KUALA LUMPUR: The country's longest-serving prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad turns 99 today.
Born on July 10, 1925, Mahathir served as prime minister twice, first taking office as the country's fourth prime minister from 1981 until 2003.
During that time he also served as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman.
After retiring, Mahathir continued to serve as an advisor to several companies including Proton and Petronas.
He was also made the honorary president of the Perdana Leadership Foundation, a post he continues to hold to this day.
Mahathir, who used to write under the pen name Che Det while contributing to The Straits Times while studying medicine, continued to be an avid writer post-retirement.
In the run-up to the 14th General Election, Mahathir became a vocal critic of the government and later he quit Umno.
He then made a political comeback, forming Bersatu with several other former Umno leaders including Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Bersatu would later become part of Pakatan Harapan ahead of the elections, and Mahathir would lead the opposition pact to power.
Mahathir then served as prime minister for a second time at the age of 93. He resigned from the post in 2020 following the Sheraton Move.
Mahathir's longevity and good health have always been a subject of interest, with many of his interviews with local and foreign media touching on the matter.
In a 2018 report by Quartz, Mahathir said his "secret" was keeping to a strict diet and avoiding overeating. Mahathir also said he exercises a lot and sleeps six hours a day.
This year, Mahathir even delivered a speech at the Nikkei Forum 29th Future of Asia in Tokyo.
Even as he turns 99, Mahathir remains active.
Earlier today, his official Facebook page posted that Mahathir had been invited to engage Muslim community and business leaders in the UK to discuss issues affecting Muslims, the war in Gaza and regional politics.