Mohamed Rahmat

Mohamed bin Rahmat (4 January 1938 – 1 January 2010) was a Malaysian politician, and former Information Minister of Malaysia (1978–1982, 1987–1999). He was famously known as Tok Mat, Mat Setia and Mat Mr Propaganda.

Mohamed Rahmat was born on 4 January 1938 in the village of Pulai, Johor Bahru, Johor.

Mohamed Rahmat first elected as Member of Parliament of Johore Bahru Barat seat in 1969. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education in Tun Razak first cabinet. He was the Member of Parliament for Pulai from 1969 to 1999 representing UMNO-Barisan Nasional. He was also appointed for a short time as the ambassador to Indonesia with a ministerial rank from 1982 to 1984.

Rahmat was appointed as the Secretary-General of both the party of United Malays National Organisation from 1988 to 1996 and the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional from 1988 to 1999.

Rahmat has served as the Minister of Information two times from 1978 to 1982 and from 1987 to 1999.

As the Minister of Information, Mohamed introduced the "Setia Bersama Rakyat" (Semarak) programme which was aimed at instilling patriotism among the people.

One notorious account from his post in office was when he ordered rock singers to trim their long hair if they wanted to participate in programmes aired by public broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia in 1992. Among those who followed the directive were the rock groups Wings, with lead singer Awie; and Search, with lead singer Amy.

Mohamed Rahmat died on 1 January 2010 in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday. His body was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expressed his condolences to the family of Mohamed Rahmat. He acknowledged the excellent service that Mohamed provided during his time as a minister, stating that he greatly appreciated his contributions. Mahathir also mentioned his gratitude for Mohamed's service both as a minister in his cabinet and later as Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia, holding the rank of minister.

Several places and honours were named after him, including:

• Kompleks Tan Sri Mohammad Rahmat in Tampoi, Johor Bahru, Johor.

• Malaysia
  • Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) – Tan Sri (2000)
  • Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (KMN) (1972)
• Johor
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor (SPMJ) – Dato' (1975)
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Loyalty of Sultan Ismail of Johor (SSIJ) – Dato' (1977)
  • Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor (DPMJ) – Dato' (1973)
  • Sultan Ibrahim Medal (PIS)
  • Star of Sultan Ismail (BSI)
• Malacca
  • Grand Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DGSM) – Datuk Seri (1997)
• Pahang
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of the Crown of Pahang (SIMP) – formerly Dato', now Dato' Indera (1987)
• Sabah
  • Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – Datuk Seri Panglima (1995)
• Sarawak
  • Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PNBS) – formerly Dato', now Dato Sri (1981)
• Selangor
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (SSSA) – Dato' Seri (1990)
  • Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS) – Dato' (1988)
• Terengganu
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Terengganu (SPMT) – Dato' (1996)