The Malay Dilemma," published in 1970.

The Malay Dilemma," published in 1970. This book explores the socio-political issues facing Malays in Malaysia and discusses the challenges of race and identity in the country.

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A significant figure in Malaysian politics bears the name Mahathir Mohamad. Two times he had become Prime Minister of Malaysia: from 1981 until 2003, and from 2018-2020. Born on 10 July 1925, he is originally from Alor Setar, Kedah. He was a medical student at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. After completion of his study, he was made a government doctor. Mahathir's political career began in the 1950s by entering United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

As Prime Minister, Mahathir played a critical role in catapulting Malaysia from an agriculture-based economy to a place where the industrial sector thrived. He came up with the "Look East" policy, which portrayed Japan and South Korea as models for economic development. Under his leadership, great infrastructure projects such as the Multimedia Super Corridor and the Petronas Twin Towers catapulted Malaysia's global economic stance.

However, his leadership was under much controversy. Criticisms based on Mahathir's authoritarian approach, crackdowns on dissent, and against judicial independence were commonplace. Notably, the sacking of Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 led to large protests and corruption and nepotism allegations against his government.

In 2018, Mahathir pulled off an incredible political comeback when he became a champion and leader of the opposition Pakatan Harapan in the general elections. His comeback was sparked by public discontent with perceptions of corruption surrounding the government it replaced. In his second term, he focused on ridding the nation of corruption and bad governance but faced stiff resistance in many quarters.

Mahathir's legacy is also complex because he was credited with modernizing Malaysia, although his political tactics were criticized. Nonetheless, Mahathir's power is still very fundamental in Malaysian politics as it has shaped the country for over several decades. Indeed, Mahathir's story reveals the interplay of politics, development, and the quest for power: one of Asia's longest-serving leaders.