The Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir bin Mohamad is credited with being the driving force behind Malaysia's rapid modernization and with setting it on a path to prosperity.

Dr. Mahathir has been active in politics since the 1940s. He was a member of the United Malays National Organization after World War II and became the State Party Chairman in 1959. In 1964, he was elected Member of Parliament but lost his seat in 1969 in the general elections. Amidst the chaotic political scene in Malaysia at that time, he authored the controversial The Malay Dilemma, in which he discussed the Kuala Lumpur riots and the weak Malaysian economy.

As Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, Dr. Mahathir placed strong emphasis on Asian values and on close cooperation between countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. His economic policies helped Malaysia move into heavy industries that are still being pursued today, emulating other developed nations such as South Korea and Japan. His leadership saw Malaysia's standard of living rise and its poverty level fall, putting the country on the same plane as other prosperous countries in Southeast Asia.

Widely regarded as a role model for leaders in developing nations and Islamic countries, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad transformed Malaysia into a peaceful and prosperous nation. He remains dedicated to the growth of developing countries and the spread of prosperity throughout Asia.

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