TUN DR.

MAHATHIR MOHAMAD
Born on 20th December, 1925 in Alor Setar, Dr. Mahathir is the son
of a teacher. He is the youngest of nine children of a school teacher and a
housewife. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was of Indian descent, being
the son of a Muslim and a Malay mother, while Mahathir's own mother,
Datin Wan Tempawan Wan Hanafi, was Malay . He is married to Tun Dr. Siti
Hasmah binti Haji Mohamad Ali, they have seven children, four sons and
three daughters.
From an early age, Tun Mahathir had the importance of education
drummed into him by his father, who was also a strict disciplinarian. After
his early education at the Maktab Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor Setar, he
enrolled at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in the University of
Singapore.
Armed with a MBBS degree in medicine, he set up his own clinic, the
Maha Clinic in Alor Setar. As a doctor, Tun Mahathir came into close
contact with people
close rapport with

from

them.

variety

He

of social strata and enjoyed a

understood

their

problems.

He

was

first thrust into the world of politics when he became the Member of
Parliament for Alor Setar in 1964. After holding a number of portfolios,
including Minister of Education, Minister of Trade and Industry and Deputy
Prime Minister, he finally became the Prime Minister on 16th July, 1981.
His contributions to the nation are so immense a. He has left his mark in
every aspect in politics, economy or education.
His biggest achievement during his time as prime minister was his
recovery strategy during the Asian financial crisis of 1998. He went
against his advisers and tied the currency to the U.S dollar. This bold
move let Malaysia recover quicker than other countries. He was granted
the title of The Father of Modernization by the Malaysian people for his
work in economic development. Mahathir had a significant impact on the
economy, culture and government of Malaysia. He won five consecutive

elections and served for 22 years, longer than any other prime minister in
Malaysias history.

BACKGROUND
EDUCATION
WORK
ACHIEVEMENT

Born on 20th December, 1925 in

Alor Setar
the youngest of nine children
married to Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah
binti Haji Mohamad Ali
have seven children
early education at the Maktab
Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor Setar
enrolled at the King Edward VII
College of Medicine
set up his own clinic, the Maha
Clinic in Alor Setar
became the Member of Parliament
for Alor Setar in 1964
holding a number of portfolios,
including Minister of Education,
Minister of Trade and Industry and
Deputy Prime Minister
became the Prime Minister on
16th July, 1981

recovery strategy during the

Asian financial crisis of 1998
granted the title of The Father of
Modernization
won five consecutive elections
and served for 22 years

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