Famous Malaysian Political Leaders

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 1 
Mahathir Mohamad
(4th and 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Mahathir Mohamad
10
Birthdate: July 10, 1925
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Alor Setar, Malaysia

Mahathir Mohamad is a Malaysian statesman, doctor, and author. He twice served as the prime minister of Malaysia and is widely regarded as one of the most popular Malaysian prime ministers of all time. Under his premiership, Malaysia underwent a period of rapid economic growth and modernization. Mahathir Mohamad is also credited with establishing strong foreign relations with many countries.

 2 
Anwar Ibrahim
(Malaysian Politician)
Anwar Ibrahim
5
Birthdate: August 10, 1947
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bukit Mertajam

Anwar Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician who has served as Leader of the Opposition twice. Interested in politics from an early age, he joined the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as a young man. He rose through the ranks to become the finance minister and the deputy prime minister. He is a controversial figure and has been jailed for sodomy.

 3 
Tunku Abdul Rahman
(1st Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Tunku Abdul Rahman
4
Birthdate: February 8, 1903
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Alor Setar, Malaysia
Died: December 6, 1990
Tunku Abdul Rahman was a Malaysian statesman who served as the first prime minister of Malaysia from 1957 to 1970. Before becoming the Malaysian prime minister, Tunku played an important role in the independence process that came to an end in 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman is widely regarded as Malaysia's founding father for his role in the formation of Malaysia.
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 4 
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
(Former Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
3
Birthdate: November 26, 1939
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bayan Lepas

Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had initially served the civil services. He focused on removing corruption and poverty from his country during his tenure as the PM. He is also a talented poet, and following his retirement, he now serves as the chancellor of the Universiti Teknologi Petronas.

 5 
Abdul Razak Hussein
(Former 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Abdul Razak Hussein
4
Birthdate: March 11, 1922
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pekan, Malaysia
Died: January 14, 1976

Abdul Razak Hussein was a Malaysian politician best remembered for his service as the Prime Minister of Malaysia from 22 September 1970 until his death on 14 January 1976. An influential politician, Abdul Razak Hussein held several other prominent offices, including the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Home Affairs.

 6 
Lim Guan Eng
(The Fourth Chief Minister of Penang and the Current Secretary-General of the Malaysian Democratic Action Party)
Lim Guan Eng
3
Birthdate: December 8, 1960
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Malaysia

Former finance minister of Malaysia Lim Guan Eng was no stranger to politics as a child, being the son of politician Lim Kit Siang. Educated in Malaysia and Australia, Eng had initially begun his career as a banker. He has faced a number of legal issues, including charges of corruption.

 7 
Nurul Izzah Anwar
(Politician)
Nurul Izzah Anwar
3
Birthdate: November 19, 1980
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Nurul Izzah Anwar is a Malaysian politician who served as the People's Justice Party's Vice-President from 2010 to 2018. The daughter of Dato' Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim, Nurul Izzah is an ardent advocate of civil and human rights.
 

 8 
Hussein Onn
(Former Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Hussein Onn
3
Birthdate: February 12, 1922
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johor Bahru
Died: May 29, 1990

Former Malaysian prime minister Hussein Onn is remembered as the Father of Unity. Son of Malaysian freedom fighter Onn Jaafar, Hussein had been educated in Singapore and then been part of the Indian Army during World War II. He later stepped into politics with the UMNO.

 9 
Hishammuddin Hussein
(Malaysian Politician and Lawyer)
Hishammuddin Hussein
4
Birthdate: August 5, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hishammuddin Hussein is a Malaysian politician who has held various ministerial roles including the Deputy Minister of Primary Industries, Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Education, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Defence. Hishammuddin Hussein has also been an important member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) since 1989.

 10 
Yeo Bee Yin
(Politician)
Yeo Bee Yin
3
Birthdate: May 26, 1983
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Segamat, Johor, Malaysia

Yeo Bee Yin is a Malaysian politician who served as the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change from 2 July 2018 to 24 February 2020. Her work as the Minister of Energy and Climate Change earned her several honors including a place in The Ecologist's list of 25 female climate leaders shaping 2019.  

 11 
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
(12th Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (2018 - 2020))
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
3
Birthdate: December 3, 1952
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Singapore

Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is a Malaysian politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia as well as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development from 21 May 2018 to 24 February 2020. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is the first female to hold the office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

 12 
Khairy Jamaluddin
(Politician)
Khairy Jamaluddin
4
Birthdate: January 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kuwait City

Khairy Jamaluddin is a Malaysian politician known for his service as the Youth Chief of United Malays National Organisation from 2009 to 2018. He has also been serving as the Minister of Health since 2021. Jamaluddin also had a successful career as a polo player. In 2017, he helped his team win the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games.
 

 13 
Hannah Yeoh
(Politician)
Hannah Yeoh
3
Birthdate: January 9, 1979
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Hannah Yeoh is a Malaysian politician who served as the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development from 2 July 2018 to 24 February 2020. A former lawyer, Hannah Yeoh was an important member of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) political party until 2020 when the PH administration collapsed.
 14 
Lim Kit Siang
(Malaysian Politician)
Lim Kit Siang
3
Birthdate: February 20, 1941
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Batu Pahat, Malaysia

Lim Kit Siang is a Malaysian politician best known for his service as the Leader of the Opposition. Lim Kit Siang served in this position on three occasions for almost 30 years, making him the longest-serving Malaysian leader of the opposition.

 15 
Rina Harun
(Politician)
Rina Harun
5
Birthdate: April 18, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia

Rina Harun is a Malaysian politician who served as the Minister of Rural Development from 2018 to 2020. She has also been serving as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development since 2020.

 16 
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah
4
Birthdate: April 13, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kota Bharu

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is a Malaysian politician who played an important role in establishing key policies and foundations in Malaysia's economy. For his immense contribution to Malaysia's economy, Razaleigh is often referred to as the Father of Malaysian Economic Development. Razaleigh, who held various ministerial positions in the past, is currently serving as a member of parliament (MP).

 17 
Khaw Boon Wan
(Politician)
Khaw Boon Wan
3
Birthdate: December 8, 1952
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Penang
Khaw Boon Wan is a Singaporean retired politician who served as the Minister for Transport from 1 October 2015 to 26 July 2020. Khaw Boon Wan also served as the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure from 2015 to 2020.
 18 
Tony Pua
(politician)
Tony Pua
3
Birthdate: August 1, 1972
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Batu Pahat
Tony Pua is a Malaysian politician who is currently serving as a Political Secretary to Lim Guan Eng. Since 2008, Tony Pua has been serving as a Member of the Malaysian Parliament, representing Damansara.
 19 
Goh Keng Swee
(Politician)
Goh Keng Swee
3
Birthdate: October 6, 1918
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Malacca
Died: May 14, 2010
Goh Keng Swee was a Singaporean politician best remembered for his service as the second Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 20 March 1973 to 1 January 1985. Goh is counted among the founding fathers of Singapore, a group of politicians who formed the famous People's Action Party. Goh Keng Swee held various ministerial offices, including the Ministry of Defence.     
 20 
Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan
(Former Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1957 - 1960))
Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan
3
Birthdate: August 24, 1895
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Died: April 1, 1960

Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan reigned as the first Paramount Ruler of the Federation of Malaya from 31 August 1957 to 1 April 1960. He also served as the second Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and eighth Yamtuan of Seri Menanti. Since 1967, his portrait has been featuring on Malaysian Ringgit banknotes and several places are named after him.       
 

 21 
Onn Jaafar
(Politician)
Onn Jaafar
2
Birthdate: February 12, 1895
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bukit Gambir, Malaysia
Died: January 19, 1962
Onn Jaafar was a Malaysian politician best remembered for founding the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and serving as its first president from 1946 until his resignation in 1951. He played an important role in stirring early Malay nationalism which culminated in Malaysia's independence from Britain. Onn Jaafar is also credited with establishing the Rural Industrial Development Authority (RIDA). 
 22 
Chua Soi Lek
(Politician)
Chua Soi Lek
3
Birthdate: January 2, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Batu Pahat

Chua Soi Lek is a Chinese Malaysian politician who served as the ninth president of a major component party called the Malaysian Chinese Association. From 2004 to 2008, he served as the Minister of Health in Malaysia. Chua Soi Lek announced his resignation from all posts in 2008 after a sex video featuring him and a young woman went viral.

 23 
Zuraida Kamaruddin
(Minister of Housing and Local Government)
Zuraida Kamaruddin
3
Birthdate: March 14, 1958
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Colony of Singapore

Zuraida Kamaruddin is a Malaysian politician and the current Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. From 2018 to 2021, she also served as the Minister of Housing and Local Government. An important and influential politician, Zuraida Kamaruddin served as the Women's Chief of the People's Justice Party from 2007 to 2018.

 24 
Azalina Othman Said
(Politician)
Azalina Othman Said
2
Birthdate: December 31, 1963
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Azalina Othman Said is a Malaysian politician who has held several ministerial roles, such as the Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Tourism, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. From 2001 to 2004, Azalina Othman Said was the first person to hold the office of the Women's Youth Chief of United Malays National Organisation.

 25 
Rafidah Aziz
(Politician)
Rafidah Aziz
2
Birthdate: November 4, 1943
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Japanese occupation of Malaya small (now Malaysia)
Rafidah Aziz is a Malaysian politician who served as the Minister of International Trade and Industry. She also served as the Minister of Public Enterprises from 1980 to 1987. A veteran of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Rafidah Aziz held the office of the Women Chief of UMNO from 2000 to 2009. 
 26 
Lee Bee Wah
(Politician)
Lee Bee Wah
2
Birthdate: October 6, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Johor, Malaysia

Lee Bee Wah is a Malaysian-born Singaporean former engineer and politician. Lee was a member of the popular People's Action Party (PAP), which has governed the country since its independence from Britain in 1963. Prior to her political career, Lee Bee Wah had established an engineering firm called LBW Consultants LLP, which was acquired by the Meinhardt Group in 2014.  

 27 
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
(Politician)
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
2
Birthdate: December 7, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: State of Singapore, Malaysia

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is a Malaysian politician best known for his service as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs from 2018 to 2020. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is currently serving as the Secretary-General of the Pakatan Harapan, which is now a part of the Alliance of Hope.  

 28 
Sirajuddin of Perlis
(Politician)
Sirajuddin of Perlis
1
Birthdate: May 17, 1943
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Arau, Malaysia

Sirajuddin of Perlis reigned as the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia from 2001 to 2006. Since 2000, he has been reigning as the Raja of Perlis. Sirajuddin frequently interacts with his people and heads several social organizations. He also takes great care to ensure that the students of Perlis get educated locally and abroad.

 29 
Teresa Kok
(Politician)
Teresa Kok
2
Birthdate: March 31, 1964
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Selangor, Malaysia

Teresa Kok is a Malaysian politician best known for her service as the Minister of Primary Industries from 2 July 2018 until the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration on 24 February 2020. Teresa Kok is currently serving as an important member of the Democratic Action Party. 
 

 30 
Maria Chin Abdullah
(Politician)
Maria Chin Abdullah
2
Birthdate: 1956 AD
Birthplace: United Kingdom

Malaysian MP Maria Chin Abdullah is also a prominent human rights and women’s rights activist. She also leads the anti-corruption movement Bersih, which promotes free and fair elections. She was once sentenced to 7 days in prison for criticizing the syariah system and how it discriminated against women.

 31 
Teo Nie Ching
(Politician)
Teo Nie Ching
2
Birthdate: January 27, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

Teo Nie Ching is a Malaysian politician best known for her service as the Deputy Minister of Education from 2 July 2018 until the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration on 24 February 2020. Teo Nie Ching is currently serving as a Member of the Malaysian Parliament from the Kulai constituency.
 

 32 
Yap Ah Loy
(Malaysian Politician)
Yap Ah Loy
2
Birthdate: March 14, 1837
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Huiyang District, Guangdong, China
Died: April 15, 1885

Yap Ah Loy was an important leader of early Kuala Lumpur. He is credited with developing the city as a mining and commercial centre, serving as Kuala Lumpur's third Kapitan China. Kuala Lumpur eventually became the capital city of Malaysia and it houses a street in the heart of Chinatown, which is named after Yap Ah Loy.

 33 
Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor
(Politician)
Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor
3
Birthdate: December 20, 1950
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Malacca

Malaysian politician Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who served as the Secretary-General of the United Malays National Organization and is now the Treasurer-General of the organization. He has previously been the tourism minister and the deputy minister in the PM’s department. He once made headlines for calling female bloggers “liars.”

 34 
Azmin Ali
(Malaysian Senior Minister of Economic Cluster and Minister of International Trade and Industry )
Azmin Ali
4
Birthdate: August 25, 1964
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: State of Singapore, Malaysia

Malaysian senior minister Azmin Ali was born in Singapore, to a British Army clerk. He met his future wife while studying at the University of Minnesota. In 2019, he became a victim of a sex scandal when a viral video showed him being intimate with a man.

 35 
Noraini Ahmad
(Minister of Higher Education)
Noraini Ahmad
3
Birthdate: November 7, 1967
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Parit Sulong, Malaysia

Malaysian politician and United Malays National Organisation member Noraini Ahmad is now the Deputy President (Women Chief) of the party. She has previously been her country’s higher education minister but resigned in August 2021, complying with her party’s decision. She has also chaired the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

 36 
Ismail Abdul Rahman
(Politician)
Ismail Abdul Rahman
2
Birthdate: November 4, 1915
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Died: August 2, 1973

Ismail Abdul Rahman was a Malaysian politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1970 to 1973. He also held other ministerial offices, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. His actions while serving as the Minister of Home Affairs in 1969, earned him the title the man who saved Malaysia.

 37 
Nancy Shukri
(Politician)
Nancy Shukri
3
Birthdate: August 5, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kuching, Crown Colony of Sarawak (now Sarawak, Malaysia)

Nancy Shukri is a Malaysian politician best known for serving as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. She served her first term from 2020 to 2021 in the Perikatan Nasional administration and is currently serving her second term in the Barisan Nasional administration. From 2013 to 2018, Nancy Shukri served as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

 38 
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
(Politician)
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
3
Birthdate: August 15, 1953
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Penang, Malaysia

Former United Malays National Organisation Women Chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has held several major posts, including the ministry of women affairs. A qualified lawyer, she has also been a magistrate for a few years. Initially suspected of being involved in a loan misuse case, she was later cleared of all charges.

 39 
Tun Perak
(5th Bendahara of the Sultanate of Malacca (1456 -1498))
Tun Perak
2
Birthplace: Malacca, Malaysia
Died: 1498 AD

Malaysian bendahara of the Sultanate of Malacca, Tun Perak was first raised to the position by Sultan Muzaffar Shah. He was known for his successful resistance of the Siamese attacks and for his efforts in colonizing areas such as Pahang, Johor, Bengkalis, Inderagiri, and Karimon.

 40 
Christina Liew
(Politician)
Christina Liew
2
Birthdate: April 6, 1951
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: British Hong Kong

Christina Liew is a Malaysian politician best known for serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah from 16 May 2018 to 29 September 2020. She is currently serving as a Member of the Malaysian Parliament from the Tawau constituency.

 41 
Mastura Mohd Yazid
(Politician)
Mastura Mohd Yazid
3
Birthdate: August 22, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Malaysian politician Mastura Mohd Yazid is also a qualified lawyer and specializes in shariah law. Starting her career in her father’s law firm, she became the MP of Kuala Kangsar after her husband, MP Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad’s death. She was also involved in charity work with her husband.

 42 
Jins Shamsuddin
(Actor, Film director)
Jins Shamsuddin
2
Birthdate: November 5, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Malaysia
Died: March 1, 2017

Jins Shamsuddin was a Malaysian actor, director, writer, producer, and politician. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Jefri Zain in a series of action movies bankrolled by Malay Film Production. In 2004, Jins Shamsuddin was honored at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) with the prestigious Veteran Artist Award.

 43 
Syed Hussein Alatas
(Politician, Sociologist)
Syed Hussein Alatas
1
Birthdate: September 17, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bogor, Indonesia
Died: January 23, 2007
Syed Hussein Alatas was a Malaysian sociologist, academician, and politician. He is best remembered for founding several social science organizations. He is also remembered for writing books on multi-racialism, corruption, and imperialism. The Myth of the Lazy Native is one of his best known books. He was a professor at The National University of Malaysia.
 44 
Halimah Mohamed Sadique
(Former Member of the Dewan Rakyat)
Halimah Mohamed Sadique
2
Birthdate: February 2, 1962
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johor, Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia)

Halimah Mohamed Sadique is a Malaysian politician who served as the Deputy Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing, and Local Government from 2013 to 2018. She is also known for serving her first term as Minister of National Unity in the Perikatan Nasional administration from 2020 to 2021. She is currently serving her second term in the Barisan Nasional administration.
 

 45 
Mohd Effendi Norwawi
(Politician)
Mohd Effendi Norwawi
2
Birthdate: February 1, 1948
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Singapore

Mohd Effendi Norwawi is a Malaysian politician, administrator, and businessman. He is best known for his service as the Minister of Agriculture from 1999 to 2004. He is also renowned for his association with Encorp Berhad, which he founded in 1995. 

 46 
Aishah
(Singer, Politician)
Aishah
2
Birthdate: January 3, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Aishah is a Malaysian singer, politician, and actress. She achieved international fame in the 1990s when she was part of a famous New Zealand-based singing group called Aishah and The Fan Club. In 1990, their song Don't Let Me Fall Alone reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Aishah the first successful Malaysian female singer on the international stage.

 47 
Ng Yen Yen
(Former Minister of Women, Family and Community Development)
Ng Yen Yen
2
Birthdate: April 10, 1946
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malayan Union (now Malaysia)
Ng Yen Yen is a Malaysian politician who served as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development from 2008 to 2009. From 2009 to 2013, she served as the Minister of Tourism. She is the first Malaysian Chinese woman to serve as a minister in Malaysia. She was the Vice-President of the Malaysian Chinese Association from 2008 to 2013.
 48 
Burhanuddin al-Helmy
(Leader)
Burhanuddin al-Helmy
2
Birthdate: August 29, 1911
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kampung Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Died: October 25, 1969

Burhanuddin al-Helmy was a Malaysian politician who served as the president of the Malaysian Islamic Party from 1956 until his death in October 1969. He is also remembered for serving as the first Leader of the Opposition from 1959 to 1964.  

 49 
Siti Mariah Mahmud
(Politician)
Siti Mariah Mahmud
2
Birthdate: February 14, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Kedah, Malaysia

Siti Mariah Mahmud is a Malaysian politician. A doctor by training, Siti Mariah has been serving as the Selangor State Executive Councillor for the portfolios of Women, Health, and Family Empowerment since 14 May 2018. Siti Mariah Mahmud is one of the most important members of the National Trust Party.

 50 
Zaleha Ismail
(Politician)
Zaleha Ismail
2
Birthdate: May 18, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kuala Langat District, Malaysia
Died: November 14, 2020
Zaleha Ismail was one of the most prominent women's leaders of Malaysia. She served as the Deputy Minister of Transport from 1987 to 1995. She then served as the Minister of National Unity and Community Development from 1995 to 1999. Zaleha Ismail received several prestigious awards including the Global Peace Award in 2011.