Longevity is often celebrated, but not every long life is meaningful. A truly remarkable life is one lived with sacrifice, service, and discipline. Few people embody this better than Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the Father of Modern Malaysia.
From his student years in medicine to his decades-long leadership of Malaysia, and even at 100 years old, Mahathir continues to inspire with his energy, work ethic, and disciplined lifestyle.
The Early Life of Mahathir Mohamad
Born in 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Mahathir came from humble beginnings. His grandfather migrated from Kerala, India, and married a Malay woman. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, a school principal, instilled discipline and focus in young Mahathir from an early age.
As a child, Mahathir was academically gifted but less inclined towards sports. His formative years were shaped by strict discipline, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to self-control—traits that defined his entire life.
Education, Marriage, and Early Struggles
In the 1940s, Mahathir pursued medical studies in Singapore. There, he met Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, who would later become his lifelong partner. Both studied medicine, and their shared journey began with friendship, later blossoming into marriage.
During World War II, his medical college was temporarily closed. To support himself, Mahathir sold coffee and chocolates. Later, he completed his MBBS and returned to Kedah, where he opened the town’s only medical clinic.
It was during this time that he realized medicine could only help a limited number of people. If he wanted to make a greater impact, politics was the only path forward. Thus, in 1964, Mahathir entered politics at nearly 40 years old.
Architect of Modern Malaysia
Mahathir became Prime Minister in 1981, serving an uninterrupted 22 years until 2003. During this period, he transformed Malaysia into a modern, industrialized nation. Known for punctuality and discipline, he famously never arrived late to office.
Remarkably, he returned to power again in 2018 at the age of 94, becoming the world’s oldest elected leader. His energy and determination stunned the world.
Mahathir’s Philosophy on Health and Longevity
Even at 100, Mahathir continues to live actively, exercising daily, working long hours, and engaging in public speaking. His philosophy on health is straightforward yet powerful:
- Eat to live, not live to eat. He believes in consuming only what is necessary, not indulging in excess.
- Moderation in diet. He avoids overeating, keeps his weight steady at 62–64 kg, and limits sugar, rice, and fatty foods.
- Stay active. He insists that older people should walk, exercise, and avoid long naps during the day.
- Keep the brain sharp. Reading newspapers, writing, debating, and problem-solving keep his mind active.
- Avoid harmful habits. Mahathir never smoked or drank alcohol, always maintained good posture, and lived with military-like discipline.
His favorite foods include grilled buffalo meat with tamarind sauce and chicken-filled roti canai. Interestingly, he is not particularly fond of fish.
Lessons from Heart Problems
In 2007, Mahathir suffered two heart attacks and underwent bypass surgery. Yet, with resilience and determination, he returned to full health. For him, health setbacks were challenges to overcome—not excuses to slow down.
A Man of Writing and Ideas
Apart from politics, Mahathir has always been a writer. Under the pseudonym “Che Det,” he has published countless columns and blog posts in both Malay and English. His personal blog has recorded over 30 million views, proving his continued relevance in the digital age.
For him, writing keeps the brain alive:
“When you write, you must think, argue, and even debate with yourself. That’s how the brain stays active.”
Secrets of a Meaningful Long Life
From Mahathir’s century-long journey, some timeless lessons emerge:
- Discipline is the foundation of success.
- Eat moderately and maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically and mentally active.
- Serve beyond yourself—think about the greater good.
- Avoid harmful habits like smoking and alcohol.
- Keep learning, writing, and debating to sharpen the mind.
Conclusion
Longevity is one thing, but living long with purpose is another. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s life shows us how discipline, moderation, and a relentless drive to work can create both a long and meaningful journey.
As Mahathir himself puts it:
“Not everything is in our hands, but what is within our control—discipline, food, health, and work—we must follow. Only then can we stay healthy, even in old age.”
The Secret to a Long and Healthy Life: Mahathir Mohamad’s Formula