At 99 years old, Mahathir bin Mohamad remains a formidable figure in Malaysian politics, continuing to engage with domestic and international issues from his office in Kuala Lumpur. The country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, who served two non-consecutive terms, first from 1981 to 2003 and then from 2018 to 2020, has been a constant presence in Malaysian governance. His daily routine is remarkably disciplined; he arrives at his desk by 8:45 a.m. and rarely leaves before 5 p.m., demonstrating his belief that staying active is essential for mental acuity. “I always advise people when they age, they should be active,” he told TIME. “Keep yourself busy and your brain busy. If they go to sleep, they lose their power.”
As Mahathir prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday in July 2025, he reflects on a world that has changed dramatically since he first took office. His second term was marked by the 1MDB scandal, a major corruption case involving the misappropriation of $4.5 billion in public funds. Mahathir's return to power at the age of 92 was seen as a necessary move to address the fallout from this scandal, but his views on global politics have evolved amid shifting alliances and conflicts.
In recent weeks, the political landscape has been dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump, whose return to power Mahathir warned would lead to “disaster.” He expressed his concerns about Trump’s foreign policy maneuvers, including threats to annex allies and a trade war with China. “Talking about taking over Greenland, Panama, and expelling people from Gaza—these kinds of things cannot be done now,” he stated, emphasizing the need for countries to respect the rights of their citizens.
Mahathir's critique of U.S. foreign policy extends beyond Trump. He has been vocal about the Biden administration's support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, which he believes contradicts the U.S.'s historical advocacy for human rights. This sentiment resonates within the developing world, where many leaders share his frustration with perceived American hypocrisy. “The U.S. used to talk about human rights, development, and things like that,” he lamented. “But now we are seeing a new U.S.”
Despite his criticisms, Mahathir remains a complex figure. He has been both a champion of Malay identity and a critic of the patronage networks that have characterized Malaysian politics. His supporters credit him with transforming Malaysia into one of Asia’s “tigers” during the 1980s and 1990s, while detractors point to his centralization of power and authoritarian tendencies.
In recent developments, Mahathir has welcomed Chinese investment, contrasting sharply with U.S. efforts to contain China’s rise. He noted that “China will do everything to retain the market and is doing exactly what the Europeans were doing before.” This perspective was underscored by a recent visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who, along with Malaysia’s current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, signed 31 memorandums of understanding covering various sectors, including AI and satellite technology.
As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly regarding Taiwan, Mahathir has voiced concerns about U.S. actions that he believes provoke China. He argues that the U.S. is pushing Beijing toward conflict over Taiwan, a stance he finds troubling. “China could have invaded Taiwan long ago but chose not to because Taiwan was useful,” he explained. “But the U.S. is not happy because there is no confrontation.”
Mahathir's political journey has also been marked by a tumultuous relationship with Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s current Prime Minister and his former deputy. Their rivalry has deep roots, with Mahathir having sacked Anwar in 1998, leading to a series of events that saw Anwar imprisoned on charges widely regarded as politically motivated. After reconciling to oust former Prime Minister Najib Razak, Mahathir’s government collapsed, leading to Anwar’s ascendance.
Today, Mahathir finds himself at odds with Anwar once again. In March 2025, it was revealed that Mahathir's sons were being investigated by Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission, a move seen by some as politically motivated. “The strategy of going after him indicates how Anwar has followed in Mahathir’s footsteps,” noted Bridget Welsh, an honorary research associate at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia.
As Mahathir reflects on his legacy, he acknowledges his complicated relationship with Anwar, admitting, “I antagonized my deputy, who is now the Prime Minister. And now he’s trying to seek revenge.” Yet, he remains defiant, asserting that the political landscape he left behind is fraught with challenges. “If you don’t think you have worthy successors, should you not have a system with more checks and balances?” asked Francis Hutchinson, coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Program at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Mahathir's views on international relations are equally critical. He believes that NATO's expansion after the fall of the Soviet Union provoked Russia, leading to the current conflict in Ukraine. “Instead, NATO decided to take all the Warsaw Pact countries and join NATO and confront Russia,” he explained. His perspective highlights a belief that the West often fails to understand the complexities of global power dynamics.
With the world watching closely, Mahathir remains a pivotal figure, advocating for the interests of the developing world while navigating the intricacies of modern geopolitics. His insights reflect a lifetime of experience in leadership, and as he approaches his centenary, his voice continues to resonate in discussions about power, governance, and international relations.
