Mahathir receives honorary doctorate from Unpad

Riva Fadhillah, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java

Former Malaysian prime minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Indonesia's state-run Padjadjaran University (Unpad) in Bandung, West Java on Friday, for his economic policies.

Unpad Rector Yuyun Wirasasmita said Mahathir's economic policies had transformed Malaysia from an agricultural country to an industrial one.

Mahathir resigned as Malaysia's prime minister on Oct. 31, last year after leading the country for more than two decades.

Also known as Dr. M, Mahathir grew into one of the most influential leaders in Southeast Asia when he declined to invite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the economic crisis that struck the region in 1998.

Mahathir succeeded in promoting equality among business people, a policy that prevented racial disputes between Malays and Chinese-Malaysians despite serious economic problems in the country.

"When I first came to power, the Malay people lacked opportunity to take part in the country's economic activities.

"But I provided them (the Malays) with opportunities just like I did to Chinese-Malaysian businessmen. They are now all equal and far from hating each other," Mahathir said in his speech.

Mahathir is the fourth international figure to receive an honoris causa doctorate from Unpad. Other recipients included Josef Broz Tito, leader of the former Yugoslavia, and Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh.