Meeting the Legend: An Afternoon with Tun Dr Mahathir at PLF
It’s not every Monday you get invited to see a living legend in person. But yesterday? That Monday hit different.
As a member of the Perdana Leadership Foundation Library, yes, the one famously linked to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself, I got an invite to attend the launch of a new book: “A Conversation with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad: A Legacy of Leadership and Vision.”
More importantly, Tun M was going to be there.
Speaking.
Answering questions.
At ninety-nine years old.
Let me just say this upfront: I cleared my whole afternoon. No errands, no meetings, not even gym. This was Tun M we’re talking about. A man who’s been Prime Minister not once, but twice. Who has led this country through thick and thin. Whether you’re a supporter or a critic, you cannot deny what this man has done for Malaysia.
Walking into PLF, Putrajaya
There’s something about the Perdana Leadership Foundation building. It always feels calm, serene, even. Yesterday, though, it buzzed. People from all walks of life filled the hall. Scholars, politicians, media, students, old uncles in Baju Melayu and keris, everyone had that same curious excitement on their faces. The air was full of anticipation.
I found a seat not too far, not too close. But good enough to see his expressions. I sat upright, quietly grinning. Tun M is going to speak. Live.
The Book Launch… and the Man Himself
The event began with the official book launch. The new publication is essentially a conversation-style memoir, covering Tun’s thoughts on Malaysia’s economic history, leadership, and the challenges ahead. Edited transcripts from interviews conducted between 2020 and 2023.
Honestly? Even just flipping through the book later, I was amazed by how clear and sharp his thoughts still are. Structured, precise, even witty in parts. The kind of writing that makes you pause and say, “Eh, I never thought of it like that.”
And then… he walked in.
No fanfare. No flashy music. Just quiet strength. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, walking slowly but steadily, took his seat at the front. The crowd instantly straightened up. Everyone was glued.
The Dialogue Session – Tun Still Got It
Moderated by Dato’ Seri Dr Vaseehar Hassan and Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid, the session dove into the big topic:
“Challenges of Economic Development in the 21st Century.”
At first, I expected polite, filtered answers. You know, the usual safe stuff. But Tun? He didn’t hold back. He answered each question with depth, history, and that signature Mahathir sarcasm that always makes the audience laugh and think.
I found myself nodding so many times. Not just because I agreed but because I was genuinely impressed at how he still connects the dots. The way he talks about inequality, governance, and national resilience, it’s as if the man never left the office.
He even made a cheeky comment about politicians these days switching sides like changing shoes. Everyone laughed. Some nervously.
Starstruck, But Grounded
I hadn’t seen Tun M in person for years. The last time must’ve been during his second stint as PM. So seeing him now at 99, just months shy of turning a hundred but still commanding a full room, still dissecting policies and making jokes…it felt surreal.
And I couldn’t help but admire the man. Say what you want about his politics, but there’s no denying: he built this country’s foundation. He gave Malaysia an identity in the world. He dreamed big and made others believe we could, too.
When It Was Over…
After the final question, the room clapped. Some gave a standing ovation. I just sat there a bit longer, soaking it all in. This wasn’t just an event. It was a moment in history.
How often do you get to listen to a man who’s been leading the country since before the internet existed, talk about AI, climate, inequality, and nation-building as if he’s still in the driver’s seat?
As I walked out of PLF, I looked back once. The sun was setting behind the building, casting that golden glow on the walkway.
And I whispered to myself:
“Malaysia still owes him a lot. And I’m glad I got to say I was there.”
