Former prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, celebrated his 96th birthday on July 10, 2021.

He spent his birthday at the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) Hall visiting his constituents who were receiving their Covid-19 vaccination shots.

While there, he met Sepora Amin, aged 106, and expressed his admiration for her healthy lifestyle.

Also known as Tok Pora, she is the oldest person of Pulau Toba.

“I’m not sure I will be able to live a long life like Tok Pora,” Mahathir quipped as he humoured Tok Pora who was getting her immunisation jab, Utusan Malaysia reported.

How to live till a ripe old age

On the ground, Mahathir also shared tips on healthy eating habits, saying he controls the amount of food he ate.

"I eat everything, but I eat only a little. If I eat a lot of rice, my body will increase. I want to take care not to be fat," he said.

He added that he chooses a healthier menu by avoiding fried foods.

Still serving Malaysia

The Langkawi MP, who held the post of prime minister twice.

He said he was grateful to still be able to serve the country even though he was almost a century old.

“I am grateful because I can still serve, even though I am a little older,” he said.

“As long as I can move, I will share whatever contribution I can make.”

On social media, Mahathir shared a video of himself through the years and thanked well-wishers.

New political party approved

Mahathir is now the chairman of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), the newest official political party after it was successfully registered on July 8 following approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in Malaysia.

Mahathir was born on July 10, 1925 in Kampung Seberang Perak, Alor Setar and was appointed as the fourth prime minister on July 16, 1981.

He became the seventh prime minister after returning to office from May 10, 2018 to Feb. 24, 2020.

Mahathir graduated as a doctor in 1953 and served as a medical officer at the Alor Setar General Hospital.

He joined politics in 1964 when he won the Kota Setar seat in the 1964 General Election.

Top photos via Marina Mahathir & Mahathir Mohamad