Born in Alor Setar on 25 November 1964, Mukhriz Mahathir transitioned from a career in business management to a prominent role in Malaysian politics. As the third son of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, he has navigated multiple party realignments, serving as Menteri Besar of Kedah on two separate occasions during his extensive legislative career.
Academic and Corporate Background
Mukhriz pursued international studies, obtaining a bachelor's degree in business management from Sophia University in Tokyo around 1987. He subsequently earned a degree in marketing from Boston University in 1989. Before his rise to political office, he held executive roles in firms such as Opcom Holdings and Kosmo Tech, alongside positions within the Malaysian Franchise Association and the Perdana Peace Global Organisation.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Federal and Early Political Engagement
In 2004, Mukhriz achieved a significant margin of victory in the election for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) youth wing executive council. He later secured a seat in the Dewan Rakyat representing Jerlun during the 2008 general election. During this period, he also served as the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry under the administrations of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Razak.
Tenures as Menteri Besar of Kedah
Mukhriz served two distinct terms as the Menteri Besar of Kedah. His first appointment followed the 2013 general election after he won the Ayer Hitam state assembly seat. He resigned in February 2016 following a loss of support within his party, UMNO. He returned to the position in May 2018 under the Pakatan Harapan coalition, holding the office until May 2020.
Party Shifts and Founding Efforts
Following his expulsion from UMNO in 2016, Mukhriz co-founded the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU) alongside his father and other political figures. He acted as the party's founding deputy president and chaired the Kedah branch. In August 2020, following further internal conflict and the termination of his BERSATU membership, he helped establish the Homeland Fighters Party (PEJUANG), serving as its founding president.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 November 1964, Alor Setar, Kedah
- Education: Sophia University, Boston University
- Political Party: PEJUANG (Founding President)
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Key Offices: Menteri Besar of Kedah (2013-2016, 2018-2020)
- Father: Mahathir Mohamad
- Mother: Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali
- Languages: Malay
Questions readers ask
Which political parties has Mukhriz Mahathir been associated with?
He has been a member of UMNO, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), and the Homeland Fighters Party (PEJUANG).
What official positions did he hold in Kedah state government?
He served as the Menteri Besar of Kedah from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2018 to 2020, and was an assemblyman for Ayer Hitam and Jitra.
