TUN DR.

MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

INTRODUCTION
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, thanks to Allah I manage to finish this small
assignment. First of all I would like to thank my lecturer, El-Fatih Abdullahi
Abdel Salam (Prof. Dr.) who never tired in educating his students and sharing
so much knowledge with us. Thanks also for giving this task which make me
able to choose someone whom I really love and respect since I still at
primary school. This person make my heart feel deep love with my own
country and make me feel interested in the political world. When he resign
from his position as Prime Minister, I only eleven years old but I cry and feel
emotional because I know him, his contribution for develop Malaysia, his
crazy ideas that bring so many reformation in Malaysia, and his soft but
strong personality. This person that I am talking about is none other than Tun
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
In this assignment, I want to focus on highlighting his contribution
towards Islamization of Muslim world especially in Malaysia itself. Instead of
focusing on his writing, I prefer to address his contribution through his
activities and policy that make many reformation and image on Islam. He is
someone who can inspire a lot of people regardless of gender, religion, race,
nationality, and even age. His speech, his behavior, and his personality
always shows that he is calm person but full with motive and agenda that
unthinkable or beyond the imagination of others. For example he bravely

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

criticize western, he bravely to make reformation in many policy such as in

economic and education (Islamization) even though he knows Malaysia is
multiracial country, and he even able to make all world to see his existence.
He is someone who really bring the name of Malaysia and Islam
internationally.

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD BIOGRAPHY

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was born on 20 December 1925 in Alor

Star, the capital of the state of Kedah and he is the youngest of the nine
siblings, son of Mohamad Iskandar and Wan Tempawan Wan Hanafi. He got
married in 1956 with Tun. Dr. Siti Hasmah and they have seven children. He
became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 16 July 1981. He held the
post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 (Umno Online).
In his reign for 22 years, he has brought many changes to the people
and set up a various programs to develop the future generation of the
Malays to be on par with any nation in the world. He make so many changes

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

in Malaysia including in economics, politics, and education to ensure the

growth and development of Malaysia. During the world economic crisis
happen, he manage to find best solution for Malaysia in which Malaysia not
even need to borrow money from International Monetary Fund and World
Bank like others Asian countries who desperate for money for recovery their
economic crisis such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippine. Based on his
contribution in Malaysia, he was called as Malaysias Father of
Modernization. (Umno Online). He also known as one of the Asian Tiger
cubs due to his successfulness in making economic in Malaysia develop and
modernize (Miller, 2004).
He wrote several books including The Malay Dilemma in 1970,
Melayu Mudah Lupa in 2001, Terrorism and the real issue in 2003, A
Doctor in the House in 2011, and The Wit and Wisdom in 2015.
Education background
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad started his primary school in 1930 at Malay
School Seberang Perak Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman. In 1945, he further his
study in secondary school at Senior Cambridge Certificate Government
English School, Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Hamid, Alor Setar. After that,
he managed to enroll King Edward VII College of Medicine, Singapore in
1947, and in 1n 1953, he was awarded Degree in Doctor of Medicine
(M.B.B.S) from University of Malaya.
Positions and career

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is someone who possess various qualities

that make him as great leader such as charismatic personality, responsibility,
accountability,

intelligent,

visionary,

and

farsighted.

Because

of

his

personality and quality he hold many important positions in his life. In 19541957, he become medical officer at Alor Setar, Langkawi, and Perlis. He open
his own clinic in 1957. Even though he study in medicine, but he has a very
deep interest in politics and has been active in politics since 1945. He has
been a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) since its
inception in 1946. In politics, he held many important positions. Some of
those positions including become Chairman of the first Higher Education
council in 1968, members of the Higher Education Advisory Council in 1972,
Member of the University Court and University of Malaya Council, and
Chairman of the National University Council 1974. In 1976 Dr. Mahathir was
appointed Deputy Prime Minister, and in 1981 he become the fourth Prime
Minister of Malaysia. After 22 years served as prime minister, he stepped
down as the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia On October 31, 2003.
The Malay Dilemma (his first book)
In 26 September 1969, he was removed from UMNO due to his
outspoken in criticized Umno leadership under the leadership of Tunku Abdul
Rahman Putra Al-Haj (First Malaysias Prime Minister). He wrote this book
The Malay Dilemma after he was fired from UMNO to keep voicing out his
minds. He wrote this book in 1970 however this book was banned by the
government. In that book, he talk about economic crisis and the problem of

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

indigenous citizens, criticized the lack of efficiency of government in

handling those problems, and he also provide his own solution to tackle
those problems (Umno Online). He also lashed the mentality and attitude of
Malays who keep blaming the fate and just accept their weaknesses
passively (Umno Online).

CONTRIBUTION OF TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD TOWARD ISLAMIZATION IN

MALAYSIA AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

1) DECLARATION MALAYSIA AS AN ISLAMIC STATE

Malaysia is one of Islamic country in this world. However, it is very hard
to find country who declare themselves as Islamic state but really follow
Islamic rule and principles especially in constitution, politics, and economic.
Mahathir want to show and prove that Malaysia is an Islamic state and he
make that declaration on 29th September 2001 in his speech during the Majlis
Perasmian Persidangan Perwakilan Ke-30 Parti Gerakan Malaysia (KamarudinSalleh, 2006:79).
This declaration is based on the progress and development of Islamic-based system in various
program and policy in Malaysia especially in politics and economics. Tun Dr. Mahathir claimed
that Malaysia is already Islamic state and disagreed with some politicians who advocated
Malaysia as non-Islamic state (Ibrahim Abu Bakar, n.d.). Countrys leader, scholars, some
communities, the ulama'and members of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) also
give their strong support to this declaration (M. Shukeri, Mohamad Azrien and MohdAlwee,
2005: 2).

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Why Malaysia need this declaration? One of the reason is in memoirs

Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj on 13 May Before and After, he said
Malaysia is a secular State, it has its official religion, Islam (Md Shukri Shuib
et al, 2010) which bring confusion image on Malaysia (either Islamic or
secular states). However, in order to declare Malaysia as an Islamic state,
Malaysia need to prove that Malaysia follow the Islamic principle or guidance
in state matters.
For example, from the aspect of economic, Tun Dr. Mahathir introduced Islamic banking
in Malaysia with name Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad in 1983 with the goal to develop Islamic
economic in Malaysia (Mohd Syakir & Noor Husna, 2016). After the establishment of Bank
Islam, other Islamic banking start to emerge such as Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad which
also use Syariah-based banking system (Mohd Syakir et al, 2016). Malaysia not the first Islamic
country who introduced Islamic banking system, however banking system in Malaysia can be
considered as more advanced compared to some countries who already implemented Islamic
banking system in 1980s such as Sudan, Iran, and Pakistan (AsyrafWajdiDusuki, 2014:170).
The effectiveness and successfulness of Malaysia implementation on Islamic economic
system in Malaysia such as through Islamic banking make Tun Dr. Mahathir able to bravely and
proudly declare Malaysia as Islamic state. Various media were used to support this declaration
including through Friday sermon, television, and seminars (Mohd Syakir et al, 2016). At the
same time, there are some other characteristics that make Tun Dr. Mahathir boldly declared
Malaysia as Islamic states such as based on the majority population in Malaysia (consisting from
Muslim), the leader of the state also Muslim, and the freedom of religion practiced in Malaysia
(Mohd Syakir et al, 2016).

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Tun Dr. Mahathir is not someone who can be mocked by Western powers which make
many Muslim as well as non-Muslims respect him a lot. He never care about negative perception
from west about Islam, in contrast he always proud off being as a Muslim and showing his
disapproval of aggravated defamation of Islam from the west. Why I make this long statement on
Tun Dr. Mahathir? It is because at that year, United States put blame on Islamic states regarding
the incident in September 11, 2001 while Tun Dr. Mahathir make declaration Malaysia as Islamic
state on 29th September which mean not only at the same year but also at the same month (Mohd
Syakir et al, 2016). From this declaration, he also need to face some challenges not only from
outside but also from inside the state. For example, sensitivity feel by non-Muslims in Malaysia
and polemic of political parties in Malaysia (Mohd Syakir et al, 2016). One of the best nature of
Tun Dr. Mahathir is he is a strong leader with strong aim and strong stance so he never take those
challenges as restraint from him to achieve his vision.
The main implications from this declaration can be categorized in three division. Fist is
Islamic politics affected the economies in Malaysia in which it open the opportunities for the
Malaysia to practice Islamic economies such through the implementation of Islamic Banking that
follow the shariah-based which in fact it succeed to attract the attention even from other states
(Mohd Syakir et al, 2016). Besides, Malaysia is seen as an effective center in the development of
Islamic financial system by foreign community (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 2005; Rumaizuddin
Mohd Ghazali, 2012). Second is Islamic economies affected the politics. From the successfulness
of the Islamic economies system give positive image to Tun Dr. Mahathirs politics who
previously had been portrayed as having bad image towards Islam (Mohd Syakir et al, 2016).
The image about Islam also change in which by having successful system by following Islamic
principle indicate Islam not conservative, backward, and injustice as claimed by West (Utusan

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Online, 2001). Thirdly, IPE affected the society. One of the clear example is the Islamization also
applied in education system such as establishing of Islamic university like International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti
Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) which indirectly resulting the changes of IPE in Malaysia
(RumaizuddinMohdGhazali, 2012). Education is a very important medium to spread the Islamic
teaching, thought, and practices so students not just follow and exposed to western ideology and
ways of life.
Based on the report from Utusan Online (2005), Tun Dr. Mahathir establish IIUM with
aim to develop Islamic thought in the country.
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said that the idea of the establishment of this
institution is due to Islamic university abroad that only emphasizes the purely
religious aspects of Islam while Islam telling its people to master the other
disciplines too. For Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, to reach the fullness of life and
happiness, Muslims need to master all fields of knowledge. Therefore, IIUM was
established to generate the knowledge of modern sciences in accordance with the
principles and objectives driven by Islam itself. (Mohd Syakir et al, 2016).
2) DEVELOP THE MUSLIMS
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad really care and love Malays and Muslims. He want Malays
people to develop and success in all field so that Malays not left behind and stay backward
compared to other races such as Chinese. When Malays should be able to stand by their own and
not too depends on the government support so, he keep stressed that Malays should remove their
lazy attitudes and change. In one of his speech to motivate Malays, he want Malays to cling to
Islam. He said the New Malays are the Malays that uphold steadfastly to Islam and its

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

values, discipline and realize that God will only help those who struggle and learn and master
knowledge that can develop them(Abdul Muati Ahmad, n.d.). He believed that Islamic
principle principles should be practiced in order to have good culture.
For Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Islamic principles should be practice and adopt by
Muslims (not just teaching without implementation) in which he want Malays to be diligent,
knowledgeable, and efficient in all aspects of life. He said in his speech 1982: Hitherto the
Malays only preached Islam but never practiced it. They talked about brotherhood but created
isuues to generate a split between Muslims. They talked about knowledge acquisition but never
learned (Abdul Muati Ahmad, n.d.). Basically, he want Malays not just learn, not just teach
but make Islamic principles as their guidance to be practice in their daily life.
According to Abdul Muati Ahmad (n.d.), Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad introduced three
major projects as an effort to develop the Muslims. One of the project was the establishment of
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) by imitating the practices of higher learning
institutions in Andalusia and Baghdad. Uniquely, even though this university is Islamic
university, but a number of non-Muslim students can enroll to this university to give them
opportunity to learn and understand Islamic philosophy and personality. The other major project
was form an Islamic Bank to create strong economy system and as an alternative to conventional
system. The third project was to introduce the subject of Islamic Civilization in Malaysian
universities. He believe that since Islam is an official religion, all citizens need to have
knowledge about Islam.
Even though Tun Dr. Mahathir declared Malaysia as fundamental Islamic country, nonMuslims in Malaysia not getting any harm from this reform because he stressed that Islam is
moderate religion and bring no harm to others religions since Islam is the best and

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

comprehensive religion that treat all people fairly (Md Shukri Shuib, 2010). This statement was
supported by Schottmann (n.d.), by claimed that Islamization in Malaysia never discriminate
other religion practices since the values of pragmatic and tolerant is there. He want to stress that
the focus is to study Islam as civilization subject just like history subject, not to attract people to
embrace Islam but to give understanding and knowledge about Islam. He said,
Theres no force in Islam and Islam will not gain any good if people
convert just because of the coercion. What we want is that Muslims really
practice Islamic values, the non-Muslims practice good values which
definitely go in-line with the Islamic values, and we can live harmoniously
and happily (Abdul Muati Ahmad, n.d.).
When Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad stressed on the Islamic principle, Islamic culture, and
Islamic civilization, he really serious to ensure Malaysia really adopt those values. He hold
strong believe that we should have Islamize everything including our culture, economy and
politic, Like according to Abdul Muati Ahmad (n.d.), in 1983 he already make move to
introduced Islamic civilization subject and get criticism from some people. In 1984, once again
he stressed on the issue of Islamization policy, and again in 1987 he emphasized on the
inculcation of Islamic values policy. He said,
We are far from successful in religion since we fail to practice a lot
more principles from Islamic teachings. Some of us decline brotherhood, are
not so trustworthy, and not so tolerant, do not advocate justice and so on.
That is why we proposed the inculcation of Islamic values (Abdul Muati
Ahmad, n.d.).

3) ISLAMIC FIGHTER (reject Islamic extremism)

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

To become Islamic fighter not necessarily in war or become a soldier. By defend and
spread the real teaching of Islam also make us as Islamic fighter. Basically, in my opinion by
implementing real Islamic teaching and showing to the whole world that Islam is great and
comprehensive religion is the most effective way to make others recognize Islam and to wipe out
all negative perception and image about Islam. Tun Dr. Mahathir against religious extremism and
he want Malaysia bring back the glory of Islam by prove to the whole world that Islam is a
progressive religion (Abdul Muati Ahmad, n.d.). This vision can only be succeed if Muslims
change their behavior and mentality by becoming successful and great person. If all Muslims
follow the real Islamic teaching, they will succeed in their life and the whole world will become
the witness of the greatness of Islam.
Generally, Tun Dr. Mahathir wants all Muslims to take Islam as religion that guide them
not merely for hereafter because Islamic teaching is balance between the world affairs and
hereafter (Abdul Muati Ahmad, n.d.).
For him, only focusing on hereafter is un-Islamic and only focusing on the world matters also
un-Islamic. When Muslims started to left real Islamic teaching and practice then they will
collapse just like what happen to Arabs, he said,
we are Muslim Malays. More than the Arabs and other Muslims, Malay
nationalism is directly linked to Islam. A person is not Malay unless he is a
Muslim. That is how devoted we are to Islam. If the Arabs after embracing
Islam could be so developed and strong until they managed to establish an
empire, is it impossible for the Malays who are so devoted to Islam to achieve
such success? Shouldnt the culture of the Malays be changed so that it is

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

suitable with a success that was once enjoyed by the Muslims? (Abdul Muati
Ahmad, n.d.).
Next, according to Md Shukri Shuib et.al (2010), during Tun Abdul Razak reign
(Malaysia second Prime Minister), he focus on nation building to overcome the problem of
multiculturalism in Malaysia and this focus remain until the time of Tun Hussein Onn. After Tun
Dr.Mahathir took the office from the third Prime Minister, he not anymore focus on nation
building but he come out with new agenda which known as Islamic-Eastern Building to adopt
international change and rather than focus on western countries, he choose to make successful
and developed East countries as an example to be followed. He also trying to modify the concept
of nation building with aim to deal with problem Islamic extremism in which he focusing to
gain support from other Islamic world to accept Malaysia as Islamic state (the
government following the right view of Islamic Sunnah).
Tun Dr. Mahathir always defend that Islam is not religion that support
terrorist and when he deliver message to stop terrorism act (such as to stop
kill each other), he not only referring to extremist Muslim but also to Jews (Md
Shukri Shuib et.al, 2010). He is a brave leader that should be emulated by other Muslim leaders.
He boldly criticized western without fear or feel that he not qualified enough to do so. Like
according to Schottmann (n.d.), Tun Dr. Mahathir label Western as hypocrite, and through
Islamic faith, Malaysian can distinguish between the evil and good of western culture.
4) INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad not only struggle to publish good image of Islam in Malaysia
but also at international level. He want the whole world knows that Malaysia is Islamic states
and following Islam as its fundamental and principle. One of Malaysia contribution under Tun

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Dr. Mahathir is through the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Malaysia not only
become the members of OIC but also make contribution such as in term of trade, economic
assistance, and politic (Shahidah, 2008). OIC also become the second priority for Malaysias
foreign policy (Shahidah, 2008). Through OIC, Tun Dr. Mahathir want to correct the
misconception among non-Muslims toward Islam, assist to develop economic in poorer Islamic
states, and to show the progressive image of Islam as a religion at internationally (Shahidah,
2008).
Malaysia not remain as passive members of OIC in which Malaysia give support to
Muslims whenever they need it as long as Malaysia have an ability and power to help them. For
example, Malaysia provided refuge to Palestinians in 1948 when Palestine was
occupied by Israel (Shahidah, 2008). After 1981 (Tun Dr. Mahathirs time),
Malaysia plays more active role in OIC including held a Palestine Solidarity
Day (1992), and an International Conference on Palestine in 1983
(Shahidah, 2008).
Moreover, Malaysia played an important role in political change in
Albania as well as in the Bosnian crisis in which Malaysia give financial and
political support to these countries by admitted hundreds of students from
these countries to the International Islamic University Malaysia and the
University of Malaya and even provided them government scholarships
(Shahidah, 2008). Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad not only give support in terms
of economic and politics but also military by send Malaysian military force to
Bosnia (Azlizan, 2010). According to Mahathir, Malaysia should play its role
as an Islamic country to help other Islamic countries because he claimed that

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

America and UN cannot solve conflict in Bosnia transparently (Azlizan, 2010).

He even expressed his regret toward UN due to their unjust action on the
problem in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he said,

Need to be explained here that Malaysia involvement in UN

peace keeping operation is based on the sovereignty principles
of one country, justice and humanity and are not spurred by
religion and politic. Time has come for the international
community to review the roles of UN peacekeeping operation.
UNPFOFORs failure to stop Serb Bosnias factional violence
towards the Muslim and Bosnia Herzegovina Croat is a body blow
to the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping Operation. There is no
use for protector team to be sent if it cannot defend the public
like what has been mandated (Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir B.
Mohamad, www.pmo.gov.my/ucapan, 1995).
Tun Dr. Mahathir was the first leader who sent Malaysia military force
to other states. His action was criticized by some people especially
opposition party who claimed he was trying to put Malaysian military in
danger with high possibility to get killed there but he still with his decision
(Azlizan, 2010). Tun Dr. Mahathir get positive image and good reputation
from other Islamic world due to his brave action in Bosnia and his good
image also indirectly give positive image to Malaysia in the eyes of the
world.

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

CONCLUSION
Islam

is

comprehensive

religion

and

as

Muslims,

we

carry

responsibility to implement Islamic principle in all activities and policies

especially in term of politics, economics, education, and social. However, we
still live under the ideology and culture from western which indirectly shape
our mind and behavior more like western people rather than Muslim.
Immediate change are needed to shape and plant Islamic moral, discipline,
values, and teaching inside individual Muslim and one way to doing so is
through Islamization.
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is one of the Muslim leader who aware of
this situation. He want Muslims to follow Islamic way of life, not just practice
religion for spiritual but also in worldly affairs. When Muslims all strong, has
high quality, develop, and wise, only then we (Muslims) can prove to the
world that Islam is not backward and not a violent religion. He started to
Islamized Malaysia in economy, education, and politics even though not
perfect but good enough. He also encourage Muslim in Malaysia using
Islamic greeting and salutation (Miller, 2004).
Moreover, he never afraid of western powers and he never take any
criticism as obstacle to achieve his goal. He may not succeed in all of his
policy but many of his policy and modernization brought the glory to Muslims
and Malaysia. Thus, one of the important thing that we should learn from him
is never let yourself become a slave to western and always proud to become

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Muslims. Islamization cannot occur by itself, we as a Muslims should carry

out this responsibility to bring back the glory of Islam in this world.

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Science. 77-85.

Miller, E. (2004). The role of Islam in Malaysian political practice. The

Fletcher School Online Journal for issues related to Southwest Asia and
Islamic Civilization, 4, 1-10.

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Md Shukri Shuib., Mohamad Nasir Saludin., Feigenblatt, O. F.V., Mohamad Faisol

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the

Era

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Governance:

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mahathir/

TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

TUN DR.MAHATHIR MOHAMAD

Siti Mardhiyyah binti Haron

G1519102
International Islamic University Malaysia
Lecturer: El-Fatih Abdullahi Abdel Salam (Prof. Dr.)
PSCI 6000
Issues of Islamization in
Political Science
Section 1