1978—
Countries · Southeast Asia
Politics · Business · Athletes · CultureMalaysia
The founding country collection of Biography Compass: 224 lives connected to independence, federation, enterprise, international sport and culture.
Country archive
Malaysia’s history is read here through individual careers and the institutions, organisations, places and turning points around them. The collection includes Sabah and Sarawak alongside Peninsular Malaysia.
Follow two different women’s singles careers: Kisona Selvaduray and Goh Jin Wei.
- 01
Politics
Prime ministers, cabinet leaders, reformers and the institutions of public life.
Explore Politics - 02
Business
Founders, economists and builders behind nationally significant enterprises.
Explore Business - 03
Athletes
Olympians, world champions and footballers in Malaysia’s sporting memory.
Explore Athletes - 04
Culture
Film, music, design and visual storytelling that travelled across borders.
Explore Culture
History guides
Explore Malaysian history
Start with the national chronology, compare every premiership, understand the constitutional monarchy, Parliament, elections, the Election Commission and courts, separate legal advice from prosecution, trace the events that created the federation, examine the 1969 emergency, MACC and the economic-policy settlement, then follow the financial crisis, Reformasi and Bersih, map the coalitions and then examine UMNO, PKR, DAP, PAS and Bersatu individually, compare GE12 through GE15, then examine 1MDB and the elections that moved the country from dominant rule to alternation and a hung Parliament.
Regional perspectives
Malaysia, place by place
Follow biographies from the states and communities where national history began.
Across the causeway
Malaysia and Singapore
Continue through the years of merger and separation, regional commerce, film, migration and international sport.
Across the archipelago
Malaysia and Indonesia
Continue through independence, Konfrontasi, reconciliation, ASEAN, related languages, popular culture and badminton.
All Malaysian biographies
224 lives in the archive
Browse the complete country collection or refine the directory by country, field, name, role, company, sport or achievement.
Birth date unverified
Zee Avi
Singer-songwriter, guitarist and ukulele playerZee Avi is a Malaysian singer-songwriter from Sarawak whose online performances led to an international recording career spanning acoustic pop, children’s songs and film music.Read biography
1956—
Mohamad Hasan
Malaysia’s foreign minister, Rembau MP and UMNO deputy presidentMohamad Hasan, known as Tok Mat, moved from corporate management to Negeri Sembilan leadership before entering Parliament and Malaysia’s federal cabinet.Read biography
1978—
Jaclyn Victor
Singer and recording artist; inaugural Malaysian Idol winnerJaclyn Victor became Malaysia’s first Idol winner in 2004, building a recording career around Gemilang before returning to televised competition as an established vocalist.Read biography
1962—
Zambry Abdul Kadir
Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister and former Perak Menteri BesarZambry Abdul Kadir moved from academic work and Perak politics into Malaysia’s federal Cabinet, serving in foreign affairs before taking the higher education portfolio.Read biography
1982—
Steven Sim
Malaysia’s Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister; Bukit Mertajam MPSteven Sim’s career runs from Penang policy research and municipal government to Parliament and federal portfolios in youth, finance, human resources and entrepreneurship.Read biography
1972—
Nga Kor Ming
Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister; Teluk Intan MPNga Kor Ming’s career connects legal practice, Perak state politics, a parliamentary presiding role and Malaysia’s housing and local-government ministry.Read biography
1960—
Vijay Eswaran
QI Group co-founder and executive chairman; QIU University Council chairmanVijay Eswaran co-founded QI Group and developed interests spanning direct selling, education and other businesses, alongside writing and philanthropic initiatives.Read biography
1958—
Lim Wee Chai
Top Glove co-founder and executive chairmanLim Wee Chai co-founded Top Glove with Tong Siew Bee in 1991, developing a manufacturing business that later listed in Malaysia and Singapore.Read biography
1966—
Nazir Razak
Ikhlas Capital founding partner and chairman; former CIMB chief executive and chairmanNazir Razak built a career in Malaysian banking before co-founding Ikhlas Capital, moving from CIMB’s executive leadership and chairmanship into regional private equity.Read biography
1939—
Azman Hashim
Amcorp executive chairman; AmBank chairman emeritus and honorary adviserAzman Hashim built a career in accountancy and banking before acquiring the business that became AmBank, alongside later corporate leadership and educational philanthropy.Read biography
1845–1917
Loke Yew
Chinese-born merchant and mining entrepreneur in British MalayaLoke Yew built a diversified business career in British Malaya through mining, trading and revenue farming, while supporting schools and the University of Hong Kong.Read biography
1929–2017
Yeoh Tiong Lay
YTL founder and long-serving executive chairmanYeoh Tiong Lay founded YTL as a construction business in 1955 and led it as chairman while a succeeding management generation expanded its infrastructure and international interests.Read biography
Born 1945
Hassan Abdul Muthalib
Malaysian animator, filmmaker and film historianHassan Abdul Muthalib developed from commercial art and public-sector animation into feature directing, historical research, criticism and mentorship in Malaysian film.Read biography
1976–
Vishen Lakhiani
Mindvalley co-founder and CEO, author and entrepreneurVishen Lakhiani is a Malaysia-born entrepreneur, author and Mindvalley co-founder. His career moved from technical studies and early internet commerce to a commercial learning platform, community programmes and personal-development publishing.Read biography
1964–
Abdul Wahid Omar
Accountant, corporate leader and former economic-planning ministerAbdul Wahid Omar is a Malaysian accountant and corporate leader whose career spans infrastructure, telecommunications, banking and public service. His later work includes independent board leadership and conservation governance.Read biography
1961–
Azman Mokhtar
Investment executive and Islamic-finance and education board leaderAzman Mokhtar is a Malaysian investment executive who co-founded BinaFikir before leading Khazanah from 2004 to 2018. His later work includes Islamic finance and education governance, with current roles at INCEIF and UTM.Read biography
1990–
Shila Amzah
Singer-songwriter working across Malay and Chinese-language musicShila Amzah is a Malaysian singer-songwriter who won Asian Wave in 2012 and developed a multilingual career in China. Her work includes the self-written Patah Seribu and later collaborations with Malaysian musicians.Read biography
1989–
Aizat Amdan
Singer-songwriter also recording as Ai.ZAizat Amdan is a Malaysian singer-songwriter who emerged through Akademi Fantasia in 2007. His work spans Malay albums, award-winning performances, the English-language Ai.Z project and collaborations with Yuna and SOG.Read biography
1982–
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Malaysian politician, author and former natural resources and environmental sustainability ministerA political writer who moved from Selangor’s assembly into federal environmental policy, then left Parliament and PKR in 2026.Read biography
1979–
Hannah Yeoh
Malaysian federal territories minister, Segambut MP and former Selangor assembly speakerA Tasmania-trained lawyer who entered the Selangor assembly in 2008, became its first woman speaker and later served in Malaysia’s federal government.Read biography
1961—
Nancy Shukri
Sarawak parliamentarian and Malaysia’s women, family and community development ministerThe Sarawak lawyer and parliamentarian whose federal cabinet career spans legal affairs, tourism and the women, family and community development portfolio.Read biography
1973—
Rina Harun
Former Malaysian cabinet minister and Titiwangsa MP; Bersatu treasurer-generalThe former Titiwangsa MP whose cabinet career moved from rural development to women, families and community welfare before a later Bersatu treasury role.Read biography
1978—
Chong Keat Aun
Film director, screenwriter, broadcaster and cultural researcherThe Malaysian filmmaker and cultural researcher whose films bring local spiritual traditions, overlooked historical testimony and women's experiences into international cinema.Read biography1926–2008
Lloyd Fernando
Novelist, literary scholar and editorLloyd Fernando was a Malaysian novelist, critic and university teacher whose work helped widen the possibilities of writing in English. His career also included literary editing and, after leaving the university, legal practice.Read biography1922–1992
Keris Mas
Writer, editor and literary administratorKeris Mas was the pen name of a Malaysian writer and editor whose career linked short fiction, journalism and literary institution building. He became the first recipient of the Sasterawan Negara award in 1981.Read biography1944–2003
Othman Puteh
Writer, teacher and literary mentorOthman Puteh was a Malaysian writer and educator who worked across short fiction, novels for young readers, criticism and literary training. His students and fellow writers also remembered his sustained personal encouragement.Read biography1959–2016
Adnan Abu Hassan
Composer, record producer and music educatorAdnan Abu Hassan was a Malaysian composer and producer whose career also included teaching and mentoring performers. Collaborators remembered precise musical feedback alongside an encouraging manner in lessons and recording sessions.Read biography1954–
Yusof Haslam
Actor, director and film producerYusof Haslam is a Malaysian actor, director and producer who built Skop Productions alongside a long career in film and television. His oral history describes learning through production work and later supporting younger directors.Read biography1954–
U-Wei Haji Saari
Film director, screenwriter and essayistU-Wei Haji Saari is a Malaysian director and screenwriter whose films have circulated through festivals and local theatrical release. His accounts of making Hanyut connect adaptation, location choices, financing and the challenge of reaching audiences.Read biography1943—
Cheng Heng Jem
Industrial organiser and former ACCCIM presidentCheng Heng Jem, also known as William Cheng, developed a family manufacturing enterprise into a regional group and served organised commerce.Read biography1947–2023
Chen Lip Keong
Medical graduate and founder of NagaCorpChen Lip Keong moved from medicine into business and established a Cambodia-based hospitality and gaming enterprise later listed in Hong Kong.Read biography20th century—
Wong Thean Soon
MYEG co-founder and digital-services entrepreneurWong Thean Soon co-founded MYEG after earlier communications-technology ventures; its history also includes distinct personal and corporate regulatory records.Read biography20th century—
Koon Poh Keong
Press Metal co-founder and aluminium-industry executiveKoon Poh Keong and four brothers built Press Metal from an extrusion business into an enterprise with smelting operations in Sarawak.Read biography1944–2023
G. Gnanalingam
Marketing executive and founder of WestportsG. Gnanalingam brought a marketing career into port operations after securing the Westports concession in 1994.Read biography20th century—
Liew Kee Sin
Property-development executive and former S P Setia CEOLiew Kee Sin moved from merchant banking into property development, led S P Setia and later joined EcoWorld’s board.Read biographyCareer from 1969
Kuan Kam Hon
Hartalega founder and manufacturing organiserKuan Kam Hon moved from family construction work into manufacturing, founding Hartalega and helping organise its development in examination gloves.Read biographyCareer from the 1970s
Chia Song Kun
QL cofounder, former lecturer and business organiserChia Song Kun moved from mathematics and teaching into feed-material trading, helping build QL across livestock, marine products and related businesses.Read biographyPKT career from 1996
Michael Tio
Logistics manager and education-linked business organiserMichael Tio returned from the United Kingdom in 1996 to develop a family logistics business, later connecting its facilities and partnerships with education.Read biographyCareer from 1972
Michael Ng Kweng Chong
Engineer and Globetronics cofounderMichael Ng Kweng Chong moved from an international Intel career into founding Globetronics with Tan Chin Kong, developing specialist semiconductor services.Read biographyEnterprise from 1984
A. K. Nathan
Eversendai founder and structural-steel business organiserA. K. Nathan, also identified as Nathan Elumalay, built Eversendai around structural-steel work and expanded its engineering and fabrication capabilities.Read biographyCareer from the 1970s
Hock Tan
International technology manager and semiconductor executiveHock Tan’s career moved from Malaysian origins and American engineering education through finance and management into international semiconductor leadership.Read biographyBusiness career
Lee Oi Hian
Plantation and manufacturing executiveLee Oi Hian combined agricultural training with management experience as KLK expanded its plantations and oleochemical manufacturing.Read biographyBusiness career
Leong Hoy Kum
Manufacturing and property entrepreneurLeong Hoy Kum developed a career across plastics manufacturing and property, building separate management capabilities as Mah Sing diversified.Read biographyBusiness career
Lee Thiam Wah
Retail entrepreneurLee Thiam Wah built a grocery chain through successive organisational stages.Read biographyBusiness career
Yong Poh Kon
Engineering and manufacturing leaderYong Poh Kon brought engineering training to pewter manufacturing and later served in Malaysian industry and public institutions.Read biography1933–2026
Koon Yew Yin
Civil engineer and construction entrepreneurKoon Yew Yin moved from public engineering into consulting and construction, helping establish companies and later supporting students.Read biographyBusiness career
Tan Hooi Ling
Grab cofounder and former COOTan Hooi Ling combined engineering and consulting experience with the work of building Grab’s operations and technology leadership.Read biography
1981—
Dayang Nurfaizah
Malaysian pop and R&B singer and interpreter of classic Malay songsDayang Nurfaizah developed a pop and R&B career from Kuching before bringing classic Malay repertoire into the Belagu albums and returning to contemporary songs with Janji.Read biography
1959—
Fuziah Salleh
Malaysian deputy domestic-trade minister, senator and former Kuantan MPFuziah Salleh moved from counselling and community work into elected representation in Kuantan, then served in deputy-ministerial roles and the Malaysian Senate.Read biography1958—
Azmah Nordin
Malaysian novelist, short-story writer and literary mentorBorn in Kedah and closely associated with Sabah’s literary community, Azmah Nordin writes fiction for different readerships and has supported newer writers through online guidance.Read biography1959—
Zainal Abidin
Malaysian singer and former Headwind vocalistZainal Abidin moved from Headwind into a solo career combining Malaysian and international musical influences, with Hijau becoming a defining recording.Read biography
1967—
Noraini Ahmad
Malaysian plantation and commodities minister, Parit Sulong MP and former PAC chairNoraini Ahmad’s career spans UMNO women’s leadership, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, higher education and Malaysia’s plantation and commodities ministry.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Chu Jenn Weng
Malaysian ViTrox co-founder and machine-vision entrepreneurChu Jenn Weng co-founded ViTrox, developing inspection systems for electronics manufacturing after engineering studies and work at Hewlett-Packard Malaysia.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Chuah Choon Bin
Malaysian Pentamaster co-founder and executive chairmanChuah Choon Bin co-founded Pentamaster, applying engineering experience at multinational manufacturers to testing, vision inspection and factory automation.Read biography1974—
Faisal Tehrani
Malaysian novelist, playwright and researcherWriting as Faisal Tehrani, Mohd Faizal Musa combines Malay fiction, drama and essays with research and English-language publication of selected novels.Read biographyBirth year unverified
Ramlah Ram
Malaysian singer and Bintang RTM winnerRamlah Ram emerged through Bintang RTM and recordings produced by Ahmad Nawab, building a repertoire that extends from pop ballads to traditional and dangdut styles.Read biography
1964—
Johari Abdul Ghani
Malaysian investment, trade and industry minister, accountant and Titiwangsa MPJohari Abdul Ghani moved from accountancy into Malaysian politics, serving twice as Titiwangsa MP and holding finance, commodities and international-trade portfolios.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Goh Peng Ooi
Malaysian Silverlake founder and financial-software entrepreneurGoh Peng Ooi founded Silverlake after an IBM career, building software for financial institutions and later overseeing a business with a separately documented leadership succession.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Tan Eng Kee
Malaysian Greatech co-founder and industrial-automation executiveTan Eng Kee co-founded the business behind Greatech, moving from precision components into automation systems used in electronics, solar and other manufacturing industries.Read biography1965—
Aishah
Malaysian singer and former Fan Club vocalistWan Aishah Wan Ariffin built a recording career across New Zealand pop and Malaysian music, moving from Fan Club to a long-running Malay-language solo repertoire.Read biography
1973—
Nisah Haron
Malaysian author, former lawyer and writers’ rights educatorNisah Haron moved from legal practice into full-time writing, combining Malay fiction and travel work with practical education about authorship and copyright.Read biography
1981—
Fahmi Fadzil
Malaysian communications minister, Lembah Pantai MP and former theatre performerThe chemical-engineering graduate and theatre performer who became a PKR organiser, won Lembah Pantai and entered Malaysia’s communications cabinet portfolio.Read biography
1968–2015
Rahimidin Zahari
Malaysian poet, theatre practitioner and writer on traditional performanceThe Kelantan-born poet and Istana Budaya theatre practitioner whose work moved between poetry, shadow theatre, makyung and writing for younger readers.Read biography
1959—
Jamal Abdillah
Malaysian pop singer and recording performerThe Bintang RTM winner who moved into WEA recordings in 1980 and built a catalogue spanning solo hits, duets and later compilations.Read biography
1960—
Lim Guan Eng
Former Malaysian finance minister and Penang chief minister; DAP adviserThe accountant-turned-politician who moved from opposition Parliament to Penang’s chief ministership and Malaysia’s finance ministry, before becoming a DAP adviser.Read biography
1929—
Noordin Hassan
Malaysian playwright, theatre director and seventh National LaureateThe Penang-born teacher and playwright who reshaped modern Malay theatre through symbolic performance, traditional forms and his concept of Teater Fitrah.Read biography
1961—
Francissca Peter
Malaysian singer-songwriter and World Vision child-sponsorship ambassadorThe Malaysian vocalist known as Fran, from the Roy and Fran partnership to solo recordings and long-running child-sponsorship advocacy with World Vision.Read biography
1940–2014
Karpal Singh
Malaysian lawyer, opposition parliamentarian and former DAP chairmanThe lawyer and opposition politician known as the “Tiger of Jelutong,” whose courtroom career continued alongside Parliament and whose final sedition case outlived him.Read biography1949—
Zurinah Hassan
Malaysian poet, prose writer, literary scholar and National LaureateThe Kedah-born writer whose poetry, prose and scholarship preceded her recognition as Malaysia’s 13th National Laureate and the first woman named to the honour.Read biography
1958—
Amy Search
Malaysian rock singer and screen performerThe singer born Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, whose voice became associated with Search and Isabella and whose later career includes solo appearances and screen work.Read biography
1973—
Gobind Singh Deo
Malaysian lawyer, DAP leader and digital ministerThe lawyer and DAP politician who moved from Puchong to Damansara, served in two distinct ministerial portfolios and became his party’s national chairman in 2025.Read biography
1949—
Anwar Ridhwan
Malaysian novelist, short-story writer, editor and National LaureateThe Malaysian writer whose fiction explores storytelling, cultural change and power, alongside a long career in publishing and literary institutions.Read biography
1968—
Awie
Malaysian rock singer, Wings vocalist and screen actorThe Malaysian performer whose career connects Wings and solo rock recordings with screen acting, comedy and later concerts revisiting the music of Sembilu.Read biography
1963—
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
Malaysian politician, senator and home affairs ministerThe Malaysian politician whose career moved from Reformasi and constituency politics to consumer affairs, the Senate and the Home Ministry under Anwar Ibrahim.Read biography1939—
Baha Zain
Malaysian poet, literary critic, editor and National LaureateThe Perak-born poet and critic whose writing, editorial work and literary associations helped shape the institutions and conversations of modern Malay literature.Read biography
1966—
Ella
Malaysian rock singerMalaysia’s “Ratu Rock,” whose career stretches from Ella & The Boys to solo albums, the 1998 Commonwealth Games song and major live performances.Read biography
1963—
Azalina Othman Said
Malaysian lawyer, Pengerang MP and law and institutional reform ministerThe lawyer and Pengerang parliamentarian whose career spans youth and sports, parliamentary leadership and Malaysia’s law and institutional reform portfolio.Read biography
1942—
Muhammad Haji Salleh
Malaysian poet, translator, literary scholar and National LaureateThe Perak-born poet and scholar whose work brings travel, language and cultural memory into dialogue, alongside a long academic and translation career.Read biography
1968—
Ziana Zain
Malaysian singer and screen actressThe Malaysian vocalist and actress whose recording career developed through 1990s albums and signature ballads, with a major return to the solo-concert stage in 2024.Read biography
1961—
Hishammuddin Hussein
Malaysian politician and former defence, foreign affairs and education ministerThe lawyer and Malaysian cabinet veteran whose portfolios ranged from youth and education to home affairs, defence and foreign relations.Read biography
1933–2017
Shahnon Ahmad
Malaysian novelist, literary critic, academic and National LaureateThe Kedah-born novelist whose portrayals of rural hardship, moral conflict and power made him a major figure in modern Malay literature and Malaysia’s second National Laureate.Read biography
1970—
Anuar Zain
Malaysian pop and ballad singerThe Malaysian vocalist whose career moved from the child duo Anuar and Ellina through an airline career to an adult recording comeback and the AZ40 anniversary concerts.Read biography
1973—
Tengku Zafrul Aziz
Malaysian former finance and investment minister; MIDA chairmanThe former CIMB chief executive who entered government as finance minister during the pandemic and later moved from the investment ministry to the chairmanship of MIDA.Read biography
1949—
Siti Zainon Ismail
Malaysian poet, visual artist, cultural scholar and National LaureateThe Malaysian National Laureate whose writing, painting and scholarship connect Malay cultural memory with the visual arts and the material history of dress.Read biography
1957—
M. Nasir
Singapore-born Malaysian singer, composer, producer and visual artistThe Singapore-born Malaysian musician whose career spans Kembara, solo performance, songwriting and production for other artists, following an early education in painting.Read biography
1929–2001
Usman Awang
Malaysian poet, playwright and National LaureateThe Malay-language poet and dramatist, also known as Tongkat Warrant, whose writing joined lyrical expression with concern for ordinary lives and whose influence extended through publishing, theatre and public recitation.Read biography
1965—
Sheila Majid
Malaysian singer and jazz-pop recording artistThe Kuala Lumpur singer whose jazz-inflected pop reached Malaysian and Indonesian listeners, from Dimensi Baru and Sinaran to later independent recording projects and anniversary concerts.Read biography
1974—
Pua Khein-Seng
Malaysian engineer and Phison Electronics co-founderThe Malaysian engineer who co-founded Taiwan-based Phison and helped develop single-chip USB storage technology before expanding into flash controllers, solid-state drives and AI-related storage solutions.Read biography
1945—
Jeffrey Cheah
Malaysian entrepreneur and Sunway founderThe Malaysian entrepreneur who built Sunway from a 1974 business into a diversified group and transferred educational equity into a foundation intended to support learning in perpetuity.Read biography
1930–2022
Teh Hong Piow
Malaysian banker and Public Bank founderThe Singapore-born Malaysian banker who progressed from an OCBC clerk to Maybank management before establishing Public Bank and guiding its expansion over more than five decades.Read biography
1956—
Dzulkefly Ahmad
Malaysian politician, toxicologist and health ministerA former university lecturer and toxicologist whose parliamentary career led to two appointments as Malaysia’s health minister, with tobacco regulation and health-system reform central to his work.Read biography
1935—
A. Samad Said
Malaysian novelist, poet and National LaureateThe Malay-language novelist and poet whose Salina grew from the world of post-war Singapore and whose later career crossed journalism, drama, poetry and public advocacy.Read biography
1979—
Ganesh Kumar Bangah
Malaysian technology entrepreneur and Commerce.Asia founderThe Malaysian technology entrepreneur whose early software work led to MOL’s payment business and later to Commerce.Asia’s tools and services for online merchants.Read biography
1955—
Lee Kim Yew
Malaysian property entrepreneur and Country Heights founderThe Batu Pahat-born entrepreneur associated with Country Heights and The Mines, whose later career includes an advisory role and publicly contested financial proceedings.Read biography
1961—
Saifuddin Abdullah
Malaysian politician and former foreign ministerThe Pahang politician whose career moved through different governing coalitions, two periods at Wisma Putra and the communications ministry during the pandemic.Read biography
1982—
Anthony Tan
Malaysian-born Singaporean entrepreneur and Grab co-founderThe entrepreneur who co-founded MyTeksi in Malaysia with Tan Hooi Ling, expanded the business as Grab and led it through regional competition and a Nasdaq listing.Read biography
1963—
Eric Moo
Malaysian singer-songwriter and producer associated with xinyaoThe Kampar-born musician who developed his songs in Singapore’s student scene before finding wider audiences in Taiwan and Hong Kong and a later life for his music in theatre.Read biography
1977—
Rafizi Ramli
Malaysian politician and former minister of economyThe former Malaysian economy minister whose career moved from engineering studies and corporate management to opposition organisation, data-driven campaigning and national economic policy.Read biography
1976—
Khairy Jamaluddin
Malaysian politician, former cabinet minister and broadcasterThe former Malaysian health minister whose career spans UMNO Youth, three federal portfolios, national vaccination coordination and political broadcasting after leaving Parliament.Read biography
1977—
Yeo Yann Yann
Actor in theatre, film and televisionThe Malaysian actor based in Singapore whose theatre training led to major screen roles, separate Golden Horse supporting and leading actress wins, and continuing work with Anthony Chen.Read biography
1972—
Amir Muhammad
Filmmaker, writer, publisher and film producerThe Malaysian filmmaker and publisher whose work connects experimental documentary, contemporary Malay-language fiction and low-budget horror production.Read biography1973—
James Lee
Film director, screenwriter, producer and actorThe Malaysian filmmaker who combined minimalist digital features, acting and production collaborations with commercial horror and experiments in reaching audiences online.Read biography
1979—
Liew Seng Tat
Film director, screenwriter and producerThe Malaysian filmmaker whose animation background and independent collaborations led to stories of childhood, village solidarity and the fears that can turn neighbours against outsiders.Read biography
1978—
Tan Chui Mui
Film director, writer, producer and actressThe Malaysian independent filmmaker whose stories of desire, memory and women’s autonomy connect international festival recognition with practical support for emerging directors.Read biography
1971—
Tash Aw
Novelist and memoirist writing in EnglishThe Malaysian writer whose novels follow migration, class and belonging across Southeast Asia and China, and whose memoir examines his own family’s history.Read biography1972—
Tan Twan Eng
Novelist writing in EnglishThe Malaysian novelist and former lawyer whose historical fiction explores memory, divided loyalties and private lives within the larger history of Malaya.Read biography1986—
Sharifah Amani
Actress and filmmakerThe Malaysian actress whose work with Yasmin Ahmad led to award-winning performances, regional film collaborations and later roles beyond the character of Orked.Read biography
1958—2009
Yasmin Ahmad
Film director, screenwriter and advertising creativeThe Malaysian storyteller who brought humour, everyday intimacy and questions of racial belonging to both television advertising and internationally recognised films.Read biography
1943—
Quek Leng Chan
Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Financial Group chairmanThe Malaysian Hong Leong business leader whose long board career spans banking, insurance, manufacturing and property, distinct from Singapore’s Kwek Leng Beng.Read biography1970—2022
Adibah Noor
Singer, actress and presenterThe former English teacher whose singing, screen roles, presenting and voice work made her a familiar figure across Malaysian entertainment.Read biography
1954—
Francis Yeoh
Executive chairman of YTL CorporationThe Malaysian civil-engineering graduate who helped expand his family’s construction business into an international infrastructure and utilities group.Read biography
1986—
Yuna
Singer-songwriterThe Malaysian singer-songwriter who turned an online following into an international recording career, moving from acoustic beginnings towards contemporary R&B.Read biography
1993—
Teo Ee Yi
Badminton men’s-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player who progressed from a junior world title to senior world bronze, before rebuilding with a new partner in 2026.Read biography
1997—
Goh Sze Fei
Badminton men’s-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player whose rebuilt partnership with Nur Izzuddin progressed from national-team competition to major titles as independent professionals.Read biography
1997—
Nur Izzuddin
Badminton men’s-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles specialist whose partnership with Goh Sze Fei survived a split and returned to win at Super 750 and Super 1000 level.Read biography
1999—
Leong Jun Hao
Badminton men’s-singles playerThe Kuala Lumpur singles player whose junior championship success preceded a long climb to a senior Super 500 final.Read biography
1997—
Cheam June Wei
Badminton men’s-singles playerThe Malaysian singles player who won Youth Olympic mixed doubles with a Hong Kong partner before pursuing an independent career and returning for national team duty.Read biography
1994—
Lim Chiew Sien
Badminton doubles playerThe Malaysian shuttler who continued independently after a decade in the national setup, combining women’s-doubles partnerships with a growing mixed-doubles focus.Read biography
1995—
Ong Yew Sin
Badminton men’s-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player who built an independent career with Teo Ee Yi, then entered a new phase after their long partnership ended in 2026.Read biography2002—
Jimmy Wong
Badminton doubles playerThe Malaysian shuttler from Kajang who rebuilt his career independently, switched his senior focus to mixed doubles and returned to the national setup.Read biography2003—
Cheng Su Yin
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian shuttler who developed alongside her twin Cheng Su Hui before reaching major mixed-doubles finals and adapting to new partnerships.Read biography1994—
Tan Kian Meng
Former badminton doubles player and coachThe Malaysian shuttler who moved from singles into doubles, won in Korea with Lai Pei Jing and began coaching England after retiring from international competition.Read biography
1992—
Lai Pei Jing
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player who won in Korea with Tan Kian Meng, earned Commonwealth team gold twice and rebuilt her career through later partnerships.Read biography
1998—
Hoo Pang Ron
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian mixed-doubles player who helped secure Sudirman Cup bronze with Cheah Yee See and reached China Masters finals with two later partners.Read biography
1995—
Cheah Yee See
Badminton women’s and mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player who delivered a decisive Sudirman Cup point with Hoo Pang Ron, won Commonwealth team gold and later took the KL Masters title with Chan Peng Soon.Read biography
1988—
Chan Peng Soon
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Penang-born mixed-doubles specialist who reached three Olympics with Goh Liu Ying, won Rio silver and continued competing until his 2024 Malaysia Masters farewell.Read biography
1989—
Goh Liu Ying
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian mixed-doubles specialist whose recovery from knee surgery led back to the international circuit and an Olympic silver medal with Chan Peng Soon.Read biography1996—
Peck Yen Wei
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian badminton player who reached an Indonesia Open semifinal with Chan Peng Soon before winning SEA Games mixed-doubles gold with Chen Tang Jie in May 2022.Read biography
1993—
Shevon Jemie Lai
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Selangor-born badminton player who progressed from junior team medals to mixed-doubles titles with Goh Soon Huat, including the Singapore Open and Malaysia Masters.Read biography
1998—
Chen Tang Jie
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Malaysian badminton player who won SEA Games gold with Peck Yen Wei before reuniting with Toh Ee Wei and becoming a mixed-doubles world champion in 2025.Read biography
2000—
Toh Ee Wei
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Melaka-born badminton player who won junior silver with Pearly Tan, built a senior mixed-doubles career and became a world champion with Chen Tang Jie in 2025.Read biography
1990—
Goh Soon Huat
Badminton mixed-doubles playerThe Melaka-born badminton player who rebuilt a singles career in mixed doubles, winning major tour titles with Shevon Lai and taking SEA Games silver.Read biography1998—
Kisona Selvaduray
Badminton women’s singles playerThe Malaysian singles player who turned a replacement opportunity into 2019 SEA Games gold, then pursued an independent career after leaving BAM in December 2022.Read biography
2000—
Goh Jin Wei
Badminton women’s singles playerThe Penang-born singles player who won two World Junior titles and Youth Olympic gold before returning from a retirement announcement to reach Paris 2024.Read biography
2000—
Ng Tze Yong
Badminton men’s singles playerThe Johor-born singles player whose Commonwealth medals and 2023 breakthroughs were followed by injury interruptions and a departure from BAM in June 2026.Read biography
2000—
Pearly Tan
Badminton women’s doubles playerThe Malaysian doubles player whose junior medals led to Commonwealth gold, French Open history and a World Championships silver with Thinaah Muralitharan.Read biography
1998—
Thinaah Muralitharan
Badminton women’s doubles playerThe Klang-born former singles player who built a medal-winning doubles partnership with Pearly Tan while completing an English-language education degree.Read biography1998—
Lee Zii Jia
Badminton men’s singles playerThe Malaysian singles player whose All England breakthrough was followed by an independent professional career and an Olympic bronze in Paris.Read biography
1989—
Tan Wee Kiong
Badminton doubles player and Olympic silver medallistThe Malaysian doubles player whose career spans a Macau title with Hoon Thien How, Olympic silver with Goh V Shem and later independent partnerships.Read biography1989—
Goh V Shem
Badminton doubles player and Olympic silver medallistThe Malaysian doubles player who won Olympic silver with Tan Wee Kiong, added Denmark and Dubai titles in 2016 and later competed independently.Read biography
1903—1990
Tunku Abdul Rahman
First Prime Minister of MalaysiaThe independence leader who became Malaya’s first prime minister and helped define the federation that would become modern Malaysia.Read biography
1958—
Sultan Ibrahim
17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of MalaysiaThe Sultan of Johor who became Malaysia’s seventeenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2024 under the country’s elected, rotating constitutional monarchy.Read biography
1922—1976
Abdul Razak Hussein
Second Prime Minister of MalaysiaMalaysia’s second prime minister, remembered for rural development, post-1969 reconstruction and a far-reaching programme of social and economic restructuring.Read biography1922—1990
Hussein Onn
Third Prime Minister of MalaysiaA soldier, civil servant and lawyer who became Malaysia’s third prime minister and made national unity the defining language of his administration.Read biography
1925—
Mahathir Mohamad
Fourth and seventh Prime Minister of MalaysiaA physician-politician whose two premierships—separated by fifteen years—made him the longest-serving and one of the most consequential leaders in Malaysian history.Read biography
1939—2025
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Fifth Prime Minister of MalaysiaA career civil servant and politician whose premiership opened with a reform mandate and Malaysia’s largest parliamentary victory.Read biography
1953—
Najib Razak
Sixth Prime Minister of MalaysiaA political heir who led Malaysia for nine years before an historic election defeat and convictions in the SRC International and main 1MDB cases.Read biography
1947—
Muhyiddin Yassin
Eighth Prime Minister of MalaysiaA veteran Johor politician who became prime minister after the 2020 coalition crisis and governed through the most disruptive phase of the pandemic.Read biography
1960—
Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Ninth Prime Minister of MalaysiaA long-serving minister who became prime minister during the pandemic and led Malaysia through reopening, a cross-party reform accord and the 2022 election.Read biography
1947—
Anwar Ibrahim
Tenth Prime Minister of MalaysiaA student activist turned government minister, opposition leader and Malaysia’s tenth prime minister after one of the longest routes to national office.Read biography1923—
Robert Kuok
Founder of the Kuok GroupThe Johor-born founder who turned a post-war family trading company into a diversified Asian business group with global operations.Read biography
1918—2007
Lim Goh Tong
Founder of Genting GroupThe migrant builder who pursued an improbable mountain resort and made it the foundation of one of Malaysia’s most recognisable business groups.Read biography
1964—
Tony Fernandes
AirAsia co-founder and group adviserThe former music executive who co-acquired a struggling airline in 2001 and helped turn AirAsia into a defining low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia.Read biography
1982—
Lee Chong Wei
Former professional badminton playerMalaysia’s most decorated Olympian by medal count, a three-time badminton silver medallist and one of the defining men’s singles players of his era.Read biography
1983—
Nicol David
Former professional squash playerThe Malaysian squash champion whose sustained dominance made her one of the sport’s most successful players.Read biography
1988—
Azizulhasni Awang
Track cyclist and two-time Olympic medallistThe track cyclist who won Olympic bronze and silver, became world keirin champion and delivered Malaysia’s first Olympic medal outside badminton and diving.Read biography
1952—
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Member of Parliament and former deputy prime ministerThe ophthalmologist who became a central Reformasi leader, Malaysia’s first woman opposition leader and its first woman deputy prime minister.Read biography
1951—
Syed Mokhtar Albukhary
Entrepreneur and philanthropistA Malaysian entrepreneur who expanded from commodity trading into transport, infrastructure and industry while building a major philanthropic programme.Read biography
1952—
Vincent Tan
Founder and advisor of Berjaya CorporationThe entrepreneur who used acquisitions, franchising and diversification to build Berjaya across consumer, property, hospitality and service businesses.Read biography
1993—
Pandelela Rinong
Diver and two-time Olympic medallistThe Sarawak diver whose London bronze and Rio silver made her Malaysia’s first woman Olympic medallist and the country’s first Olympic medallist outside badminton.Read biography
1997—
Aaron Chia
Badminton player and world championThe men’s doubles player whose rear-court attack helped Malaysia win its first badminton world championship and its first two-medal Olympic doubles career.Read biography
1998—
Soh Wooi Yik
Badminton player and world championThe Malaysian men’s doubles player whose partnership with Aaron Chia delivered a world title, two Olympic bronzes and repeated major-tournament finals.Read biography
1915—1973
Ismail Abdul Rahman
Second Deputy Prime Minister of MalaysiaA physician, diplomat and senior minister whose authority during the post-1969 emergency made him one of Malaysia’s most consequential early nation-builders.Read biography1934—
Musa Hitam
Fifth Deputy Prime Minister of MalaysiaA former deputy prime minister who later served as a UN special envoy, chaired Malaysia’s national human-rights commission and led major corporate boards.Read biography
1925—2006
Ghafar Baba
Sixth Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, 1986–1993A teacher-turned-politician whose Melaka leadership, MARA work and rural-development portfolios preceded seven years as Malaysia’s deputy prime minister.Read biography
1953—
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional DevelopmentThe UMNO president and Bagan Datuk member of Parliament who returned to the deputy premiership in 2022 after first holding the office from 2015 to 2018.Read biography
1962—
Fadillah Yusof
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water TransformationA Sarawak lawyer and Petra Jaya MP who moved through science, works and commodities portfolios before becoming deputy prime minister and leading energy and water policy.Read biography
1962—
Michelle Yeoh
Actor, producer and UNDP Goodwill AmbassadorThe Ipoh-born actor who moved from Hong Kong action cinema to an Academy Award and a global platform for gender equality and sustainable development.Read biography
1929—1973
P. Ramlee
Actor, filmmaker, singer and composerThe actor, director, singer and composer whose films and music became a shared cultural vocabulary across Malaysia, Singapore and the wider Malay world.Read biography
1979—
Siti Nurhaliza
Singer, recording artist and entrepreneurThe Pahang-born singer whose voice, repertoire and sustained public career made her one of the defining performers of modern Malaysian music.Read biography
1948—
Jimmy Choo
Footwear designer and master shoemakerThe Penang-born shoemaker whose East London atelier became the foundation for an international luxury name while he continued to champion handmade craft.Read biography
1951—
Lat
Cartoonist and social commentatorThe cartoonist whose Kampung Boy memoir and newspaper drawings made ordinary Malaysian life legible, funny and recognisable to readers across cultures.Read biography1953—1991
Mokhtar Dahari
Football forward for Malaysia and SelangorThe explosive Malaysia and Selangor forward known as SuperMokh, whose goals, speed and loyalty made him the defining figure of the country’s football golden era.Read biography
1950—
Soh Chin Aun
Football defender and Malaysia captainThe commanding centre-back known as Towkay, whose reading of the game, leadership and extraordinary international longevity anchored Malaysia’s golden generation.Read biography1952—
Santokh Singh
Football defender for Malaysia and SelangorThe uncompromising centre-back whose partnership with Soh Chin Aun gave Malaysia’s golden generation its defensive strength and competitive identity.Read biography1953—
James Wong Chye Fook
Football forward for Malaysia and SabahThe Sabah striker known as King James, whose late winner against Korea Republic completed one of the most celebrated nights in Malaysian football.Read biography
1984—
Safee Sali
Retired football forward and 2010 AFF Championship winnerThe Malaysian striker whose decisive 2010 AFF campaign led to a spell at Pelita Jaya, followed by domestic and continental success with Johor Darul Ta’zim.Read biography
1947—
Zeti Akhtar Aziz
Economist and former Governor of Bank Negara MalaysiaThe economist who led Bank Negara Malaysia for sixteen years, strengthening financial resilience, regional cooperation and Islamic finance.Read biography
1943—
Rafidah Aziz
Economist and former Minister of International Trade and IndustryThe economist, parliamentarian and trade minister who spent more than two decades representing Malaysia in investment missions and regional trade negotiations.Read biography
1926—2026
Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali
Physician and public-health advocateOne of Malaya’s earliest Malay women doctors, whose career connected maternal and child health services, women’s advocacy and education before her death at one hundred in 2026.Read biography1994—
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi
Olympic artistic gymnast and SEA Games championThe Malaysian artistic gymnast who won seven SEA Games golds across her career, reached the Tokyo Olympics and later took on a youth-sport leadership role.Read biography
1920—1976
Fuad Stephens
First Chief Minister of SabahThe journalist and political leader who helped negotiate Sabah’s place in Malaysia, became the state’s first chief minister and later returned to the office in 1976.Read biography
1918—1995
Datu Mustapha Datu Harun
First Yang di-Pertua Negeri of SabahA Sabah formation-era leader who became the state’s first head of state, later served as chief minister and expanded education through the Sabah Foundation.Read biography
1920—1997
Stephen Kalong Ningkan
First Chief Minister of SarawakThe SNAP founder who became Sarawak’s first chief minister in 1963 and led the state through the formation of Malaysia and a defining constitutional crisis.Read biography1903—1981
Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng
Iban paramount chief and Malaysia Agreement signatoryThe Iban paramount chief who mobilised support for federation, signed the Malaysia Agreement and became the first federal minister for Sarawak affairs.Read biography1914—2000
Ong Kee Hui
Founding president of the Sarawak United Peoples’ PartyThe agriculturalist and politician who co-founded SUPP, led Sarawak’s first political party and later served in Malaysia’s federal cabinet.Read biographyASEAN term · 1978–1980
Ali bin Abdullah
Third Secretary-General of the ASEAN SecretariatA Malaysian diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat from July 1978 to June 1980.Read biography
1939—
Ajit Singh
Ninth Secretary-General of ASEANA Malaysian diplomat and ASEAN national-secretariat director who became the first ministerial-level Secretary-General of ASEAN in 1993.Read biography
1895—1962
Onn Jaafar
Founder and first president of UMNOThe Johor statesman who founded UMNO, opposed the Malayan Union and later argued for a more inclusive model of national politics.Read biography
1941—
Lim Kit Siang
Former parliamentary opposition leader and DAP secretary-generalThe veteran DAP leader who spent decades in Parliament, led the opposition through multiple eras and helped build the coalition that won in 2018.Read biography
1977—
Anthony Loke
DAP secretary-general and transport ministerThe DAP secretary-general and two-term transport minister who rose from Negeri Sembilan youth politics into Malaysia’s federal cabinet.Read biography
1947—
Abdul Hadi Awang
President of Parti Islam Se-MalaysiaThe Islamic scholar and politician who led Terengganu from 1999 to 2004 and has served as president of PAS since 2002.Read biography
1980—
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Deputy president of Parti Keadilan RakyatThe former two-seat member of Parliament and Reformasi campaigner who became deputy president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat in 2025.Read biography
1968—
Wee Ka Siong
President of the Malaysian Chinese AssociationThe engineer, Ayer Hitam member of Parliament and former transport minister who has led the Malaysian Chinese Association since 2018.Read biography
1968—
M. Saravanan
MIC deputy president and Member of Parliament for TapahThe Tapah member of Parliament, former human resources minister and deputy president of the Malaysian Indian Congress.Read biography
1954—
Mohamad Sabu
Amanah president and Minister of Agriculture and Food SecurityThe veteran campaigner known as Mat Sabu who left PAS, became Amanah’s founding president and served in two federal cabinet portfolios.Read biography
1950—
Abang Johari Openg
Premier of Sarawak and Chairman of Gabungan Parti SarawakThe long-serving Sarawak politician who succeeded Adenan Satem, formed GPS after GE14 and became the state’s first officeholder styled premier.Read biography
1955—
Hajiji Noor
Chief Minister of Sabah and Chairman of Gabungan Rakyat SabahThe long-serving Sulaman assemblyman who became Sabah chief minister in 2020 and won a second term at the 2025 state election.Read biography
1936—2024
Abdul Taib Mahmud
Fourth Chief Minister and seventh Governor of SarawakThe lawyer and PBB leader who governed Sarawak from 1981 to 2014, then served as the state’s ceremonial head until January 2024.Read biography
1944—2017
Adenan Satem
Fifth Chief Minister of SarawakThe lawyer and PBB leader whose three years as Sarawak chief minister reshaped state autonomy politics and produced a 72-seat election victory.Read biography
1956—
Shafie Apdal
President of Parti Warisan and Member of Parliament for SempornaThe Semporna parliamentarian, former federal minister and Warisan founder who led Sabah from 2018 until the 2020 state election.Read biography
1983—
Ewon Benedick
Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah and President of UPKOThe Penampang MP and Kadamaian assemblyman who leads UPKO and became Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III after the 2025 state election.Read biography
1948—
Jeffrey Kitingan
President of STAR and Member of Parliament for KeningauThe Keningau MP, Tambunan assemblyman and STAR founder whose long career centres on Sabah autonomy, MA63 and Indigenous political representation.Read biography
1965—
Sim Kui Hian
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and President of SUPPThe cardiologist who helped establish Sarawak’s specialist heart service before leading SUPP, winning Batu Kawah and becoming a deputy premier.Read biography
1956—
Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and PBB Deputy PresidentThe former Betong MP and federal cabinet minister who returned to state politics in 2016 as the assemblyman for Bukit Saban and a deputy premier.Read biography
1961—
Tiong King Sing
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and President of PDPThe businessman-turned-politician who became a long-serving Bintulu MP, PDP president, federal special envoy and tourism minister.Read biography1958—
Joachim Gunsalam
Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah and President of PBSThe physician and six-term Kundasang assemblyman who rose through PBS, entered Sabah’s senior cabinet and became the party’s third president.Read biography
1950—
Masidi Manjun
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of SabahThe lawyer and former public administrator who has represented Karanaan since 2004 and now serves as Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister II and finance minister.Read biography
1958—
Alexander Nanta Linggi
Minister of Works and Member of Parliament for KapitThe long-serving Kapit MP who rose from Sarawak political secretary to federal cabinet minister and secretary-general of PBB and GPS.Read biography
1955—
Awang Tengah Ali Hasan
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and PBB Senior Vice PresidentThe Lawas assemblyman whose long state cabinet career now combines the deputy premiership with investment and natural-resource policy.Read biography
1940—
Joseph Pairin Kitingan
Founder of PBS and former Chief Minister of SabahThe lawyer and Kadazandusun leader who founded PBS, led four consecutive state-election victories and served as Sabah’s chief minister for nearly nine years.Read biography
1953—
Maximus Ongkili
Chairman of the Energy Commission of Sabah and former PBS PresidentThe researcher-turned-politician who represented Sabah in Parliament for twenty-seven years, led several federal ministries and became PBS’s second president.Read biography
1958—
Wilfred Madius Tangau
Member of Parliament for Tuaran and Assemblyman for TamparuliThe forester and development researcher who became a long-serving Tuaran MP, led UPKO and won a second elected mandate in Tamparuli in 2025.Read biography1930—
Harris Salleh
Former Chief Minister of SabahThe civil servant turned BERJAYA co-founder who governed Sabah for almost nine years before the 1985 PBS electoral upset.Read biography
1930—2021
Sakaran Dandai
Former Chief Minister and Yang di-Pertua Negeri of SabahThe Semporna political organiser who rose through USNO and UMNO to become chief minister in 1994 and governor from 1995 to 2002.Read biography1958—
Yong Teck Lee
President of the Sabah Progressive PartyThe lawyer and former PBS deputy leader who founded SAPP in 1994, led Sabah from 1996 to 1998 and later returned as a nominated assemblyman.Read biography
1949—
Bernard Dompok
Former Chief Minister of Sabah and Malaysian ambassadorThe land valuer turned political leader who served ten months as Sabah chief minister, led UPKO for two decades and later represented Malaysia at the Vatican.Read biography
1951—
Musa Aman
Yang di-Pertua Negeri of SabahThe former Sungai Sibuga assemblyman who led Sabah for fifteen years, contested the 2018 transition and returned as Yang di-Pertua Negeri.Read biography
1923—2020
Peter Lo Sui Yin
Former Chief Minister of Sabah and lawyerSabah’s first locally born practising lawyer, who helped examine constitutional safeguards before Malaysia and led the state from 1965 to 1967.Read biography
1925—1995
Mohammad Said Keruak
Former Chief Minister and Yang di-Pertua Negeri of SabahThe Kota Belud USNO politician who briefly served as chief minister in 1975–1976 and returned as Sabah’s seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri.Read biography
1957—
Salleh Said Keruak
Former Chief Minister of Sabah and federal ministerThe Kota Belud politician who led Sabah from 1994 to 1996, later chaired the state assembly and joined the federal cabinet.Read biography1949—
Osu Sukam
Former Chief Minister of SabahThe Papar politician and long-serving member of Parliament who led Sabah for two years after the 1999 state election.Read biography1947—