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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was treated to a surprise birthday party last night, at which he admitted for once at being lost for words.
Dr Mahathir had initially thought that he was being invited to a function by Iris Corporation Bhd to witness the launch of a range of green technologies.
However, after the launch, Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, whose birthday is just two days apart from his, were then treated to a sumptuous dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here.
In his speech during the dinner, Dr Mahathir said he had no idea about the party and had thought the event was just about "green" things.
"It's not often that a politician is at a loss for words.
"Old generals do not retire but simply fade away.
"Trust me. I'm trying my best to fade away but you keep inviting me," he said in jest, quoting World War II General Douglas Mac- Arthur.
Later, when asked on his birthday wish, Dr Mahathir said he simply "wished for Malaysia to continue to prosper."
At the event earlier, which was hosted by Iris chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail and attended by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin, had seen the launch of Iris Environmental Solutions.
Dr Mahathir, who is Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister, will celebrate his 84th birthday today.
Some 1,000 guests who turned up for the dinner to fete the man - known famously as 'Dr M' and later, 'Chedet' after his blog - were entertained with performances by famous Indonesian singer Ruth Sahanaya.
The songstress belted out classic tunes such as 'Love' by Natalie Cole and 'Widuri' by Broery Marantika before dedicating her own song 'Kaulah Segalanya' to the couple.
A birthday cake was later wheeled into the ballroom and guests joined in the chorus to sing Dr Mahathir 'Happy Birthday'.
On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir had also attended another birthday party, which also saw some 1,000 guests, among whom was Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
The Star/Asia News Network
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