A Century of Defiance

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad turned 100 on 10th July 2025. What makes him truly special isn’t just his impressive age, but his unwavering courage to say “no” even when the entire world expected a “yes.”

Dr. Mahathir in history twice Prime Minister 2018. Photo : Bloomberg

Saying No to IMF During the 1998 Financial Crisis

I still remember the late 1990s clearly. Many businesses around us shut down overnight, families struggled, and anxiety was everywhere. Southeast Asian countries were turning to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for quick help. It felt like the logical choice – but Mahathir thought differently.

Economic Crisis 1998, Photo: Getty Image

Instead of following the crowd, Mahathir called together Malaysia’s best finance minds – including Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz (Bank Negara Governor), Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, and Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid. They spent the night carefully examining every detail. Mahathir, originally a medical doctor, always valued expert opinions, learned quickly, and never made rash decisions. By morning, the team unanimously decided accepting an IMF loan would compromise Malaysia’s financial independence.

Dr. Zeti Akhthar, Governer National Bank Malaysia ;

the first woman National Bank Governer, / Getty Image

The next day, Mahathir surprised everyone by pegging the Malaysian Ringgit at RM3.80 to 1 US Dollar.
We became the only country in the region bold enough to reject IMF loans – and it worked. Malaysia’s economy quickly stabilized, and the decision set an example globally.

Margaret Thatcher's Unexpected Visit - Mahathir vs Britain

Mahathir's boldness made international headlines again when tensions with Margaret Thatcher's Britain escalated into a full-blown economic standoff.

The Breaking Point

In 1981, Britain was in economic crisis. To save money, they slashed subsidies for foreign students – causing tuition fees for international students to skyrocket. For Malaysia, this was devastating. At the time, approximately 17,000 Malaysian students were studying in Britain – making up 80% of foreign students there and bringing massive revenue to British universities.

The fee increase meant Malaysia suddenly had to triple its education budget just to sponsor these students. When Mahathir asked Britain for an exemption (similar to what European Economic Community students received), the British government arrogantly refused and suggested Malaysia "send students elsewhere where fees are cheaper."

Big mistake.

"Buy British Last"

On October 2, 1981, Mahathir launched the "Buy British Last" policy. The directive was simple but devastating: all Malaysian government departments and agencies were ordered to find alternative suppliers – anyone but Britain. Every business deal with British companies now had to be reviewed and approved by the Prime Minister's Department first.

British goods and services, once given automatic preference due to colonial ties, were now the last option.

The Economic Impact Was Brutal

Within the first month alone, British companies lost £15.5 million. By 18 months, total losses reached between £20-50 million (approximately RM 170 million). British exports to Malaysia dropped from RM 1,215 million in 1981 to RM 1,117 million by 1984.

The number of Malaysian students in Britain plummeted from 17,000 to 12,000. Universities like the University of Salford in Manchester and University of Aston in Birmingham felt the financial pain immediately.

British steel companies lost contracts to Poland. British construction firms were sidelined. The once-privileged position Britain held in Malaysia's economy – gone.

Thatcher Comes to Malaysia

The pressure mounted. British businesses, Members of Parliament, and the Foreign Affairs Committee all demanded action. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher herself had no choice but to personally intervene.

In early 1983, Thatcher flew to Malaysia to negotiate with Mahathir – a former colony's leader now holding Britain's economy hostage. It was a remarkable reversal of power dynamics.

The negotiations worked. Britain agreed to:

• Restore education subsidies for Malaysian students

• Set up a £5 million trust fund to encourage more Malaysian students

• Acknowledge and respect Malaysia's New Economic Policy (NEP)

• Restructure British companies' operations in Malaysia to increase investment

Mahathir, satisfied that Britain had "shown understanding" of Malaysia's position, ended the policy after 18 months.

The Message Was Clear

A small Southeast Asian nation had just brought the former British Empire to the negotiating table. Mahathir proved that economic sovereignty wasn't just about saying "no" – it was about having the courage to make powerful nations feel the consequences.

As Mahathir later said when Britain's pound sterling value dropped:

"It was 'stupid' if Malaysians did not buy British goods because one pound sterling was now worth only $3.40."

Translation: Malaysia bought British goods when it was economically smart for Malaysia – not because of colonial sentimentality.

Britain learned the hard way: Malaysia was no longer a colony. They were an independent nation with a leader who refused to bow.

Photos from Getty Image

“No, I’m Busy” – Rejecting the White House

One unforgettable moment was Mahathir’s polite yet firm rejection of President George Bush’s invitation to the White House. His reason was straightforward: “I’m busy managing my country.” This wasn’t arrogance – it was a clear message of national independence and autonomy.

Holding Everyone Accountable

Mahathir took an unprecedented stand domestically by addressing the sensitive subject of royal immunity directly. Malaysia’s royal institution traditionally held a respected and protected status under the Federal Constitution, often considered beyond challenge. However, when an incident involving a royal family member invoking diplomatic immunity after alleged misconduct came to light, Mahathir courageously insisted that nobody, not even royalty, is above the law.

His government subsequently initiated constitutional amendments limiting royal immunity, ensuring fairness and accountability. Mahathir was careful to highlight that while most royals performed their duties with dignity and grace, accountability was crucial for preserving the institution’s integrity. This groundbreaking action reinforced Malaysia’s respect for the monarchy as an institution built on mutual respect and responsibility between rulers and citizens.

Educational Transformation Through Dasar Ekonomi Baru ( New Economic Policy )

Perhaps Mahathir’s most lasting legacy is his commitment to education through the Dasar Ekonomi Baru (New Economic Policy). He launched special scholarship programs for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving thousands of Malaysians the chance to succeed and thrive.

Today, at 100 years old, Mahathir Mohamad stands as a remarkable example that true leadership sometimes means saying “no” when everyone else expects a “yes.” The famous quote that he used to mentioned as before was “ 

As Mahathir once said, and it still rings true today: “People don’t have to like me. I make decisions that are right for the country.”

Happy 100th Birthday, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Before him, the world barely knew a small country called Malaysia – often overshadowed by the British legacy of Singapore, the global harbour hub. But because of him, they had to know.
Because of him, Malaysia wasn’t just another name on the map – it became a voice. A force. A country that dared to speak up, even when standing alone.

He didn't just change the systems within. He challenged the ones beyond – calling out superpowers like the US and UK, unapologetically. He never shrank himself just because we came from Southeast Asia. Never bowed his head just because we were “small.”

Many may defy his legacy – but fact is fact: if you lived through his era, you felt the shift. From policies to pride. From silence to sovereignty.
He wasn’t perfect – but he was impactful. Relentlessly. Undeniably.

And today, as he turns 100, we don’t just remember a man.
We remember an era.
Thank you Tun.

A Note on Legacy

Founder of the world-class cardiac centre IJN

Today, at 100, Tun Dr. Mahathir lives anything but a quiet retirement.

Yes, he's undergone three major heart bypass surgeries. And when his heart needs saving, he places his trust in only one place: Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) – the very institution he envisioned and founded in 1992 after suffering his own heart attack in 1989.

The beautiful irony? The hands that now save his life belong to the institution he created. The surgeons who operate on him were trained in the halls he built.

Back then, Malaysians were dying while waiting years for heart surgeries or draining their savings for treatment overseas. So Mahathir built IJN – not just as Malaysia's premier cardiac center, but as a place where world-class heart care would be accessible to all. Today, IJN provides subsidized and government-funded cardiac care to civil servants, pensioners, and those who cannot afford private treatment – ensuring that a government clerk or a retired teacher receives the same world-class care as a prime minister.

But retirement? That's not in his vocabulary.

Every morning, Mahathir still drives himself to his office in Putrajaya – arriving by 8:45 AM and rarely leaving before 5 PM. He cycles around Putrajaya Lake (yes, at 100 – he cycled 9 kilometers on his birthday celebration!). He reads policy papers. He holds meetings.

And he writes. Constantly.

Through his blog at chedet.cc, his Facebook at facebook.com/TunDrMahathir, his X/Twitter @chedetofficial, and Instagram, Mahathir continues to pen his thoughts on Malaysia's economy, politics, and world affairs – just as he's done for decades.

From his Putrajaya office desk, he still writes about injustice, still speaks for the voiceless, still refuses to stay silent on issues he believes matter to the world.

This is legacy. Not just policies written or speeches delivered – but institutions that outlive you, heal you, and continue serving the people long after you've left office. And a voice that refuses to be quieted, even at 100.

The statesman who built a nation also built the heart that keeps him – and millions of Malaysians – beating. And he's still working, still cycling, still writing, still fighting for what he believes is right.

Happy 100th Birthday, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

The world barely knew Malaysia before you.

Because of you, they had to listen.

Tun Dr. Mahathir still writing. You can find out about his thoughts and opinions through his blog at chedet.cc, his Facebook at facebook.com/TunDrMahathir, his X/Twitter @chedetofficial