Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been conferred the Nation- Building Lifetime Achievement Award (Public Sector) by Thailand’s Nation-Building Institute (NBI).

Malaysian Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin received the award on his behalf from former Thai premier Anand Panyarachun during a gala dinner in Bangkok tonight, held at the end of the Second International Conference on Nation-Building.

Mahathir is currently in Japan for an official visit.

“I am honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award: Public Sector on behalf of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” Zuraida said in her acceptance speech upon receiving the prestigious award.

The 93-year-old prime minister according to her, expressed his regret for not being able to accept the award personally .

However, Mahathir, she said, conveyed his utmost gratitude for being conferred the award.