PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been named the 47th world’s greatest leader by Fortune.

In the list of 50 leaders, Dr Mahathir joined the ranks of big names such as his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern, who took second place, and Bill and Melinda Gates in the number one spot.

The list also included the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the 42nd place, student and climate activist Greta Thunberg in sixth place and many more notable names.

Dr Mahathir was described by Fortune as “writing an unexpected chapter in his legacy” at the age of 93.

During his first 22-year tenure as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, he turned Malaysia into one of South-East Asia's economic tigers, but his ornery disregard for the judiciary and the press hinted at autocratic leanings.

“Last year, he returned from seclusion to run for office on an anti-corruption platform, leading a new political party to a shocking victory over incumbent Najib Razak (Datuk Seri Najib Razak).

“Mahathir is now tackling the endemic corruption plaguing the country’s institutions, and has brought Najib to court on charges connected to the 1MDB scandal, a sprawling malfeasance case that has ensnared Wall Street bankers and government officials (Najib denies the charges).

“Mahathir and his party are now moving to protect judicial independence and press freedom, recognizing that they help keep a democracy honest,” read the caption accompanying a photo of Dr Mahathir on fortune.com.