Mahathir (Part 1)

Discover the life of Mahathir Mohamad, one of Southeast Asia’s most outspoken and controversial leaders. As Prime Minister for 22 years, he modernises Malaysia. The world’s tallest twin towers is one of his projects.

Part 1 explores Mahathir’s early years, from the Second World War and his life under Japanese occupation, to his emerging political activism protesting British colonialism. We look at his medical school days, where Mahathir meets the woman of his dreams, and his days in private practice in a small rural town.

In 1964, Mahathir is first elected to Parliament, and quickly earns a reputation as an exceptional debater and fierce advocate of Malay rights. However, his meteoric political rise is abruptly cut short in 1969 when he loses his seat and writes a letter that expels him from his political party UMNO. Eventually, Mahathir eventually makes a comeback and later becomes Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister.