016}} In 2012, he claimed he was "glad to be labelled antisemitic".{{cite web|title=Dr M says glad to be called 'Antisemitic'|url=http://antisemitism.org.il/article/74691/dr-m-says-glad-be-called-%E2%80%98antisemitic%E2%80%99|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926220654/http://antisemitism.org.il/article/74691/dr-m-says-glad-be-called-%E2%80%98antisemitic%E2%80%99|archive-date=26 September 2012|access-date=29 September 2012|publisher=CFCA}} In a 2018 BBC interview he repeated similar statements, as well as disputing the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/17/cambridge-union-audience-laughs-anti-semitic-joke-malaysian/|title=Cambridge Union audience laughs at anti-Semitic 'joke' by Malaysian prime minister|date=18 June 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=24 October 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024133349/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/17/cambridge-union-audience-laughs-anti-semitic-joke-malaysian/|archive-date=24 October 2019|url-status=live}} In 2019, when asked why he had previously claimed that Jews are "inclined towards money" he responded that he had Jewish friends, and that "they are not like the other Jews, that's why they are my friends."{{Cite web|date=17 June 2019|title=Malaysia PM tells Cambridge Union his Jewish friends are 'not like other Jews'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mahathir-mohamed-anti-semitic-cambridge-union-jewish-malaysia-a8962246.html|access-date=7 November 2021|website=The Independent|first=Zamira|last=Rahim|language=en|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107013237/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mahathir-mohamed-anti-semitic-cambridge-union-jewish-malaysia-a8962246.html|url-status=live}} Mahathir has defended his comments about Jews as an exercise of free speech, and by claiming that "the Jews do a lot of wrong things which force us to pass comment."{{Cite web|last=Cortellessa|first=Eric|title=A defiant Malaysian PM defends his anti-Semitism in the name of free speech|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-defiant-malaysian-pm-defends-his-anti-semitism-in-the-name-of-free-speech/|access-date=16 February 2021|work=The Times of Israel|date=26 September 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926224725/https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-defiant-malaysian-pm-defends-his-anti-semitism-in-the-name-of-free-speech/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Lin|first=Koh Jun|date=25 September 2019|title=In speech at Columbia, Mahathir cites free speech for anti-Semitic remarks|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/493315|access-date=16 February 2021|website=Malaysiakini|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926225023/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/493315|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/prime-minister-of-malaysia-questioned-why-jews-resent-being-called-hook-nosed-cambridge-union-1.485530|access-date=7 November 2021|work=The Jewish Chronicle|date=18 June 2019|first=Lee|last=Harpin|title=Malaysia PM questioned why Jews 'resent' being called 'hook-nosed'|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107013237/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/prime-minister-of-malaysia-questioned-why-jews-resent-being-called-hook-nosed-cambridge-union-1.485530|url-status=live}}

Mahathir opposes an expansion of LGBT rights in Malaysia.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2018 |title=Mahathir claims LGBT rights are 'Western values' not fit for Malaysia |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2170274/mahathir-mohamad-claims-lgbt-rights-are-western-values-will |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606163319/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2170274/mahathir-mohamad-claims-lgbt-rights-are-western-values-will |archive-date=6 June 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}}{{Cite web |date=25 October 2018 |title=Malaisie: le premier ministre rejette les revendications LGBT |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2018/10/25/97001-20181025FILWWW00195-malaisie-le-premier-ministre-contre-les-revendications-lgbt.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115144840/https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2018/10/25/97001-20181025FILWWW00195-malaisie-le-premier-ministre-contre-les-revendications-lgbt.php |archive-date=15 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Le Figaro |language=fr}} In 2001, Mahathir said that any homosexual ministers from the United Kingdom would be barred from entering Malaysia.{{Cite news |date=1 November 2001 |title=Gay ministers barred, Malaysia tells UK |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1632012.stm |access-date=5 May 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802140647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/1632012.stm |url-status=live }} During an October 2018 lecture to university students in Bangkok, Mahathir contrasted Malaysian values with those of Western nations and cited "the institution of marriage [and] the family" in his opposition to LGBT.

{{Quote box

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| quote = The French in the course of their history have killed millions of people. Many were Muslims. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past. But by and large the Muslims have not applied the 'eye for an eye' law. Muslims don't. The French shouldn't. Instead the French should teach their people to respect other people's feeling.

| salign = right

| source = –Mahathir, 2020

}}

In the aftermath of the 2020 Nice stabbing and murder of Samuel Paty, Mahathir posted remarks on his blog. Mahathir said that the attacks were wrong and against Islam, but also argued that Muslims had a right to be angry and kill French people for past massacres committed by the French. Mahathir's post was later circulated on his Twitter account, where it was labelled for "glorifying violence".{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Conrad |date=29 October 2020 |title=Muslims have a right to 'kill millions of French people', former Malaysian PM suggests |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/muslims-france-malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-macron-charlie-hebdo-b1424838.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521173614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/muslims-france-malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-macron-charlie-hebdo-b1424838.html |archive-date=21 May 2022 |access-date=21 May 2022 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

Mahathir was criticised for stoking tensions and hatred by the former Australian ambassador to France Brendan Berne, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison, and French secretary of state for digital affairs Cédric O.{{cite news |last1=Shield |first1=Bevan |date=30 October 2020 |title='A bigot without principles': ex-Malaysian PM condemned by former ambassador to France |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/a-bigot-without-principles-ex-malaysian-pm-condemned-by-former-ambassador-to-france-20201030-p569xn.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029215526/https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/a-bigot-without-principles-ex-malaysian-pm-condemned-by-former-ambassador-to-france-20201030-p569xn.html |archive-date=29 October 2020}} Malaysian cleric and politician Fathul Bari Mat Jahya also condemned Mahathir's remarks.{{Cite news |date=29 October 2020 |title=Muslims 'have right to kill millions of French': Malaysia's Mahathir sparks uproar with his response to Macron |language=en |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3107680/muslims-have-right-kill-millions-french-malaysias-mahathir |access-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030042720/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3107680/muslims-have-right-kill-millions-french-malaysias-mahathir |archive-date=30 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Ar |first1=Zuraira |date=29 October 2020 |title=Don't paint France with same brush, Umno's Fathul Bari tells Dr Mahathir after 'punish French' remarks |work=Malay Mail |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/10/29/dont-paint-france-with-same-brush-umnos-fathul-bari-tells-dr-mahathir-after/1917600 |url-status=live |access-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030115541/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/10/29/dont-paint-france-with-same-brush-umnos-fathul-bari-tells-dr-mahathir-after/1917600 |archive-date=30 October 2020}}

Mahathir responded that his comments were taken out of context and he was not "promoting massacre of the French". Facebook and Twitter later removed his posts.{{cite news |title=Malaysia's Mahathir: Post on French killings taken out of context |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/30/malaysias-mahathir-post-on-french-killings-taken-out-of-context |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=Al Jazeera |date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030184452/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/30/malaysias-mahathir-post-on-french-killings-taken-out-of-context |archive-date=30 October 2020|url-status=live}}

{{main|Personal life of Mahathir Mohamad}}

{{Quote box

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| quote = I don't smoke, I don't drink, and I don't overeat. I eat just enough to keep me going. Once people hit a certain age, there's a tendency to become overweight. Many develop a big stomach, and to feel satisfied, they eat and drink too much, which puts a strain on their heart. I've stayed around 62-64 kg for years, and I can still wear clothes I had made 30 years ago.

| salign = right

| source = –Mahathir{{Cite web |title=Why Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a True Gentleman |url=https://gentlemanscodes.com/personality/why-tun-dr-mahathir-mohamad-is-a-true-gentleman |access-date= |website=Gentleman's Code Magazine (GC) |language=en}}

}}

Mahathir follows a disciplined lifestyle. He attributes his longevity and health to self-discipline, a controlled diet, regular reading to keep his mind active, and avoiding overeating, which he believes leads to obesity and related diseases.{{Cite web |agency=Bernama |date=2019-12-15 |title=Dr Mahathir's recipe for a long healthy life |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/503705 |website=Malaysiakini}} He has consistently maintained his weight at 62 kg for many years.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-10 |title=I've been 62kg for the past 40 years, says Dr M |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/12/10/ive-been-62kg-for-the-past-40-years-says-dr-m/ |access-date= |website=Free Malaysia Today |language=en}} His hobbies include sailing, horse riding, and carpentry, and he has built a functioning steam train and a boat. An avid reader, his favorite authors are Wilbur Smith and Jeffrey Archer.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Ida |date=1 September 2019 |title=Pulled out of retirement, Dr M now settles for reading books instead of writing them |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/09/01/pulled-out-of-retirement-dr-m-now-settles-for-reading-books-instead-of-writ/1786307 |website=Malay Mail |language=en |archive-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830002428/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/09/01/pulled-out-of-retirement-dr-m-now-settles-for-reading-books-instead-of-writ/1786307 |url-status=live }}

File:Mahathir Mohamad, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, Joko Widodo and Iriana.jpg and his wife Iriana, 29 June 2018]]

Mahathir met his wife, Siti Hasmah, during their medical studies, and they married in 1956. They have four biological children—Marina, Mirzan, Mokhzani, and Mukhriz—and later adopted three more—Melinda, Maizura, and Mazhar.{{cite news|url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/2019/07/12/5-amazing-things-about-dr-siti-hasmah-you-should-know/|title=5 Amazing Things about Dr Siti Hasmah you should know|last=Kaur|first=Kirat|date=12 July 2019|work=The Rakyat Post|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930155119/https://www.therakyatpost.com/2019/07/12/5-amazing-things-about-dr-siti-hasmah-you-should-know/|url-status=live}} In 2021, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.{{Cite web |last=Subramaniam |first=Saktesh |date=2021-08-05 |title=From college mates, to soulmates: M'sia's oldest power couple mark 65 years of marriage |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/37181/from-college-mates-to-soulmates-msias-oldest-power-couple-mark-65-years-of-marriage |access-date= |website=The Vibes |language=en}} His granddaughter, Ineza, has described him as a family-oriented man who enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.{{Cite web |last=Azam |first=Nadia |date=2019-09-13 |title=Berkenalan dengan Mahathir 'yang lagi satu' |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/hiburan/491766 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini |language=ms}}

Mahathir is widely known for his workaholic nature.{{Cite web |date=2001-11-04 |title=Mahathir a workaholic and compulsive reader, says wife |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/5371 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}} Despite his demanding schedule, he enjoys simple pleasures such as cooking and driving his family to restaurants.{{Cite web |date=1984-01-16 |title=Personality Spotlight;NEWLN:Malaysia's Prime Minister |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/01/16/Personality-SpotlightNEWLNMalaysias-Prime-Minister/8734443077200/ |access-date= |website=UPI |language=en}} He is also a fan of the song "My Way"{{Cite web |date=2018-08-07 |title=Dr M greeted with a rendition of 'My Way' in Japan |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/437760 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}} and owns a stable of horses, most of which were gifted to him.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-26 |title=Dr M shares his fondness for horses, tramples on Najib |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/339205 |access-date= |website=Malaysiakini}}

His childhood home in Alor Setar, named Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir Mohamad, was restored and opened to the public in 1992, showcasing personal memorabilia from his early life.{{Cite web |date=1992-12-19 |title=PM's childhood home on show |url=https://davidchenlib.org/viewer/5553/?back=%2Frecords%2Flisting%3Fsearch%3DMahathir+1992%26sort%3D_score%26perpage%3D10%26page%3D1%26fulltext%3D1%26bookmarks%3D1%26&css-name=include#page=21&viewer=picture&o=&n=0&q= |website=New Straits Times}}

Over the years, Mahathir has faced various health challenges, including heart conditions and infections, requiring multiple hospitalizations.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-15 |title=Malaysia's ex-PM Mahathir discharged from hospital after checks: Source |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-ex-pm-mahathir-to-be-discharged-from-hospital-on-friday |access-date= |work=The Straits Times |language=en}} He has also been the target of security threats during his political career, though none have caused him serious harm.

Mahathir neither drinks alcohol nor smokes.{{Cite web |date=2017-05-22 |title=Dr M's tips for longevity? No smoking or alcohol, and plenty of reading |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/05/22/dr-ms-tips-for-longevity-no-smoking-or-alcohol-and-plenty-of-reading/1382275 |access-date= |website=www.malaymail.com}}

File:Alor Setar Wall Painting - panoramio.jpg and Proton Saga, symbolizing his legacy as Malaysia's 'Father of Modernisation'.]]{{Excerpt|Cultural depictions of Mahathir Mohamad|paragraphs=2|files=no}}

{{Main|List of awards and honours received by Mahathir Mohamad}}

File:Putin in Malaysia - August 5 2003 - 8.jpg Vladimir Putin awarded Mahathir the Russian Order of Friendship]]

Mahathir received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Royal Family Order of Brunei (1997), Order of Mubarak the Great (1997), Honorary Ph.D. in Humanities from the National University of Mongolia (1997), Honorary Ph.D. in literature from Al-Azhar University (1998), U Thant Peace Award from the United Nations Organization (1999), Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2002), Russian Order of Friendship (2003), Honorary Ph.D. from Tsinghua University (2004), Honorary Ph.D. from the University of Santo Tomas (2012), Honorary Ph.D. in Laws from the National University of Singapore (2018), Japanese Order of the Paulownia Flowers (2018), Honorary Ph.D. from Qatar University (2019), Honorary Ph.D. from the International University of Japan (2019), Order of Pakistan (2019), and the Order of the Republic of Turkey (2019).

• The Malay Dilemma (1970) {{ISBN|981-204-355-1}}
• The Challenge (1986) {{ISBN|967-978-091-0}}
• Regionalism, Globalism, and Spheres of Influence: ASEAN and the Challenge of Change into the 21st century (1989) {{ISBN|981-303-549-8}}
• Mahathir, Great Malaysian Hero (1990) {{ISBN|983-9683-00-4}}
• The Asia That Can Say No{{#tag:ref|Japanese:「NO」と言えるアジア|group=note}}{{#tag:ref|In collaboration with Shintaro Ishihara|group=note}} (1994) {{ISBN|433-405-217-7}}
• The Pacific Rim in the 21st century (1995)
• The Challenges of Turmoil (1998) {{ISBN|967-978-652-8}}
• The Way Forward (1998) {{ISBN|0-297-84229-3}}
• A New Deal for Asia (1999)
• Islam & The Muslim Ummah (2001) {{ISBN|967-978-738-9}}
• Globalisation and the New Realities (2002)
• Reflections on Asia (2002) {{ISBN|967-978-813-X}}
• The Malaysian Currency Crisis: How and why it Happened (2003) {{ISBN|967-978-756-7}}
• Mahathir: 22 Years, 22 Voices (2003){{Cite web |date=2003-10-11 |title=DPM launches book titled 'Mahathir: 22 Years, 22 Voices' |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1396244/dpm-launches-book-titled-mahathir-22-years-22-voices- |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}
• Dr Mahathir Mohamad - Father of Sports Development (2003){{Cite web |date=2003-10-20 |title=Book on Dr M's contribution to sports |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1400693/book-on-dr-m-s-contribution-to-sports |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}}
• Achieving True Globalization (2004) {{ISBN|967-978-904-7}}
• Islam, Knowledge, and Other Affairs (2006) {{ISBN|983-3698-03-4}}
• Principles of Public Administration: An Introduction (2007) {{ISBN|978-983-195-253-5}}
• Chedet.com Blog Merentasi Halangan (Bilingual) (2008) {{ISBN|967-969-589-1}}
• A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad{{Cite web |date=2011-03-10 |title=Memoirs flying off the shelves |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4978957/memoirs-flying-off-the-shelves |access-date= |website=New Straits Times}} (2011) {{ISBN|9789675997228}}
• Doktor Umum: Memoir Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad{{Cite web |date=2012-05-01 |title='Saya guna bahasa kampung' |url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5345174/-saya-guna-bahasa-kampung- |access-date= |website=Harian Metro |language=ms}}{{#tag:ref|This book was the BM version of his best-selling memoir, A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.|group=note}} (2012) {{ISBN|9789674150259}}
• Blogging to Unblock (Book 2): A Citizen's Rights (2013) {{ISBN|9789679696288}}
• Dr. M: Apa Habaq Orang Muda? (2016) {{ISBN|9789671367995}}
• Capturing Hope: The Struggle Continues for a New Malaysia (2021){{Cite web |date=2021-12-12 |title=In new book, Dr Mahathir recounts bid to revamp 'bloated' civil service, deal with rich officials left by Najib |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/12/12/in-new-book-dr-mahathir-recounts-bid-to-revamp-bloated-civil-service-deal-w/2027772 |access-date= |website=www.malaymail.com}} {{ISBN|9789672923183}}

{{Portal|Malaysia|Biography|Politics}}

• Mahathir, the Musical
• Mahathir Science Award
• History of Malaysia
• List of oldest living state leaders

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist|20em}}

• {{cite book|last1=Dhillon|first1=Karminder Singh|title=Malaysian Foreign Policy in the Mahathir Era 1981–2003: Dilemmas of Development|year=2009|publisher=NUS Press|isbn=978-9971-69-399-2}}
• {{cite book|last1=Milne|first1=R. S.|last2=Mauzy|first2=Diane K.|title=Malaysian Politics under Mahathir|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5hYemBg43pkC|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-17143-1|ref=CITEREFMilne & Mauzy1999}}
• {{cite book|last1=Morais|first1=J. Victor|title=Mahathir: A Profile in Courage|year=1982|publisher=Eastern Universities Press|oclc=8687329}}
• {{cite book|last1=Sankaran|first1=Ramanathan|last2=Mohd Hamdan Adnan|title=Malaysia's 1986 General Election: the Urban-Rural Dichotomy|year=1988|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|isbn=981-3035-12-9|ref=CITEREFSankaran & Hamdan1988}}
• {{cite book|last1=Stewart|first1=Ian|title=The Mahathir Legacy: a Nation Divided, a Region at Risk|year=2003|publisher=Allen & Unwin|isbn=1-86508-977-X}}
• {{cite book|last1=Wain|first1=Barry|title=Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times|year=2010|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-0-230-23873-2}}
• James Chin & Joern Dosch. Malaysia Post Mahathir: a decade of change?. Marshall Cavendish. 2016. {{ISBN|9814677558}}

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