Tun Mahathir is man which every Malaysian would know about. Before becoming the 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, he has done many wonders for the country which are ingrained into the history of our country.
Check out some of the many records which he has broken and maintained:
1. First Malaysian Prime Minister to serve non-consecutive terms
He served as the 4th Prime Minister between July 16th, 1981 and October 31st, 2003. In between, two Prime Ministers took office until he came back as the 7th on May 10th, 2018.
2. Longest serving Prime Minister in the world
Serving the country for 22 consecutive years is a feat which no other Prime Minister in the world has ever done. Now, he gets to continue setting this record too!
3. The only Malaysian to lead two different political parties and win
He led UMNO during his term as the 4th Prime Minister but returned to the hot seat by leading the opposition party, Pakatan Harapan.
4. The first Prime Minister with the ‘Tun’ title
The ‘Tun’ title is awarded to people whom have contributed a lot to the nation. It is the most senior federal title which are usually awarded to former Prime Ministers.
After ending his term as the 4th Prime Minister in 2003, he was named Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm which allowed him to adopt the ‘Tun’ title.
5. Envisioned the tallest twin buildings in the world – Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world between 1998 and 2004.
Probably foreseeing the fact that other places might erect much taller buildings, the choice of making this national pride into twin buildings allowed for the Petronas Twin Towers to remain the tallest twin buildings up until today.
6. Founded two political parties and won
In 1946, UMNO was segregated into the Old UMNO and New UMNO which the latter was founded by Tun Mahatir in 1987.
Then, in September 2015, Pakatan Harapan was born.
7. Became the Prime Minister as leader of three different political parties
He was the Prime Minister of the Old UMNO, New UMNO and now Pakatan Harapan.
8. The oldest Prime Minister and Leader of a Country in the World
When he was appointed the 7th Prime Minister, he was 92-years-old, making him the oldest prime minister and leader of a country to come to power.
Today, he turns 93-years-old and continues to break this amazing record.
Happy birthday, Tun Mahathir!
