Just exactly a year ago marked a historical moment for Malaysia – Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in at Istana Negara.
And just last Monday, Tun Mahathir was listed in Fortune’s magazine as one of the 50 Greatest Leaders In The World.
Tun Dr. Mahathir, also known as the Father of Modern Malaysia, has left many revolutionary footprints to build the Malaysia we have today. Celebrate Tun M’s legacy with us as we list down 10 Contributions of Tun Mahathir That Every Malaysian Should Remember.
1. Introduction Of KBRM & KBSM Primary/Secondary Schools
He first served the country as the Education Minister in 1974, Tun M introduced The Mahathir Report 1979 that became the foundational work for the new KBRM and KBSM curricular.
*Fun fact: Did you know Tun M’s father was a school principal?
2. The “Look East” Policy
Introduced by Tun M in 1980 to cultivate the work ethics and values of Eastern Countries, such as, Korea and Japan.
3. The Birth of Malaysia’s First National Car – Proton Saga
Ah… something that we are all familiar with! Tun M initiated the first National Car Project in 1982 with the Proton Saga as Malaysia’s first National Car.
4. Vision 2020 (Wawasan 2020)
A vision to build Malaysia as a technology-driven nation by the year 2020. Vision 2020 led to many mega infrastructure projects, such as, the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).
5. Launch of MEASAT 1996
The launch of MEASAT 1996 marked the start of Malaysia’s development as the frontier of global and regional communication. This notable event also contributes to the start of Astro.
6. Petronas Twin Towers
The iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur. Launched on 1stAugust 1999, the Petronas Twin Towers, at an astonishing height of 452 meters, remains the tallest twin building in the world today.
7. Entering the Millennium Age: Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC)
To drive Malaysia forward as an information hub.
8. KLIA – Malaysia’s Main International Airport
The Kuala Lumpur International Airport first launched on 1 June 1993 fulfilled Tun M’s vision in creating a competitive, sophisticated and developed Malaysia.
9. Light Rapid Transit (LRT) System
The first few public transportation projects initiated by Tun Dr. Mahathir including the commissioning of Kelana Jaya line and the Ampang line.
10. Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU)
Led by Tun Dr. Mahathir, BERSATU was formed on 8 September 2016 as a coalition for Pakatan Harapan (PH). BERSATU also played an important role in the history-making 14thGeneral Elections.
More than just a Prime Minister, Tun M was a visionary and will always be the nation’s pride.
Header image credits: Malaysia Journal
