Honorary Doctorate granted to Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the Former Prime Minister of Malaysia

　On December 3rd, 2005, at the Waseda University International Conference Hall, an Honorary Doctorate Degree was awarded to Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia. (see: ‘What is an Honorary Doctorate?’(Japanese Only)) The presentation ceremony venue was filled with the large audience of Waseda University students and faculty and was performed in grand style.

　In the commemorative lecture following the presentation ceremony, entitled “Japan: The Key to East Asian Unity”, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad discussed the importance of the “Vision for East Asian Unity” and Japan’s central role which will be addressed at the East Asia Summit to be held on December 14th.

Please see below for his achievements and Certificate of Commendation.

Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad
	Born December 20, 1925. Doctor of Medical Science. After working in a general hospital near his home in the state of Kedah, he established his own practice in 1957. 　Even after his participation in the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) had finished, he was still affectionately known as Dr UMNO, and in 1964 he was elected for the first time as a Member of Parliament. After this he held posts successively as the Minister of Education, Deputy Prime Minister and – from 1978 – also doubled as Minister of Trade and Industry. Then in 1981 he acceded to office as the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia. He continued in office as Prime Minister for 22 years, and, through his superb and charismatic leadership qualities, Malaysia attained rapid economic growth, and dramatically increased the prosperity of the daily lives of its citizens. The result of this was that Malaysia, which was described as the miracle of East Asia, gained a high level of trust from the international community. 　In 1990 he presented the vision of the EAEG (East Asia Economic Grouping) (later EAEC (East Asian Economic Caucus)) describing the importance of a framework of regional economic cooperation, and he later became known as the spokesperson for the will of Asia. He is a strong leader with his own set of Asian values. Full text of Certificate of Commendation from Waseda