Dr M named one of Fortune's '50 World's Greatest Leaders'

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been named one of the 50 greatest leaders in the world, according to a list published by Fortune magazine on its website on Sunday (May 5).

Dr Mahathir, who is currently the world's oldest leader at 93 years old, was ranked 47th in the list, which features "leaders who use their power and influence to make the world a better place".

"In business, government, philanthropy, and the arts, and all over the globe, these men and women are transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same," the magazine said.

According to Fortune, its team writers look at all sectors of society and identify leaders who have harnessed the power of unbundling, which involves disaggregating enterprises of all kinds, from the smallest startups to entire nations.

Topping this year's list are Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, followed by New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who "navigated the country through the worst terror attack in its history".

Other influential individuals who made the list are Britan's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who landed in the 42nd spot.

"At 93, Mahathir is writing an unexpected chapter in his legacy. During his first, 22-year tenure as Prime Minister, from 1981 to 2003, he turned Malaysia into one of South-east Asia’s economic tigers, but his ornery disregard for the judiciary and the press hinted at autocratic leanings.

"Last year, he returned from seclusion to run for office on an anti-corruption platform, leading a new political party to a shocking victory over incumbent Najib Razak," said Fortune.

"Mahathir is now tackling the endemic corruption plaguing the country’s institutions, and has brought Najib to court on charges connected to the 1MDB scandal, a sprawling malfeasance case that has ensnared Wall Street bankers and government officials (Najib denies the charges).

"Mahathir and his party are now moving to protect judicial independence and press freedom, recognising that they help keep a democracy honest," it added.

In the 14th General Election last year, Dr Mahathir pulled off an upset when he led Pakatan Harapan (PH) to a win over Barisan Nasional, which had helmed the country for 60 years. NEW STRAITS TIMES