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ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
ISSN: 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS
Special Issue | Volume IX Issue XXIV October 2025
Analysing Tun Mahathir's Persuasive Language in the 74th United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
1
Aina Sabrina Ahmad, *
2
Ahmad Aminuddin Soopar
1 2
Universiti Teknologi MARA
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.924ILEIID00105
Received: 23 September 2025; Accepted: 30 September 2025; Published: 01 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This study examines the persuasive language strategies employed by Tun Mahathir in his address at the 74th
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Drawing on Speech Act Theory and Aristotle’s rhetorical modes,
it investigates how political discourse functions as both action and persuasion. The research problem focuses
on the ways politicians deploy speech acts and rhetorical appeals to shape global audiences. A qualitative
design was used, with purposive sampling identifying the UNGA speech as the case study. Data were analysed
thematically through a structured coding scheme supported by descriptive analysis. The findings show that
assertive speech acts were most prevalent, reinforcing authority, while directive and expressive acts added
emotional and ethical resonance. Furthermore, ethos, pathos, and logos were strategically interwoven to
strengthen persuasive impact. The study concludes that persuasive political discourse emerges from a
calculated interplay of speech acts and rhetorical appeals, with implications for political communication and
cross-cultural studies.
Keywords: Persuasive language, Speech Act Theory, Rhetorical appeals, Political discourse, United Nations
speech
INTRODUCTION
Persuasive language is a central tool in political communication, often used by politicians to influence public
opinion and policy decisions. Through rhetorical modes such as ethos, pathos, and logos, political figures
construct arguments that appeal to logic, emotion, and credibility. These strategies are not only used to gain
support but also to shape narratives around national and global issues. For instance, leaders often rely on
emotional appeals to evoke empathy or urgency, while logical reasoning helps justify policy stances. Ethos, on
the other hand, builds trust by highlighting the speaker’s integrity or experience. As Kashiha (2022) notes,
meta discourse practices in political speeches reveal how politicians tailor their language to engage diverse
audiences. Therefore, persuasive language in politics is not merely expressive—it is strategic and deeply
contextual.
Speech Act Theory (SAT) provides a framework for understanding how language functions as action,
especially in political discourse. Rather than focusing solely on the literal meaning of words, SAT emphasizes
the speaker’s intention and the effect of the utterance on the listener. In political speeches, utterances often
serve multiple functions—asserting facts, issuing commands, expressing emotions, or making commitments.
These acts are not passive; they actively shape perceptions and responses. According to Drid (2018), speech
acts in political contexts are used to perform actions such as declaring policies, expressing solidarity, or
directing public behaviour. The theory highlights how meaning is constructed through context and intention,
making it essential for analysing persuasive strategies. Thus, SAT allows researchers to decode the deeper
communicative goals embedded in political language.
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In sum, persuasive language and speech acts are interlinked tools that politicians use to influence and engage
their audiences. While rhetorical modes shape the emotional and logical appeal, speech acts reveal the
speaker’s
intent and communicative function, making both essential for analysing political discourse.
Problem Statement
Politicians strategically use speech acts—such as assertives, directives, expressives, and commissives—to
shape their messages and influence audiences. Assertives help present opinions or facts with authority, while
directives urge action. As Drid (2018) notes, speech acts in political discourse are tools for performing actions
through language, making them central to persuasion.
These acts reflect communicative intentions and situational needs. Commissives express promises, and
expressives convey emotions to build rapport. Wodak (2020) emphasizes that political discourse is shaped by
strategic language use to achieve ideological and pragmatic goals. Thus, speech acts are deliberate rhetorical
choices aligned with political objectives.
In addition to speech acts, rhetorical modes—logos, pathos, and ethos—play a key role. Logos appeals to
logic, pathos to emotion, and ethos to credibility. Politicians often blend these modes for stronger impact, such
as using data (logos), showing empathy (pathos), and referencing experience (ethos). Argyle et al. (2025)
found that combining emotional appeal, reasoning, and credibility enhances persuasive effectiveness.
Despite growing interest in these elements, few studies explore how speech acts and rhetorical modes interact
within a single speech. This research fills that gap by analysing Tun Mahathir’s UNGA speech to uncover how
persuasive language is constructed. Understanding this interplay is vital for interpreting political messaging
and its influence on global audiences.
Research Objectives
This study aims to examine how Tun Mahathir strategically employed persuasive language in his speech at the
74th United Nations General Assembly. It focuses on identifying the types and functions of speech acts used,
as well as the rhetorical modes that contributed to the overall persuasive impact of his address.
Research Questions
1. What are the types of speech acts used by Tun Mahathir in his speech in employing persuasive language?
2. What are the functions of the speech acts used by Tun Mahathir in his speech?
3. What modes of persuasion did Tun Mahathir utilise in his speech?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Speech Act Theory (SAT) and Political Speeches
Speech Act Theory (SAT), developed by J.L. Austin and later expanded by John Searle, asserts that language
functions not only to convey information but also to perform actions. It classifies speech acts into five
categories - assertives, directives, commissives, expressives, and declaratives - each reflecting the speaker’s
communicative intent. In political discourse, SAT is particularly relevant, as politicians use language to express
positions, issue commands, convey emotions, and make commitments (Drid, 2018). According to Al-Hindawi
(2017), speech acts are often employed to influence or manipulate public perception, while Kashiha (2022)
observed that meta discourse markers in political texts frequently align with speech act functions, reinforcing
their persuasive nature. Thus, SAT offers a valuable framework for analysing political language beyond its
literal meaning.
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Previous studies have applied SAT across diverse political contexts to examine how leaders use language to
shape public opinion. For example, Al-Hindawi (2017) found that assertive and directive acts dominated
British and American political debates, helping to construct ideological narratives. Similarly, Anyanwu (2020)
analysed speeches by African presidents during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified expressive and
commissive acts as key tools for fostering solidarity and trust. In Malaysia, Kashiha (2022) explored meta
discourse in political speeches and found that speech acts were used to build credibility and emotional appeal.
Despite these contributions, limited research has examined Malaysian leaders on international platforms. This
study addresses that gap by analysing Tun Mahathir’s UNGA speech, extending SAT’s application to a global
setting and offering insights into Malaysian political rhetoric on the world stage.
The strategic use of speech acts in political communication reveals how language operates as action,
particularly in persuasive contexts. A recurring pattern across studies is the use of assertive and directive acts
to shape public perception and policy narratives. The integration of rhetorical strategies such as ethos and
pathos with speech acts suggests a deeper communicative intent beyond surface-level meaning. However,
distinguishing overlapping functions—especially when emotional appeals are embedded in assertive
statements—remains a challenge (Al-Hindawi, 2018).
Drid (2018) emphasized the manipulative potential of speech acts, noting the prevalence of expressive and
declarative acts in shaping ideological narratives. Al-Hindawi (2018) also highlighted how speech acts can
obscure intent or redirect attention. Kashiha (2022) found that commissive and declarative acts in Malaysian
speeches were used to build trust and signal political shifts. These findings underscore the evolving nature of
speech acts and the importance of contextual analysis in understanding their pragmatic functions.
Aristotle’s Modes of Persuasion in Political Speeches
Aristotle’s rhetorical modes - ethos, pathos, and logos - are key to understanding persuasive political speech.
Kashiha (2022), through meta discourse theory, found ethos frequently used in Malaysian political speeches to
build credibility, while logos appeared through factual claims and statistics, and pathos through emotionally
charged language. These modes often overlap, creating a layered persuasive effect that is difficult to separate
during live delivery. Stavrakakis (2021), in his study of European populist speeches, observed that pathos was
dominant in evoking emotional responses during political crises, while ethos and logos supported trust-
building and policy justification. Kashiha (2022) also emphasized that persuasion is most effective when all
three modes are balanced.
Across studies, political figures consistently use speech acts and rhetorical appeals to shape public perception.
Assertive and directive acts are common, while ethos and pathos enhance emotional and ethical resonance.
However, isolating overlapping speech functions and measuring emotional impact remains challenging,
especially across diverse audiences. Methodologically, many studies rely on qualitative designs with small
samples, limiting generalisability. Theoretically, there is a lack of integration between Speech Act Theory and
rhetorical frameworks in non-Western contexts. This research addresses that gap by analysing Tun Mahathir’s
UNGA speech, offering deeper insight into persuasive strategies in Malaysian political discourse.
FRAMEWORK
This study’s conceptual framework combines Speech Act Theory, persuasive communication strategies, and
rhetorical analysis. Drawing on Austin (1962) and Searle (1969), Speech Act Theory categorizes utterances
by their intended effects—such as asserting, directing, or expressing—highlighting their performative nature in
shaping persuasive intent. These acts serve functions like informing, appealing, and challenging, which are
essential in understanding how Mahathir seeks to influence his audience.
Aristotle’s rhetorical modes—ethos, pathos, and logos—complement this analysis by offering insight into the
types of persuasive appeals used. Ethos reflects credibility and moral character, pathos targets emotional
engagement, and logos relies on logical reasoning and evidence. As Kashiha (2022) and Stavrakakis (2021)
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suggest, the strategic balance of these modes enhances persuasive impact, though their overlap can complicate
analysis.
Figure 1:Tun Mahathir's Persuasive Language Analysis
The framework is visually represented in a diagram above, showing how Mahathir’s speech is analysed
through two lenses: speech acts and rhetorical modes. Speech acts are classified using Searle’s (1976)
categories - assertives, directives, commissives, expressives, and declarations - each serving distinct
communicative functions. Simultaneously, rhetorical appeals are examined to understand how Mahathir builds
trust, evokes emotion, and presents logical arguments.
Together, these elements form a cohesive structure for analysing persuasive language in political discourse,
offering deeper insight into how leaders shape international narratives through strategic communication.
METHODOLOGY
This research adopts a qualitative methodology to investigate persuasive elements in Tun Mahathir’s political
speech. Qualitative approaches are well-suited for analysing language, as they facilitate nuanced interpretation
of meaning, context, and speaker intent. Bhandari (2020) argues that such methods are ideal for examining
complex communicative and social dynamics, while Rihoux (2019) highlights their relevance in political
discourse, where subjective analysis is crucial. This design enables a thorough exploration of rhetorical
strategies and speech acts, offering a flexible framework to uncover embedded meanings in political language.
The study employs content analysis to examine Tun Mahathir’s address at the 74th United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA). This method systematically interprets textual data by identifying recurring patterns and
themes. Amaireh (2023) demonstrated its effectiveness in revealing rhetorical techniques in political speeches.
In this context, content analysis facilitates the categorisation of speech acts and persuasive strategies,
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supporting the research objective of understanding how language is used to influence audiences in
international political arenas.
The sample comprises a single, contextually rich speech by Tun Mahathir, selected from his broader repertoire
of public addresses. Although limited in scope, the chosen speech is significant and representative of wider
communicative practices. Previous studies, such as those by Amaireh (2023) and Kashiha (2022), have
successfully used focused samples to analyse rhetorical features, validating this approach for in-depth
qualitative inquiry.
Purposive sampling was applied to select the UNGA speech, targeting a case with high informational value.
Klar and Leeper (2019) support this method in political discourse studies, noting its effectiveness in selecting
strategically important texts. The chosen speech reflects persuasive intent and international relevance, aligning
with the study’s aims.
Thematic analysis serves as the primary tool for data interpretation. Braun and Clarke (2021) emphasize its
adaptability in identifying and analysing themes within qualitative data, particularly in political contexts. This
method enables the researcher to uncover underlying persuasive strategies and rhetorical patterns, going
beyond surface-level content.
Data were collected over 4–6 weeks, with the speech stored and cleaned for clarity. Following Braun and
Clarke (2022), the data were systematically coded to ensure analytical rigour. The coding scheme was based on
Speech Act Theory and Aristotle’s rhetorical modes, allowing for descriptive analysis of persuasive elements.
To ensure validity and reliability, credibility checks and inter-coder reliability were employed, as
recommended by Maxwell (2021) and Zhao et al. (2022), enhancing the trustworthiness of the findings.
FINDINGS
The analysed data for each research question (RQ) has been compiled into structured tables
Table 1: The types of speech acts used by Tun Mahathir in his speech
Speech Act Type
Example Excerpt
Frequency
Assertive
The veto power - they must know was against all the principles of human rights…
165
Directive
We need to identify the cause and remove it.
19
Commissive
Malaysia pledged to maintain at least 50 percent of our land mass under forest cover.
3
Expressive
But nowhere have they been as brutal as Myanmar.
8
Declarative
Malaysia accepts the state of Israel as a fait accompli.
2
Table 1 shows the distribution of five types of speech acts used in Tun Mahathir’s UNGA speech: assertive,
directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative. Assertive speech acts were the most frequent (165
instances), followed by directive (19), expressive (8), commissive (3), and declarative (2). These findings
indicate that Tun Mahathir relied heavily on assertive acts to present facts and opinions with authority.
Directive acts were used to encourage action, while expressive and commissive acts added emotional and
ethical depth. Declarative acts were rare, suggesting limited intent to formally alter political realities. Overall,
the dominance of assertive acts reflects a strategy focused on logical persuasion and strong positioning.
Table 2: The functions of the speech acts used by Tun Mahathir in his speech
Speech Act
Function
Descriptive Notes
Asserting moral
stance
Used to highlight contradictions in
global policies.
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Encouraging
action
Used to advise and command action.
Making formal
declaration
Used to express formal recognition
or stance.
Expressing
emotion
Used to evoke emotional response
and build rapport.
Committing to
policy
Used to reinforce credibility and
national integrity.
Table 2 presents the functions of speech acts identified in the speech, including asserting moral stance,
encouraging action, making formal declarations, expressing emotion, and committing to policy. The data show
that assertive acts were used to highlight contradictions in global policies, while directive acts served to
mobilize listeners. Expressive acts conveyed emotional responses, and commissive acts reinforced national
credibility. Declarative acts were used to express formal recognition. These functions demonstrate how Tun
Mahathir tailored his speech acts to serve specific communicative goals. The findings suggest that speech acts
were not only linguistic choices but strategic tools to influence international audiences.
Table 3: Modes of persuasion Tun Mahathir utilised in his speech
Mode of
Persuasion
Example Excerpt
Descriptive Notes
Logos
Malaysia pledged to maintain at least 50 percent of our
land mass under forest cover.
Appeal to logic through factual
environmental commitment.
Pathos
But nowhere have they been as brutal as Myanmar.
Appeal to emotion by highlighting injustice
and brutality.
Ethos
Malaysia’s peaceful dispute resolutions show our
commitment to diplomacy.
Appeal to credibility through ethical
leadership and peaceful actions.
Table RQ3 outlines the use of Aristotle’s modes of persuasion—logos, pathos, and ethos—in Tun Mahathir’s
speech. Logos was evident in factual statements about Malaysia’s environmental commitments, pathos
appeared in emotionally charged references to injustice, and ethos was reflected in ethical leadership and
peaceful diplomacy. These modes were used in combination to strengthen the persuasive impact of the speech.
The findings show that Tun Mahathir effectively balanced logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and credibility
to engage his audience. This strategic use of rhetorical modes highlights the complexity and depth of
persuasive language in political discourse.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The findings revealed that assertive speech acts were the most dominant in Tun Mahathir’s UNGA speech,
followed by directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative acts. This pattern suggests that Mahathir relied
heavily on statements and observations to assert his stance and critique global injustices. This aligns with
Anyanwu (2020), who found assertive acts prevalent in African presidential speeches during crises, used to
reassure and inform. Similarly, Al-Hindawi (2017) observed that directive acts were common in Western
political debates, used to influence public behaviour. However, Mahathir’s limited use of declarative acts
contrasts with leaders who often use declarations to shift political narratives. The findings support the idea that
assertive acts are central to persuasive political speech, especially when aiming to establish authority and
credibility. Ultimately, Mahathir’s speech act choices reflect a strategic effort to present Malaysia’s position
firmly while engaging global audiences through logic and leadership.
The analysis showed that Tun Mahathir used speech acts to assert moral positions, encourage action, express
emotion, make formal declarations, and commit to policy. These functions were not randomly distributed but
aligned with the speech’s persuasive goals. Kashiha (2022) found similar patterns in Malaysian political
speeches, where speech acts were used to construct credibility and emotional appeal. Al-Hindawi (2018) also
noted that speech acts serve pragmatic functions such as legitimizing authority or deflecting criticism.
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Mahathir’s use of expressive and commissive acts to build rapport and reinforce Malaysia’s integrity reflects a
calculated rhetorical strategy. The findings suggest that speech acts in political discourse are multifunctional
and context-sensitive, often serving overlapping purposes. In Mahathir’s case, the functions of speech acts
were tailored to both critique global powers and elevate Malaysia’s diplomatic image. This reinforces the idea
that speech acts are not just linguistic tools but instruments of political positioning.
Tun Mahathir employed all three Aristotelian modes of persuasion—logos, pathos, and ethos—throughout his
speech, often blending them to enhance rhetorical impact. Logos was used to present factual data, such as
Malaysia’s environmental achievements, while pathos appeared in emotionally charged references to injustice.
Ethos was evident in his portrayal of Malaysia as a peaceful and principled nation. These findings align with
Kashiha (2022), who observed that Malaysian politicians often balance emotional and logical appeals to
strengthen their arguments. Stavrakakis (2021) also found that pathos dominates in populist speeches,
especially during crises. Mahathir’s strategic use of ethos, however, sets his speech apart by emphasizing
ethical leadership and diplomatic credibility. The integration of all three modes demonstrates a sophisticated
approach to persuasion, aimed at engaging both rational and emotional dimensions of the audience. This
confirms that effective political rhetoric often relies on a balanced use of persuasive appeals to resonate across
diverse listeners.
Implications of Findings
The findings of this study offer both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, the study reinforces
Speech Act Theory as a valid framework for analysing political discourse, especially in non-Western contexts.
It also supports Aristotle’s rhetorical modes as essential tools for understanding persuasive strategies in
speeches. Practically, the findings can guide political communicators in crafting speeches that balance
assertiveness, emotional appeal, and credibility. As noted by Kashiha (2022), strategic use of meta discourse
enhances audience engagement, while Anyanwu (2020) emphasized the role of speech acts in building public
trust during crises. These insights are valuable for diplomats, speechwriters, and educators in political
communication. Ultimately, the study highlights how persuasive language can be used not only to inform but
also to influence global narratives and diplomatic relations.
Recommendations for Future Research
Future research should consider expanding the sample size to include multiple speeches across different
platforms to enhance generalisability. Methodologically, researchers may integrate mixed methods to combine
qualitative depth with quantitative breadth. Practically, comparative studies between Malaysian and
international leaders could reveal cultural variations in persuasive strategies. Theoretically, future work could
explore the intersection of Speech Act Theory with other linguistic models such as Critical Discourse Analysis.
As suggested by Braun and Clarke (2021), thematic analysis can be enriched through reflexive practices that
deepen interpretation. Additionally, Stavrakakis (2021) recommended examining emotional appeals in populist
rhetoric, which could be extended to Southeast Asian contexts. These directions will help refine the
understanding of political persuasion and broaden the scope of discourse analysis in global settings.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to offer our sincerest form of gratitude to our institution, Universiti Teknologi MARA
as well as our school, Akademi Pengajian Bahasa for providing utmost support to conduct the study.
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