In Malaysia there has been 6 prime ministers. one of them (Mahathir Mohamad) is loved about as much as Olof Palme was (and hated) and he was a prime minister for over 22 years.
He had great visions for Malaysia and he is the one who made Langkawi duty free. To break the curse.
His eldest daughter is today an inspire for many women in Malaysia. She speaks up and she does it with a womans view.
Marina is well known as a leader in many non-governmental organizations such as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Sisters of Islam and is currently an active socio-political [blogger]. She writes a bi-weekly column in one of Malaysias biggest english speaking newspapers [The star].
She is an active campaigner for women’s rights. In 2006 she has described the status of Muslim women in Malaysia as similar to that of the Black South Africans under apartheid.
In 2010, she was awarded UN Person of The Year for her volunteer work in combatting HIV/AIDS.
In 2001, the former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad stated that the country will deport any visiting foreign cabinet ministers or diplomats who are gay.Mohamad also warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. Mahathir’s daughter, Marina Mahathir, however has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Marina also had her own TV show tackling issues of violence against women, and equality and social welfare. Her focus has always been directed to bringing an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation.
With the resent flood of refugees from Burma and Bangladesh I found Marina on [facebook]. She was speaking up about being inhumane enough not to accept the refugees who where starving on boats outside of Malaysia.
She is not afraid to speak her mind and to be “uncomfortable” to the men of power.
Reading some of her columns and seeing what she is posting on her facebook page maes Marina Mahakthir an inspiration to me. Truly a woman to be inspired by.
There are people who are propagating for Marina Mahathir to become Malaysias first Prime Minister.
More on Marina Mahathir: [Wikipedia]