He has held office since 1981, making him South East Asia's longest serving head of government.

Dr Mahathir has overseen the transformation of Malaysia into one of Asia's richest countries, with a strong electronics export sector and the world's tallest buildings.

He has been seen as a moderniser by many, but he has also been criticised for his comments about people of other religions and gays.

What is Dr Mahathir's legacy? Will this change the course of Malaysian politics?

Dr Mahathir answered your questions on our global phone-in programme Talking Point.

Launch interactive version

Listen here

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Dr. Mahathir made great economic progress by following the example set by Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. I visited Malaysia a few times during his rule and I never sensed his anti-Western feelings when speaking with Malaysians who were very pleasant. The people often had great curiosity about the West and its culture.

There was a totalitarian air during the currency crisis in 1998 when the customs officials counted everyone's money and forbid us to leave the country with any Malaysian Ringgits. And sadly the average Malaysian worker is still poorly paid by international standards and their industry in under pressure from even lower paid Chinese workers so Mr. Badawi will have many challenges in the near future.
Joe, USA

Vision 2020. I believe that is his biggest legacy to us. He aspires us Malaysians to change ourselves from a 3rd world. He gave us national pride so that when we go anywhere in the world we wouldn't be so shy to say we're Malaysians. He may be outspoken and controversial but then again that what makes him adored leader who actually have enough guts to tell the truth right in the face even though he knows people might not like it! Have a good rest Dr. M and hope you like fishing!
Zaidel Baharuddin, Malaysia

I am disappointed that Mahathir's anti-Semitic remarks have brought about more condemnation than his use of repressive draconian laws and his manipulation of the judiciary and ending the jury system in Malaysia. Also, his enriching of his family and cronies and privatisation of universities, hospitals and basic essentials like water and electricity have eroded the standard of living for Malaysians.
Arbibi Ashoy, Malaysia

We need more Mahathirs Mohamad Ali, Iran

Mr. Mahathir has managed to democratise and develop his country within the framework of Islamic theology. He has been the voice of Muslims all around the world. We need more Mahathirs.
Mohamad Ali, Iran

In a world driven by self-interest the good doctor stood up for his country and people and other Muslim leaders should use him as a role model and work for the interests of their own nations rather than the so called west.
Shamsu, Bangladesh

Our Dr M. He built far more than he broke. He often mouthed what few others dared to even think aloud. All in all, a strong leader and a true visionary. Malaysians and underdogs the world over witnessed his wit slicing through western hyperbole and hypocrisy. He steps down today, but not before teaching an entire nation it is all right to dream, to aspire and to stand tall.
Chee Choong, Malaysia

Besides him saying many things he shouldn't have said, and making mistakes, just like anyone else, he has done a great job. Just take a look at the track record of the majority of other Southeast Asian nations.
Roy, Malaysia, currently in the UK

I'm relieved to see the world will most probably be a bit safer and a more peaceful place without his controversial views. I truly don't care whatever good he's made for his nation, his narrow-minded views of other human beings lacks complete reason. Haven't we learned anything from what these profoundly violent views at work can do in the past hundred years?
S�bastien Smith, Canada

He did a lot for Malaysia and he should be congratulated Nigel, Taiwan

He did a lot for Malaysia and he should be congratulated. Strange though that he was so anti-western when he spoke when a lot of western investment, know-how and access to markets helped Malaysia to become strong. But still most of the credit must go to him.
Nigel, Taiwan

Irrespective of what those who have never been to Malaysia may say, his legacy is the most modern and multi-racial Muslim country in the world. His legacy is also an awareness amongst Asians and Muslims of the hypocrisy and "double-talk" of the West relating to free trade, the Palestinian and Israeli conflict and the purportedly "equal" treatment of Muslims/Asians by the West.
Deepak Pillai, Malaysia

A controversial man with great skills and some weaknesses. Unlike other Asian leaders he knows when to step down, and has managed to transform a war ravaged and polarized Malaya into a leader in development in the world. I disliked him to begin with for his autocratic manners but since ignoring the IMF advice and went ahead to lead his country out or recession proved that he is a true Malaysian. In fact the reason that people feel Malaysian rather than Indian, Chinese or native Malaysian is his biggest achievement and is one that other countries, including mine, can take a great lesson from.
Alexander Apostolides, Cyprus

I don't understand why people don't respect Mahathir for the same reasons they respect Ronald Reagan. Both harboured racial bias, both were anti-homosexual, and both led their nations into prosperity. Could it be that because Dr. Mahathir is of a different race, the darker elements of his character are more apparent to us?
Michal Zapendowski, USA

Dr Mahathir is a leader who served his country and people well .The west might not agree with his opinions but this will not belittle his achievements or his standing with the Malaysians.
Aoun Shashaa, Jordan

A perfect Leader for a country like Malaysia - He transformed the country into a Hub of Technology and Trade. Time will honour him as the Father of Modern Malaysia
Azeem Samy, USA

Good riddance! As for his legacy, his latest speeches sort of sum it up - fervent anti-West and anti-Semitic diatribes that just fan the flames of hatred.
Alex, USA

Dr. Mahathir will always be remembered as a great leader, who changed the course of political and economical shape of his country. He is bold, honest and out spoken person. Of course after his retirement the course of Malaysian politics will change.
Bashir H. Shah, Pakistan

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a truly great man- a visionary man who took his people and his country forward into the 21st century! I have been to Kuala Lumpur four times; the airport is a palace and the Petronas Twin Towers are one of the wonders of the world.
Wil Holden, Canada

Mahathir has failed to generate a positive global legacy Malcolm, UAE

Despite the support in these columns, Mahathir has failed to generate a positive global legacy. On the one hand I watch glitzy "Malaysia, Truly Asia" adverts on my TV, and on the other I see this work being undermined by controversial and backward comments from Mahathir. Until the country stops with hateful diatribe, Malaysia will remain 'Truly Asia' - a 3rd world country full of contradictions and nothing more.
Malcolm, UAE

He can be credited for bringing wealth, prosperity and security and racial harmony to a country that was once a mere agricultural backwater. He had the strength and vision to recognise truths to tackle the issues that mattered even when that has made him unpopular at home and abroad. He has attacked the failings of his own race and religion to such an extent that he could even be labelled anti-Malay, anti-Muslim almost as much as an anti-Semite or anti-Western.

His recent views on Jews while untimely and out of place in today's world, are almost certainly his own, but represent the general opinion of the Muslim world. With his retirement he has nothing more to gain by recent statements and in the same speech was just as critical of the Jews as he was of Muslims.
Azman, Malaysia

His public record of statements clearly labels him as a narrow minded bigot and racist the world will do better without!
John Donaldson, Australia

Malaysians are indebted to Dr M. He will be and already is missed by many indeed. Thank you Dr M, for making me and my generation confident of our role amongst friends and would-be friends in the international arena. I am a Muslim and thankful to God for having been blessed with a leader like Dr M. But more importantly than that, I am prouder still to be a Malaysian, and attest to the benevolence of this man who presided over this multiracial nation in Southeast Asia. For all his supposed anti-Western rhetoric, the West is hard-pressed to find a closer ally than Dr Mahathir. Have a good rest Dato Seri!
Sany Mokhtar, UK

Dr Mahathir Mohamad's many achievements will be overshadowed by memories of his scathing, hateful attacks on Jewish people and westerners. I think he will be remembered as a racist and I think that is fair.
B James, Australia

As an Arabic Muslim, I can say that Mahathir gave a bad name to Muslims everywhere when he said that Jews rule the world. Not all of us are ignorant and paranoid. As ignorant as people who called him anti-Semitic since Arabs are Semitic too.
Ali Labaki, Canada

Mahathir will go down as the greatest leader of all times. He leaves a true legacy of honour and character.
Vijay Saxena, UK

One of the greatest 21st century leaders Magadave, Malaysia

While his internal policies remain questionable (freedom of press/ favouritism in government project), his external policies will chart him as one of the greatest 21st century leaders.
Magadave, Malaysia

Mahathir's legacy is the role model he has created. A role model of strong, religious, modern, dynamic leadership crucial for peace and prosperity in the Muslim World.
Mir Tariq, Canada

Mahathir rode the wave of Asia's fastest growing economic tiger with great success but no small amount of ruthlessness. His rule has been tarnished by his paranoid attacks on the west, and Jews in particular, over the last few years. With that Malaysia has always remained a moderate country with a positive outlook and we hope she remains on that course.
Shachar,Israel

Mahathir has done a lot for Malaysia but it is a pity he did not have the sense to curb his tongue. If he had done that he would have been remembered as a great man but instead he will be remembered for his stupid utterances.
Ted Holmes, Australia

A legendary statesman of our time. Dr Mahathir was one of those rare politicians. A politician who was never afraid to say the truth no matter what. The third world needs politicians like him to progress.
Abdi Somalia

Who cares about his legacy, comments, or otherwise. Just glad he's GONE.
Jim Benn,USA

I think his legacy is heavily tarnished by his shrill anti-Western and anti-Semitic diatribes John C, New York, USA

Dr. Mohamad deserves great credit for bringing Malaysia into the forefront of Asian countries. However I think his legacy is heavily tarnished by his shrill anti-Western and anti-Semitic diatribes. What is needed is a new generation of Muslim leaders who will move beyond the old stereotypes of the past and focus their energies on moving their countries forward in the way that Dr. Mohamad has moved Malaysia forward.
John C, New York, USA

Dr Mahathir was rightly challenged for his recent comments on what he claims is the Jewish dominance in the world. Perhaps he did the world a great service in simply being honest about what even the mainline Muslim world thinks about Jews and Israel. Indeed, to read the state-sponsored papers in the Muslim world is to hear much stronger language than even he used. May the western world take note.
Jeremy, USA

Previous generations of Malaysians considered everything European/American was the best. Now, Malaysians under Dr. Mahathir, like me, believe we are better or as good in every aspect of life than the West. This is his legacy.
Lian Wee, Canada

Dr Mahathir has in his unique way championed the rights of the third world countries. The world stage will be less colourful now with his retirement. I wish him good luck.
Asma Chaudhry, Norway

He must be remembered as a vicious anti-Semite whose only contribution to his nation and mankind is the attempted resurrection of aged prejudices and gross human indignity. Good riddance to this shameful little man.
Daniel Reuben, United States

I look forward to in a new PM is the lessening of the anti-Western/anti-American sentiment that Dr. M so often flares Yvonne Ho, US / Malaysia

I am very proud to be Malaysian and of our achievements under Dr. M. Yes there have been many controversial issues during his terms but I can overlook them. There is never a perfect leader but Dr. M for one has done more good than harm. The only thing I look forward to in a new PM is the lessening of the anti-Western/anti-American sentiment that Dr. M so often flares.
Yvonne Ho, US / Malaysia

At-last at-last! Malaysia is free from Mahathir at-last! We should all be so thankful.
Jason, US

He will be known as a man who stands up to the world, ride through storms of controversies and still emerged as a leader well respected by the world.
Jason Liew, USA

A statesman with an undiplomatic attitude who never shied of making the point whatever sensitive it was. Malaysians should be proud of him.
Adnan Rahman, Bangladesh

I think The Doc is a loud mouth that should have been ignored. No matter what differences people have , they can NEVER be settled with such scathing and vitriolic remarks - he is know for quite a few. At best I would say his departure from the scene is good riddance ...
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah, Liberia