Another turn around the sun: Dr Mahathir at an event in London on the eve of his birthday. — Photo from Dr Mahathir’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians flocked to social media to convey their birthday wishes to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who turned 99 yesterday.
“Happy 99th birthday to the person I love and respect. May you live a long life with sustenance, good health and happiness in your life with your loved ones,” said Mohammad Akid Syahmi on Facebook.
“Happy birthday Tun, many more happy returns of the day. God bless with good health and happiness always. We respect you as negarawan,” added Soosai Chan.
Benjamin Chong said: “Happy 99th birthday Dr Mahathir Mohamad, may you continue to be given good health. Stay blessed and highly favoured. Thank you for being the father of modern Malaysia.”
“Happy birthday Tun Dr Mahathir, may you continue to be given good health and continue to be blessed. Thank you for all your services Tun M,” added Muhy Fadzly.
Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), Anuar Murad said: “Happy birthday Tun, may Allah give His mercy and grace to you. We are so grateful to you.”
“Happy 99th birthday Tun, May God bless you with grace and good health,” said Jalal Misai.
Dr Mahathir, who is in London on a special invitation, also received a recorded birthday wish from his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
“Happy birthday. Wishing you joy, happiness and good health. Love you,” she said.
Dr Siti Hasmah also played the birthday song on a harmonica.
Dr Mahathir thanked well-wishers, especially members of the media for their thoughts and prayers on his birthday.
“I have survived this long (and) I don’t know for how much longer. But my whole life has been dedicated to serving the nation.
“I thank you very much for all the support you have given in the past and also for the good wishes for my birthday,” he said.
Born in 1925 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Dr Mahathir was trained as a physician before joining politics.
He is Malaysia’s longest serving prime minister, from 1981 to 2003, and then from 2018 to 2020.
Despite his advanced age, he has often been praised for his good health and active lifestyle.
Dr Mahathir said in 2018 that there is no secret to a long life, only discipline in eating habits and keeping active through frequent exercise.
