Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has said he has never been concerned about public perception of him throughout his political career, insisting he has always acted based on what he believed was right.
In a documentary titled My Name is Mahathir, the veteran statesman said questions about his legacy do not matter to him, even if he is remembered negatively by some.
“I’m always being asked what is my legacy. I don’t care about it. They may identify me as a dictator, that is their right,” he said in the film.
“From the very beginning, I decided that I don’t care what people think about me as long as I am doing the right thing.”
The 65-minute documentary, co-produced by a Singapore-based production company and Malaysian partners, recently won a silver award in the documentary category at a media festival in Berlin.
In the film, Mahathir reflects on his long political journey, including his rise to power, internal political conflicts, and major national decisions during his tenure as prime minister.
He also revisited his strained relationship with former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, including the 1998 political crisis that led to Anwar’s dismissal from government.
Mahathir said Anwar had previously accused him of corruption, cronyism and nepotism, allegations he strongly denied.
“He started telling people that I was a dictator, I was corrupt and I practise cronyism and all that,” he said.
“It is difficult to eradicate corruption completely. Although there was corruption, it was minimal. So the country was able to grow.”
He also rejected claims that he had engaged in financial misconduct, stating that no evidence had ever been produced against him.
The documentary further covers Mahathir’s political comeback in 2018, his role in efforts to unseat former prime minister Najib Razak, and personal reflections on his long marriage with Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
Interviews in the film also feature political figures, activists, family members and analysts, providing multiple perspectives on his decades-long influence in Malaysian politics.
Director Chan Tau Chou said Mahathir remained energetic and focused throughout filming, despite his age, and was open in discussing both criticism and achievements.
The documentary was filmed over nine months, with the production team given extensive access to Mahathir’s daily routine, including meetings, public appearances and private moments.
