2003
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 4465.32 |
| Population (millions) | 24.68 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.40 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM1.10 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 64.7% |
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
Reformasi Era
For many Malaysians, Reformasi meant both frustration and hope. In 1998, when Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, it wasn’t just political drama—it felt personal: people seeing corruption, cronyism, and authoritarian rule in everyday life felt exposed.
Introduction of Mathematics and Science Subjects in English in Malaysian Schools
In January 2003, Malaysia introduced the PPSMI policy, teaching Mathematics and Science in English in national schools to enhance global competitiveness, amid debates on language and equity; the policy was reversed in 2009.
13th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, Kuala Lumpur, 2003
The 13th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 20 to 25 February 2003, gathered leaders from over 100 developing nations to address global challenges, reaffirm multilateralism, and oppose unilateral actions amid rising international tensions.
Coronation of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor 2003
The formal coronation of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as the 12th Sultan of Selangor on 8 March 2003 at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, reaffirming the state's monarchical traditions and royal continuity within Malaysia's constitutional framework.
First Death from SARS in Malaysia
On April 5, 2003, Malaysia experienced its first confirmed death from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), when a 64-year-old man from Jerantut, Pahang, succumbed to the virus amid the global outbreak originating in China.
Malaysian Government Signs Deal for Scorpène-Class Submarines
On 5 June 2002, the Malaysian government signed a €1.04 billion contract with DCNS and Navantia for two Scorpène-class submarines, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the Royal Malaysian Navy amid regional maritime tensions, though later overshadowed by corruption scandals.
Submission of the Pedra Branca Sovereignty Dispute to the International Court of Justice
On 6 February 2003, Malaysia and Singapore signed a Special Agreement in Putrajaya, formally submitting their long-standing territorial dispute over Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh), Middle Rocks, and South Ledge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication, marking a diplomatic commitment to peaceful resolution through international law.
Abdul Malik Mydin becomes first Malaysian to swim the English Channel
On 3 August 2003, Abdul Malik Mydin achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Malaysian and the first from Southeast Asia to successfully swim across the English Channel, highlighting Malaysia's growing presence in international endurance sports.
KL Monorail Begins Operations
The launch of the KL Monorail on 31 August 2003 introduced Malaysia's first operational monorail system, spanning 8.
Malaysian Government Signs Deal for Scorpène-Class Submarines
On 5 June 2002, the Malaysian government signed a €1.04 billion contract with DCNS and Navantia for two Scorpène-class submarines, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the Royal Malaysian Navy amid regional maritime tensions, though later overshadowed by corruption scandals.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Becomes Prime Minister of Malaysia
On 31 October 2003, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was sworn in as Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, succeeding Mahathir Mohamad after his 22-year tenure, ushering in a period of moderate leadership focused on reforms and consensus-building amid economic recovery.
