Young Mahathir's Unconventional Love Declaration Through Scrabble

In a rare glimpse into the personal life of Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister, Dr Mahathir revealed how shyness prevented him from directly telling Hasmah that he loved her during their courtship.

Instead of relying on conventional declarations of romance, the young Mahathir employed an ingenious strategy involving the word game Scrabble to convey his deepest emotions. By carefully arranging tiles on the game board, he managed to spell out sentiments he found too difficult to express verbally.

The anecdote offers an intimate perspective on Dr Mahathir's personal character during his formative years, contrasting sharply with the resolute public persona he would later cultivate throughout his lengthy political career. The couple's enduring marriage has spanned decades, demonstrating the foundation laid during those early romantic gestures.

Dr Mahathir and Hasmah have remained one of Malaysia's most recognised couples, with their relationship withstanding the pressures of his extensive involvement in national politics and governance.