Commentary At 100 Dr Mahathirshowsthatlegacyisneverstatic

Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 20:40 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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There is a profound, almost paradoxical, power in former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad issuing warnings about the trajectory of Western democracy, says Southeast Asian politics expert Sophie Lemiere.

The commentary piece from Channel News Asia titled "Mahathir Mohamad at 100: A Legacy of Leadership and Western Double Standards" offers a deep dive into the enduring influence of Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, as he reaches the remarkable age of 100. The article reflects on Mahathir’s political career, his unapologetic stance on global issues, and his critique of Western hypocrisy, particularly in the context of international politics and moral standards. It also draws parallels between Mahathir’s outspokenness and the polarizing rhetoric of figures like Donald Trump, framing both as leaders who challenge conventional norms and expose perceived double standards in global discourse.

Mahathir Mohamad, often referred to as the architect of modern Malaysia, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history through his two stints as Prime Minister—first from 1981 to 2003, and then briefly from 2018 to 2020. His leadership transformed Malaysia into an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia, with initiatives like the "Look East Policy," which encouraged learning from Japan and South Korea, and the ambitious Vision 2020 plan, which aimed to elevate Malaysia to developed nation status. Beyond economics, Mahathir’s tenure was characterized by a fierce commitment to national sovereignty and a willingness to confront global powers, particularly Western nations, on issues of fairness and equity. The commentary highlights how, even at 100, Mahathir remains a vocal figure, unafraid to critique both domestic and international policies, embodying a spirit of defiance that has defined much of his public life.

One of the central themes of the piece is Mahathir’s consistent criticism of Western double standards. He has long argued that Western nations often preach values such as democracy, human rights, and freedom while acting in ways that contradict these principles when it suits their interests. For instance, Mahathir has pointed to the selective application of international law, where powerful nations are rarely held accountable for actions that would draw condemnation if committed by smaller or less influential countries. His outspokenness on issues like the Iraq War, the treatment of Palestinians, and economic sanctions imposed on developing nations has often put him at odds with Western leaders. Yet, the commentary suggests that Mahathir’s critiques resonate with many in the Global South, who see him as a champion of their frustrations with an unequal global order.

The article draws an intriguing comparison between Mahathir and Donald Trump, noting that both leaders, despite their vastly different contexts, share a penchant for challenging established norms and speaking bluntly on controversial issues. While Trump’s rhetoric often focuses on domestic grievances and a rejection of political correctness in the United States, Mahathir’s targets are more global, zeroing in on systemic inequalities perpetuated by powerful nations. Both, however, are portrayed as figures who thrive on disruption, using their platforms to question narratives that are often taken for granted. The commentary posits that this shared trait—calling out perceived hypocrisies—has allowed both leaders to maintain significant influence, even as their approaches and ideologies differ. For Mahathir, this has meant highlighting how Western criticism of authoritarianism in other countries often ignores similar tendencies within their own borders or among their allies.

Mahathir’s legacy, as explored in the piece, is not without controversy. Domestically, his long rule was marked by policies that critics argue stifled dissent and centralized power. His use of laws like the Internal Security Act to detain political opponents and his control over media during his first tenure as Prime Minister have been points of contention. However, the commentary notes that many Malaysians also credit him with fostering stability and economic growth during a time when the country was vulnerable to internal and external challenges. His ability to balance modernization with cultural and religious values resonated with a broad swath of the population, even as it alienated others who sought greater political freedoms. At 100, Mahathir’s reflections on his own legacy seem to acknowledge these tensions, though he remains steadfast in defending his decisions as necessary for Malaysia’s progress.

On the international stage, Mahathir’s voice continues to carry weight, particularly in discussions about the Muslim world and the Non-Aligned Movement. He has consistently advocated for unity among Muslim nations and criticized the exploitation of religious divisions by external powers. His comments on issues like the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar or the conflicts in the Middle East often frame these as not just regional problems but as failures of the international community to uphold justice. The commentary suggests that Mahathir’s age has not dulled his sharpness or his willingness to engage with these complex issues, positioning him as a rare elder statesman who remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The piece also touches on Mahathir’s personal resilience and adaptability. Having lived through colonial rule, independence, and the rise of globalization, he has witnessed and shaped Malaysia’s journey through multiple eras. His return to politics in 2018, at the age of 92, as the leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, was seen as a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to reinvent himself. Though his second term was short-lived due to political infighting, it underscored his belief in the need for reform and his willingness to challenge entrenched interests, even within his own country. This adaptability, the commentary argues, is part of what makes Mahathir a unique figure—not just in Malaysia, but globally.

In reflecting on Western double standards, the article delves into Mahathir’s broader critique of global power dynamics. He has often spoken about how economic policies pushed by institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank disproportionately burden developing nations, while richer countries protect their own interests through subsidies and trade barriers. Similarly, he has criticized the selective outrage over human rights abuses, pointing out that violations by powerful nations or their allies are often downplayed or ignored. This perspective, the commentary suggests, is not just a personal grievance but a reflection of a deeper systemic issue that many leaders from the Global South share, even if few articulate it as boldly as Mahathir.

As Mahathir reaches the milestone of 100 years, the commentary frames his life as a lens through which to view the broader struggles of post-colonial nations navigating a world still shaped by historical inequities. His legacy is presented as one of defiance, progress, and a relentless pursuit of fairness, even if his methods and rhetoric have at times been polarizing. The comparison to Trump serves to highlight how leaders who challenge the status quo, regardless of their ideological leanings, often tap into widespread disillusionment with established systems. For Mahathir, this disillusionment is rooted in the disparities between the powerful and the powerless on the global stage, a theme that has defined much of his public discourse.

Ultimately, the piece portrays Mahathir Mohamad as a towering figure whose influence extends far beyond Malaysia’s borders. His critiques of Western double standards, his contributions to Malaysia’s development, and his unyielding personality are all part of a complex legacy that continues to provoke debate. At 100, Mahathir remains a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the enduring tensions between national aspirations and global realities. His life story, as captured in this commentary, is not just a personal narrative but a reflection of the broader challenges and contradictions of the modern world—a world he has both shaped and critiqued with unwavering conviction.

Read the Full Channel NewsAsia Singapore Article at:
[ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/malaysia-mahathir-mohamad-100-legacy-trump-western-double-standards-5241296 ]

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Commentary At 100 Dr Mahathirshowsthatlegacyisneverstatic