Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir Mohamad in 2018

Mahathir Mohamad (born 10 July 1925) is a Malaysian politician who was the country's Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003 and 2018 to 2020.

Quotes

Opening of the ASEAN Travel Forum (1981)

Speech at the opening of the ASEAN Travel Forum, Genting Highlands, 20 October 1981

  • The coming together of ASEAN countries for the purpose of creating greater business opportunities for those involved in the tourist industry once again demonstrates ASEAN's determination to foster closer cooperation among member countries.
  • ASEAN firmly believes in regional cooperation as a means to achieve greater prosperity and stability for our region.
  • We have the potential to develop a wide variety of attractions within our region and these can indeed be promoted among our own people as well as among international visitors.
  • Let us put our heads together to evolve ways and means to develop the tourist industry in the ASEAN region.

Third International Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations on Dadah Use Prevention and Control (1981)

Speech at the Third International Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations on Dadah Use Prevention and Control, Kuala Lumpur, 2 November 1981

  • Malaysia, like many other countries, is fully aware of the seriousness and complexity of the global problems of dadah use and substance abuse, and we fully endorse all international efforts, be it governmental or non-governmental, directed towards the eradication of this social menace.
  • The dadah problem in a sinister way is very democratic in that it does not discriminate against religion, racial descent, or socio-economic background of a person.
  • Malaysia comprehends the magnitude of the dadah problem. We have accordingly designated it as a security problem.
  • Insights, understanding and concepts are meaningless and empty unless bold action is taken to ensure results.
  • For us in Malaysia, the dadah problem is still our number one enemy. As a security problem, it will be given priority.
  • We cannot allow the expression "everybody’s responsibility is no one’s concern" to be true of dadah prevention.
  • Dadah is one enemy that we cannot say, "If we cannot fight its abuse, we can join in the abuse."
  • The obvious answer to the problem is to move on a broad front, to tackle both the underlying and the related dadah problem together.
  • ASEAN countries, who are both the source and the bearer of the brunt of the international dadah problem, merit greater attention of the world community.
  • In short, for the sake of future generations, we all have to respond actively, positively and urgently to overcome the dadah problem.

Speech at the ASEAN-U.S. Economic Conference (1981)

Speech at the ASEAN-U.S. Economic Conference, Kuala Lumpur Hilton, 18 November 1981

  • What we need today if we are to achieve some semblance of a fair distribution of international wealth is sincerity based on true friendship and a clear understanding of the moral obligations that we all have towards each other.
  • Our economic policies are based on clear and definite political objectives. If we impose conditions on foreign investors, it is not because we grudge you your profits, but because we have a need to reconcile foreign economic incursions with national aspirations.
  • The political stability we achieve is, for you, much more worthwhile commercially than the short-term profits you might make.
  • We do not nationalize, for example. [...] The predictability pertaining to economic policies is our asset.
  • The ASEAN nations are not intending to compete with the developed countries. Rather they wish to complement.
  • Malaysia is ruled by conservatives whose only desire is to develop the country for the benefit of the people. Radicalism and extremism has been rejected not only by the Government but also by the people.
  • We intend to have a firm grip [on inflation] through fiscal and monetary discipline.
  • I hope that you will take this opportunity to understand this region better and to explore ways and means of establishing better cooperation between American businessmen and financiers with ASEAN's counterparts.

Speech during Visit to Singapore, 17 December 1981 (excerpts)

Speech at a Dinner on the Occasion of the Visit to Singapore, 17 December 1981

  • An appreciation of differences is as important as the acknowledgement of the common historical and geo-political backgrounds in the fostering of understanding between our two countries.
  • We can always call up each other, and frankly discuss our mutual problems when they arise.
  • Singapore's success story in the economic and social fields cannot but be a model for Malaysians rather than an object of envy.
  • What we do within our own country is contributory and complementary towards each other's progress.
  • The security of the region is the security of Malaysia.
  • The security apparatus of our two nations continue to cooperate closely against any subversive and criminal elements that could affect our stability even when political leaders are openly squabbling.
  • We live in a world of instant communication which has spawned instant events, instant interviews and instant comments.
  • ASEAN has proven to the world to be a viable and cohesive grouping. This credibility has to be sustained.
  • ASEAN's commitment transcends limited and localised national outlooks, and so renders possible a more daring programme for the future based on a peaceful and stable Southeast Asia.
  • We do not believe in double standards in the conduct of international relations.
  • Relations, if it is to be durable, must be based on the mutually accepted norms of equality and respect. There cannot be any compromise on this.
  • For us to opt for super-power collusion would be submitting ourselves to be pawns in their conflicts and rivalries.
  • The development of good relationship between our two countries is also a task for the leaders as well as of the people.

Opening of the 12th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (1982)

Speech at the opening of the 12th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, Kuala Lumpur Hilton, 14 January 1982

  • Malaysia’s adherence to the principles of ASEAN cooperation is not altruistic. It is enlightened self-interest.
  • We cannot prosper alone in a region that is in turmoil and unstable. To prosper we have to have the kind of regional environment that is conducive to economic growth.
  • ASEAN should inject new ideas in industrial cooperation... the country with the biggest market would enjoy the most benefits even if the product was manufactured by a smaller country.
  • In industrial complementation, perhaps the private sector should play a more vigorous role.
  • We are heavily dependent on external services in shipping, and the rising freight charges are an additional burden to the balance of payments of ASEAN countries.
  • ASEAN as a whole constitutes a major producer of conventional energy such as gas and petroleum. Yet we lack the infrastructure and technology to fully exploit our natural resources.
  • Despite our disappointment in solving commodity problems, ASEAN should continue to adopt a collective approach and joint efforts in pursuing international economic issues.
  • ASEAN’s resilience and success serves as a model and shining example to other developing countries on meaningful economic cooperation.

Speech at United States (1984) (excerpts)

Remarks of the President and Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia Following Their Meetings

  • If you were to ask me what is it I would want the United States to do with regard to economic policy, my honest and simple response is for the U.S. economy to get ahead and regain its strength, for the healthier and more vibrant the U.S. economy becomes, the better it will be, not only for the United States and Malaysia but all the developing countries in the world.
  • We do not expect handouts in our search for a better tomorrow. What we look for are new areas of cooperation and collaboration, particularly in the area of economy and trade interchange to help us in the realization of our aspirations to be a more self-relying and progressive nation.
  • Where we differ in respect to perception or policy, I'm gratified to note that there is a willingness on the part of the United States to achieve closer understanding and cooperation.
  • We pledge to continue this friendly and cooperative relationship for mutual benefits.

2000–present

  • It's quite obvious that when the Eastern bloc was still there, it was a bustle between capitalism and communism. Once communism was defeated, then capitalism could expand and show its true self. It's no longer constrained by the need to be nice, so that people will choose their so-called free-market system as opposed to the centrally planned system. So because of that, nowadays there is nothing to restrain capital, and capital is demanding that it should be able to go anywhere and do whatever it likes.
  • Clearly Islam the religion is not the cause of terrorism. Islam, as I said, is a religion of peace. However through the centuries, deviations from the true teachings of Islam take place. And so [people who call themselves] "Muslims" kill despite the injunction of their religion against killing especially of innocent people.
  • We need an opposition to remind us if we are making mistakes. When you are not opposed you think everything you do is right.
    • The Star (Malaysian publication, December 2005).
  • I believe that the country should have a strong government but not too strong. A two-thirds majority like I enjoyed when I was prime minister is sufficient but a 90% majority is too strong.
  • I believe that if that bastard leaves, we then won't be bastardised.
    • in reference to Prime Minister Najib Razak during a speech at Pasir Gudang on 29 August 2015. Previously, Najib Razak had warned that Malaysian Malays would be "bastardised" were UMNO to lose power in the government, raising controversy by using a swear word (Malay "bangsat", loosely translated as "anus") in his speech.
  • We call upon all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion, political situation, creed or parties, young and old, to join us in saving Malaysia from the government headed by Najib Razak. We must rid ourselves of Najib as prime minister. If he’s allowed to go on, the damage will be worse and worse.
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