97-year-old Dr Mahathir gives light-hearted tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II

KUALA LUMPUR – While a steady flow of tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II have poured in from around the world, few may be as apt as one delivered by a fellow nonagenarian who was, in his home country, the longest serving head of government.

Taking to Twitter, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 97 in July, delivered a heartfelt dedication to the late British monarch today, recalling fond memories of his interactions with her throughout his initial 22-year prime ministership.

THE QUEEN

1. I am saddened by the death of the Queen. Only two days before she had received in audience the new PM of the UK.

[A thread]

— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) September 13, 2022

With his signature wry sense of humour, Dr Mahathir appeared to express surprise at the queen’s passing, saying: “I really did not expect her to pass away when she did. She was only one year younger than me.”

The Langkawi MP also lauded the queen’s impartiality in performing her role as constitutional monarch, saying that her passing was a loss not just to the British but also “to people who believe in the rule of law”.

Dr Mahathir then shared an anecdote on a speech he delivered before the departed monarch in 2002 during a live telecast in conjunction with her golden jubilee.

“I made a speech in which I pointed out that what is said in English is not what is meant,” he said.

“The presiding officer in Parliament is called Mr Speaker, but he may not speak. The Malay sultans are called the rulers but they may not rule.

“Then there is the British Commonwealth where the wealth is not common.” – The Vibes, September 13, 2022