The Honorable Seri Dato Dr.Mahathir Bin Mohammad

King Faisal Prize in Service to Islam 1997 Laureate

Early Muslim traders gained influence over the Rajas who accepted Islam and caused their subjects to embrace it

Nationality: Malaysia

Born: July 10, 1925, Alor Star, Kedah, Federation of Malaysia

Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohammad was awarded the prize for his outstanding accomplishments. He is a widely respected Muslim statesman whose wisdom and moderation during his 16 years of premiership have reflected the magnanimity and forbearance of Islam. His policies have fostered rapport and cooperation between Malaysian Muslims and non-Muslims, thereby enabling him to lead his country toward modernization and economic prosperity. He played an important role in establishing several Islamic cultural and economic institutions in Malaysia. These include the International Islamic University, the Islamic Center, the Islamic Bank, and the Islamic Economic Development Foundation of Malaysia. Through his efforts within various Islamic organizations he also played a key role in solving disputes in Muslim countries and in supporting the rights of Muslim minorities, especially in south-east Asia.