Mahathir Mohammad's electoral triumph in the recently held Malaysian election was extraordinary. He had ruled the country for over two decades in the past and while his critics labelled it authoritarian, he is considered to be the architect of modern Malaysia.

His decision to come back to active politics at the age of 92 and take on his former protégé Najib Razak was indeed a courageous move. When everyone likes to enjoy retirement, Mahathir came to rescue his country and, as strange as it may sound, the country's ailing democracy.

His victory is not only seen as a victory for the Malaysian people, but also for all democracy-loving people around the world. Our political leaders should take a cue from Mahathir's life and serve the country with honesty and dedication.