biography
| name: |
Mahathir bin Mohamad
|
pronunciation:
[mahateer]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1925– )
|
| biography:
| Malaysian statesman and prime minister, (1979– ), born in Alur Setar, Malaysia. He practised as a doctor (1957–64) before being elected to the House of Representatives as a United Malays' National Organisation (UMNO) candidate. He won support through his affirmative action in favour of bumiputras (ethnic Malays) and a more Islamic social policy. After holding several ministerial posts, he was appointed UMNO leader and prime minister in 1979, immediately launching a new economic policy, emulating Japanese industrialization. He was re-elected in 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1995. |
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