CNN —Here is a look at Mahathir Mohamad, former prime minister of Malaysia. July 1981 - Becomes Malaysia’s fourth prime minister, minister of home affairs, and minister of justice. October 16, 2003 - At a 57-nation Islamic summit in Malaysia, Mahathir claims in a speech that Jews “rule the world by proxy. January 2018 - Mahathir is named a candidate for prime minister. October 15, 2024 - According to his office, Mahathir is admitted to the hospital to treat a respiratory infection.