Big Take Asia Bloomberg’s Interview With Malaysia’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
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Jul 10, 2025 Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, shares his insights at a centennial milestone in life. He discusses aging and its relationship with leadership, emphasizing the discipline required for effective governance. The conversation shifts to the implications of Donald Trump’s trade policies on Malaysia and the region, highlighting challenges and strategies for future trade relations with China. Mahathir also reflects on the necessity of unity in a divided world, underscoring historical ties and lessons for navigating today's geopolitical tensions.
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Age and Leadership Capacity
- Maintaining an active mind and healthy body prolongs leadership capacity even at advanced ages.
- Disciplinary lifestyle habits like exercise and mental engagement keep the brain functional and sharp.
Facing Mortality with Purpose
- Being close to death is uncomfortable but it motivates one to remain active and contribute.
- Acceptance of mortality helps focus on meaningful actions rather than waiting passively.
Impact of Trump's Tariffs
- Trump's tariff strategy harms America more than other countries because high import costs affect domestic production.
- Countries like Malaysia mitigate impact by increasing trade with China and others instead of America.