Alor Setar, a city divided by class, symbolized the socioeconomic disparities of its time. The northern side was home to elites, while the impoverished resided in the south, barred from mingling with the aristocrats. Amid this divide, Mahathir Mohamad was born in 1925 on the southern side to a family struggling to make ends meet. Despite financial hardships, Mahathir’s parents prioritized education, eventually sending him to Singapore to pursue a medical degree.

Upon returning to Alor Setar, Mahathir began practicing medicine, which provided financial stability but failed to elevate him to the social status he had long aspired to. Besides practicing medicine, he began writing articles that resonated with the public. This passion for writing and connection with people led him to enter politics. In 1964, Mahathir won a parliamentary seat but lost the subsequent election. His rebellious nature and critical stance on issues caused his expulsion from the party. During this period, he authored The Malay Dilemma, a book that brought him widespread recognition and eventually led to his reinstatement in the party.

In 1974, Mahathir Mohammad was elected again, this time as Malaysia’s Minister of Education. By 1978, he became the deputy prime minister, and in 1981, he was sworn in as prime minister. However, instead of pursuing personal ambitions, Mahathir committed himself to uplifting Malaysia’s marginalized communities. His leadership was characterized by a clear vision and actionable strategies to transform Malaysia into a progressive nation.

Mahathir’s Leadership Philosophies

Mahathir’s approach to leadership was grounded in four philosophies. First, he believed that reliance on foreign dependence hindered economic progress. Second, he emphasized the critical role of quality education in national development. Third, he argued that a nation could not advance without engaging in trade and commerce. Lastly, he stressed the importance of integrating marginalized communities into the........

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