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

1981

Opening of the ASEAN Travel Forum

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

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

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

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.

1982

Opening of the 12th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting

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.

Opening of the Fourth AIPO General Assembly

Speech at the opening of the Fourth General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation, Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur, 2 February 1982

• We are indeed very happy to have this privilege of hosting the Fourth General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation or AIPO.
• Despite the various efforts made by us to secure fair terms of trade, we have, we must admit, largely been unsuccessful.
• The aspirations of the peoples and Governments of our countries for a New International Economic Order have not only been ignored but their terms of trade continue to be made more inequitable.
• We in Southeast Asia have entered an era fraught with unprecedented perils.
• The ASEAN Parliament may yet be a forum for the successful coordination of our development and progress.

Opening of the 5th MAJECA/JAMECA Conference

Speech at the opening of the 5th Joint Annual Conference of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association and Japan-Malaysia Economic Association, Kuala Lumpur Hilton, 8 February 1982

• Lately I have been exhorting Malaysians to emulate the Japanese, particularly in work ethics and ethical values.
• The West is no longer a suitable model. They have lost their drive. They still want the good life but are not prepared to face the realities of a world market which they can no longer dominate.
• When we ask Malaysians to look East, it is not so much your living standard that we are thinking about. That will come... What we are interested in is your work ethics.
• It is not just skills we are after, but more importantly, the correct attitude to work, including the sense of belonging, which breeds loyalty.
• A prosperous Malaysia will make a better customer and trading partner for Japan.
• It is high time that our businessmen go international and venture to where the markets are, instead of waiting for the markets to come to them.

Dinner in Honour of Premier Li Jong Ok

Speech at the dinner in honour of His Excellency Mr. Li Jong Ok, Premier of the Administrative Council of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur, 11 February 1982

• Malaysia has always followed a consistent policy of establishing friendly relations and mutual cooperation with all countries, irrespective of ideology or political systems.
• Your Excellency's visit is an important milestone in the development of our bilateral relations.
• It is our desire to see the emergence of a coalition government that is truly representative of the people of Kampuchea.
• As non-aligned countries, both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Malaysia can play a constructive role in bringing about the peace that we so desire in our respective regions.
• Malaysia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea share similar aspirations... to develop our respective economies and improve the standard of living of our respective peoples.

Second International Symposium on Savings

Speech at the Second International Symposium on the Mobilisation of Personal Savings in Developing Countries, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 15 March 1982

• Our ability to raise adequate domestic savings to finance our development efforts is a necessary precondition, if we are to succeed in re-structuring our economies to cope with the rapid transformation that is taking place in the world economy today.
• Despite the talk and widespread publicity on foreign assistance, be they official development aid or foreign direct investment, we have all along been depending on ourselves.
• The function of any sound financial system should not only be to intermediate between the savers and the investors, but also to ensure that the less advantaged groups have access to adequate credit at reasonable cost.
• The prices of our primary commodities are set by conveniently labelled 'supply and demand forces' located in the industrial countries.
• The developing countries must seek ways and means of gaining entree into the market place. They should do so not individually but in cooperation with each other.

Dinner in Honour of PM Van Agt

Speech at the dinner in honour of His Excellency Mr. A.A.M. Van Agt, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur, 15 March 1982

• Your Excellency's visit which is the first by a Prime Minister of the Netherlands is indeed an honour for Malaysia.
• I have no doubt that your visit will further strengthen the relations and foster greater cooperation between our two countries.
• Your support for the aspirations of the developing countries to effect structural changes to the international economic order cannot go without special mention.
• Malaysia has of late become disenchanted with what is said to be a free market for commodity trading, particularly tin.
• We are urging a producers' association, not in order to jack up prices or to hold the world to ransom, but in order to get fair prices while continuing to stay in the market.
• We do hope that actual direct trade with the Netherlands will increase.
• We are happy to see increased interest by Dutch businessmen in investment opportunities in Malaysia.
• We will not nationalise or expropriate in any way.
• If your shares or your companies are up for sale then we reserve the right to buy if we think that it is worthwhile.
• Malaysia as a member of ASEAN is committed to improve the quality of life of our peoples and to enhance their general well-being.
• We have made it clear that we cannot accept military intervention as a means of settling a zonal problem.
• We firmly believe that such a solution would pave the way for the realisation of our objective of a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in Southeast Asia.
• Your visit stimulates not only the common desire to enhance further our bilateral relations but also reinforces the political will and commitment to the search for peace for the benefit of all concerned.
• We share identical views on many issues of regional and international importance.

National Seminar on Productivity

Speech at the National Seminar on Productivity, Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, 5 April 1982

• We must face a future where we must stand on our own feet without the benefit of help from other sources.
• Productivity means increased output without an equal increase in monetary input.
• Work should be enjoyed in the same way that we enjoy playing.
• No one is indispensable because everyone is indispensable.
• A bored worker is as bad as a bored player. He does not win. A bored worker does not produce.
• What we need is a drastic change in attitude on the part of everybody concerned.
• The only answer is greater productivity.
• Everyone should instill in himself a sense of responsibility both to himself and to his country.
• If we can improve our attitudes and regard waste in all its forms as an unforgivable crime directed against ourselves, then we will achieve that high level of productivity so essential to our national development.
• Japan’s greatest asset is human resource in the form of disciplined, hard working people.

1982 Radio Malaysia Election Speech

Mahathir's 1982 radio address on elections, unity, and governance

• Only a strong Government can champion the cause of the people and bring stability and prosperity to the country.
• The National Front is a team. Its strength lies in its team spirit.
• We believe that the people who should inherit this country and continue with the struggle to achieve our national aspiration shall be the people who believe and uphold the Rukunegara.

State Feast in Tonga

State Feast, Nukuʻalofa, Tonga

• In our interdependent world we have to help and stand by each other.
• Today many traditional ways and customs of our forefathers seem to dissipate readily and be discarded.
• Stretches of ocean lie between our lands but it is never too far or too difficult for us to keep in touch.

Commonwealth Science Council Meeting

12th Meeting of the Commonwealth Science Council, 24 August 1982

• Scientific and technological knowledge like all other forms of knowledge, we believe, increases as you share it with others.
• The poor countries need help — not handouts, but a helping hand for their development.
• The scientific knowledge and technology of the West cannot be simply imported into the country. It must be properly adjusted and adapted in order to fit into the special needs and requirements of the nation.
• We are not about to invent the wheel again, but the application of discoveries and inventions originating elsewhere is part of the exercise in self-reliance.
• Only the most primitive of the discarded industries will find a place in the developing world.
• Scientific knowledge should be used not merely for material development, but also for the enhancement of the quality of life, and the achievement of peace and harmony.
• The community of nations has not yet accepted the principle that the rich should help the poor.
• Developing countries are so designated because they are relatively poor. If they are going to be able to buy from the developed countries, they must be helped to attain the financial capacity to do so.

ASEAN–Japan Symposium

Speech at the 5th ASEAN–Japan Symposium, 24 August 1982

• ASEAN today is faced with two major problems — one, the instability and uncertainty caused by the situation in Indochina; the second major problem arises out of the current world recession which threatens to retard the industrialisation efforts of the ASEAN countries.
• The developed countries have opted for protectionism as a panacea for their ailing industries. If this tendency is not checked, not only would the exports of developing countries be affected but their development and industrialisation efforts would be seriously hampered.
• ASEAN would pursue the creation of a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in Southeast Asia. The leaders of ASEAN firmly believe that given their freedom from superpower dominance and interference, neighbouring states could successfully set aside their differences to forge a common purpose.
• These opportunities were, however, lost when Vietnam intervened militarily and occupied Kampuchea. This she did with the open support of the Soviet Union.
• ASEAN's approach to the solution of the Kampuchean problem is aimed at establishing a sovereign, independent and neutral Kampuchea respected and guaranteed by the great powers.
• It has long been recognised that the political situation in Southeast Asia, directly or indirectly, impinges on Japan's economic and strategic interests. A prosperous and stable ASEAN is important to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and therefore merits Japan's support.
• Looking East does not mean total Japanization, or a complete break with the West. But it certainly means the almost total dependence on the West will be replaced by a more balanced attitude towards both East and West.
• Our ‘Look East’ policy should not just be a one-way traffic. We seek the close cooperation, understanding and assistance not only from the Japanese Government but also from the Japanese public.

The Presentation and Closing Ceremony of the 27th Asian Film Festival

Selected quotations from the 27th Asian Film Festival closing speech, 14 September 1982

• Film makers, whether they are producers, directors, script writers, actors and actresses, are endowed with such special qualities that they can contribute in one way or the other towards the happiness of their audience.
• They can make the audience happy or they can make them cry. They can make them knowledgeable or they can confuse them absolutely.
• Above all they can inculcate positive values so essential to nation building and the development processes.
• In the context of developing Malaysia, I see their vast potential in putting across our commitments and reassuring Malaysians of the targets of the nation's strategy in sustaining the growth of a happy and vibrant country as envisaged in our New Economic Policy.
• However to be truly profitable local films must be good enough to be shown outside of this country.
• Let your success inspire you to greater achievements.

The Asia Society and the Council of Foreign Relations speech

Selected quotations from the Asia Society and Council on Foreign Relations speech, 28 September 1982

• The European Economic Community uses economic power to continue political domination. The United States too was drawn into this grouping, thus adding strength to the domination of European countries over their former colonies.
• ASEAN is not a strategic concept designed to overawe its neighbours. It was an ad hoc solution to a communications problem between neighbours who were strangers to each other.
• Once it was formed, much more was expected of ASEAN than was ever in the minds of the founders.
• The five countries of ASEAN are ethnically similar, but historically and politically diverse.
• Foreign holdings were forcibly nationalised. But learning from the other ASEAN countries that such was not the route to prosperity, nationalisation was dropped.
• All the ASEAN countries are now believers in free trade and free enterprise. Foreign capital is welcome by all.
• ASEAN has brought prosperity and stability. Although it is not a military grouping, it can coordinate its policies to deter the kind of adventures that countries standing alone and economically troubled attract.

The 37th Session of the United Nations General Assembly speech

Selected quotations from the 37th United Nations General Assembly speech, 29 September 1982

• Might is now the only thing that is right. Weak countries like Afghanistan, Kampuchea and Lebanon are trodden over by the boots of invading armies as the rest of the world stood by.
• The credibility of the United Nations is at stake. The United Nations must regain its credibility.
• The foreign military invasion and continued occupation of Kampuchea is a crime against the Kampuchean people and a threat to regional peace and security.
• Nobody, not even a people who had suffered as much as the Jews had, have the right to inflict upon others the horrors of Sabra and Shatila.
• Israel is a bully. If it is any bigger or stronger the world will not be safe.
• Those weapons are for nothing less than murder.
• To the developing nations, the continuance of the Afghan nationalist struggle is crucial.
• Apartheid... is a travesty of justice and is an affront to human dignity.
• Our patience and sense of fair-play is being taxed to the limit with the market manipulations abroad which in effect reduce our people to underpaid labourers.
• The various exchanges located in the developed countries literally manipulate prices in order to make a profit for the brokers, the dealers, the speculators and others.
• It is a case of heads you win, tails I lose.
• The stockpile is merely a rich nation’s monopolistic weapon used to depress prices of commodities for the benefit of the consumers.
• This world-wide depression is man-made. It is made in the powerful countries by short-sighted people.
• There will be violence, riots and revolutions. Governments will fall and anarchy will prevail.
• The world has suffered enough from this depression. We need action now.
• The uninhabited lands of Antarctica... do not legally belong to the discoverers as much as the colonial territories do not belong to the colonial powers.
• Historical episodes are not facts that can substantiate claims.
• Israel continues to propagate the myth of the non-existence of the Palestinian people.

Statement on Regional Economic and Functional Co-operation (CHOGRM III)

Selected quotations from Mahathir's CHOGRM III speech, Suva, Fiji, 18 October 1982

• We in Malaysia too see the need for the injection of greater assistance to the South Pacific island countries so as to enable them to build up their national resilience and independence.
• The Commonwealth is now on test. If the Commonwealth countries in our region cannot actualise economic and functional cooperation, the prestige of the Commonwealth itself will go down.
• Some industrially developed nations really feel free to scour and devour the developing nations by their exploitative methods and practices.
• They seem incapable of realizing that such libertine activities would only lead to the destruction of the free enterprise system itself.
• Our advice to these countries should be that they talk less of their generosity to provide assistance to the poor nations and instead undertake a thorough soul-searching examination.

State Dinner with Prime Minister Michael Somare of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Dinner Speech, 19 October 1982

• The Government of Malaysia fully subscribes to the concept of economic and technical cooperation among developing countries. Malaysians are ready to participate in practical economic and technical programmes with Papua New Guinea. We are your 'wantoks'.
• The spinoffs of better understanding and goodwill from increased contact and cooperation between our peoples will surely strengthen our friendship.
• Malaysia is extremely unhappy at the manipulation of commodity prices by the various exchanges located in the developed countries. Scant regard is paid to the producers. To ensure reasonable prices, such an unhealthy system has to be dismantled.

Opening of the ASEAN Law Association General Assembly

ASEAN Law Association Speech (26 Oct 1982)

• I believe in the supremacy of the Constitution. The Malaysian Government will faithfully do its duty as guaranteed to minorities, rights guaranteed to the citizen and in some cases to the non-citizen also. The Constitution is not infallible, having been drafted by mere man. Hence the Constitution also provides for its amendment no doubt to make it compatible with changing times. But the conditions for amendments are such that the Constitution cannot be trifled with at will.
• No man is above the law, not even those in power. Those in power are in fact trustees and their duty is to promote the public good, not self-enrichment.
• During your deliberations it is only proper that as professionals you focus on legal justice. But I would like to point out that apart from legal justice, there are other kinds of justice which are also desirable that we should achieve, and that is economic and social justice. The former President of the United States, Mr. Carter in a speech to American lawyers said that in the United States there are many judges and many lawyers but not enough justice. He was referring to legal justice. As head of the Government I am acutely aware of the need to provide the broader kind of justice that I mentioned.
• Each of these systems is designed to regulate in a fair manner the relations of man, the relations between man and the State; and prescribes a just way of resolving disputes among them. But each system follows different paths. Your deliberations should over a period of time produce a synthesis of laws for the benefit of the whole of ASEAN.

1984

Speech at United States

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.
  • "Commanding Heights" interview with PBS (2 July 2001).

• 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.
  • Speech in New York City Islam, Terrorism, and Malaysia's Response (page 2). Asia Society (4 February 2002).

• History should remember Blair and Bush as the killers of children or as the lying prime minister and president.
  • Perdana conference, Kuala Lumpur, cited in "Malaysian ex-PM: Blair and Bush are 'evil murderers'". Irish Examiner. 5 October 2007. 

• 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.
  • December 2005, on his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Parliamentary majority of 92%. [1]

• 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.

• To be a great leader, one needs to have good strategies, be knowledgeable and able to predict the future. "Dr M on what makes a great leader" malaysiakini (13 August 2009)

• 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.
  • Mahathir's move to oust Prime Minister Najib Razak, quote above read from a joint statement endorsed by prominent members from the ruling party, opposition, and civil society groups, quoted on Channel News Asia, "Dr Mahathir movement will be bad for country: Malaysia Foreign Affairs Minister" (5 March 2016).