A Century of Legacy: Tun Dr Mahathir Honoured with Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award at 100th Birthday Gala
A day of grandeur and national pride unfolded at the Palace of the Golden Horses on Sunday as Malaysia celebrated the 100th birthday of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the nation’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
The milestone event, hosted by hotel founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, brought together over 300 guests — including Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, dignitaries, corporate leaders, foreign envoys, and long-time associates — all paying tribute to a statesman whose legacy has shaped modern Malaysia.
A key highlight of the evening was when Tun Dr Mahathir was presented with the “Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award” by Motonation, recognising his pivotal role in transforming Malaysia’s automotive landscape. From spearheading the birth of Proton to pushing national industrialisation forward, Dr Mahathir’s vision laid the foundation for Malaysia’s entry into the global automotive arena.
The award served as a nod to his decades-long commitment to mobility, innovation, and national pride — and stood as a symbolic gift to a leader whose policies drove Malaysia’s first national car project and beyond.
The celebration began with a chorus of “Happy Birthday,” followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and a special video montage tracing Dr Mahathir’s life — from his early days in Alor Setar, Kedah, to his historic leadership as both Malaysia’s fourth and seventh Prime Minister.
One of the event’s highlights included a piano performance by renowned banker and philanthropist Tan Sri Azman Hashim, who also paid tribute to Dr Mahathir’s enduring influence.
In his speech, Tan Sri Lee praised the former PM as “a symbol of strength, struggle and strategic assurance,” adding:
“He was never afraid to challenge the odds. He’s been celebrated, criticised and everything in between — but no one can deny his devotion to this country.”
Lee also reflected on the bigger picture of the event:
“Today is not just about Tun’s century. It’s about whether we, as a nation, are prepared to shape the next 100 years.”
The day marked more than a birthday — it was a salute to national identity, industrial progress, and a legacy that still drives Malaysia forward.
