A Perikatan Nasional MP today questioned why the government failed to organise an official state celebration for former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 100th birthday.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan lamented the birthday greetings from government figures as being “insufficient”.

“I attended the thanksgiving prayers and celebration for these two individuals last night at Saidina Umar Al-Khattab Mosque, Bukit Damansara.

“Alhamdulillah, the mosque was packed with attendees who wanted to join in celebrating this joyous and historic occasion,” Wan Saiful said, referring to Mahathir and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah.

Siti Hasmah turns 99 tomorrow.

“However, I find myself wondering why there was no official state-organised event to commemorate such a significant date for a statesman. What we have are merely personal statements from government leaders. In my view, this is insufficient.

“There ought to have been an official ceremony organised by the government for this legendary couple. It needn't be elaborate - even a modest affair would suffice, as long as something was held,” Wan Saiful said.

Birthday blessings

Former disciple turned nemesis Anwar Ibrahim had wished Mahathir a happy 100th birthday yesterday.

In a social media post, the prime minister said he and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail prayed for Mahathir to be blessed with health, peace, and physical strength to continue to live a meaningful life.

Born on July 10, 1925, Mahathir is the only politician who has held the country’s top executive post twice and also holds the record as the world’s oldest prime minister when he was re-elected in May 2018.

He is also the longest-serving Malaysian premier so far, with his first stint in office lasting 22 years beginning in 1981 before resigning in 2003.

However, his political fortunes took a nosedive during his second stint from 2018-2020 after he was deposed following a political coup staged by his then-party Bersatu.

In the 2022 general election, Mahathir lost his deposit when seeking re-election as Langkawi MP.

Despite this, the centenarian continues to maintain a presence in local politics.

'What's the meaning of rest?' - No rocking chair for Dr M a century later

'What's the meaning of rest?' - No rocking chair for Dr M a century later

Dr M turns 100

Dr M turns 100