Mahathir Mohamad vs Wolfgang Schussel

Mahathir Mohamad became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He began a 22-year tenure that would reshape the country's economy and politics.

Mahathir launched the 'Look East' policy, encouraging Malaysia to emulate the work ethic and management practices of Japan and South Korea. This aimed to modernize the economy and reduce reliance on the West.

Mahathir embarked on a massive privatization program, selling state-owned enterprises and encouraging private sector growth. This led to rapid economic expansion and the rise of a Malay business class.

Mahathir sacked his deputy Anwar Ibrahim, who then led massive street protests (Reformasi). Anwar was arrested and convicted on sodomy charges, widely seen as politically motivated. This deeply divided Malaysian society.

At age 92, Mahathir became Prime Minister again after leading the Pakatan Harapan coalition to a historic election victory, defeating the long-ruling Barisan Nasional. He became the world's oldest elected leader.

Wolfgang Sch

Following the inclusion of the Freedom Party in government, the other 14 EU member states imposed diplomatic sanctions on Austria on February 14, 2000. The sanctions were lifted in September 2000 after a report found no threat to democracy.

In the November 24, 2002 election, Sch

Schüssel resigned as Chancellor on January 11, 2007, after the 2006 election resulted in a loss for his party. He was succeeded by Alfred Gusenbauer of the Social Democratic Party, ending seven years of ÖVP-led government.