Selangor Journal

5 Facts to Know About our Famous Tun M

Source: Facebook @TunDrMahathir

 

By Batrisyia Jay

 

Just 62 days after the first anniversary of his first coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), our beloved Prime Minister turns a year older as he is 94 today.

On his official facebook page, @TunDrMahathir, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad — more commonly known as Tun M — stated that his birthday wish is very simple, and that is for him to be able to finish his work and setting Malaysia on the road of recovery. “It is a privilege and honour to serve this country,” he wrote.

His steadfast commitment and determination to fix the country — despite his age — has inspired local and international fans alike as well as members of his Cabinet.

On that account, to commemorate the 94th birthday of our second Prime Minister, Selangor Journal has compiled the top six facts you need to know about the infamous Tun M as he turns a year older:

 

1. The World’s oldest Leader
Turning 94 years old on 10 June 2019, world’s oldest elected leader, Tun M became the eldest elected leader the world has ever since Pakatan Harapan’s win on 9 May 2018, thus giving him a remarkable 39-year career as a politician in Malaysia.

 

2. Malaysia’s 5th and 7th Prime Minister
Tun M was previously the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia. On 10 May, he officially became the 7th prime minister for our nation. The leader of an alliance of opposition parties, Tun M led Pakatan Harapan to a victory of 113 seats out of 222 seats in parliament against former prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

 

3. Wrote for The Straits Times
Prior to becoming the prime minister, Tun M used to write for The Straits Times under the pen name “C.H.E. Det” as early as when he was still a mere college student. During his third year of college in 1948, Tun M’s articles would often circle around his observations of Malay customs, his opinions on Malay issues as well as his political views on nationality and royalty.

 

4. Met His Wife While He Was in Medical School
Those who adore Tun M would harbour the same feelings for his relationship with wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali. Never afraid to show their affections in public, the duo met when they both attended a medical school in Singapore. Formerly known as ‘King Edward VII College of Medicine’, the college is now part of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

 

5. Malaysia’s Father of Modernisation
Back in the days, Tun M was the one responsible for various modern infrastructures that can be found in Malaysia. These include the nation’s airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Putrajaya, and the famous Petronas Twin Towers.

 

 

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