I will contest in GE only if desperately needed: Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has downplayed the possibility of him contesting the next polls, saying he will only do so if it is desperately needed.

In a Sinar Online report, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman said the fledgling party already has many capable and experienced candidates.

“I have not finalised whether I will contest or not, but only in desperate times I will do so. Currently, it does not look desperate,” he was quoted as saying in Kulim, Kedah. “We have many candidates to contest, and they all have their own strengths.”

During the event, Dr Mahathir also urged party members and allies from the opposition pact Pakatan Harapan (PH) not to sabotage any of PPBM’s candidates in the 14th general elections.

Dr Mahathir was appointed PH’s chairman last week. The 92-year-old stated last month that he does not intend to be prime minister again if the PH takes over the reins of government in the next general election. However, he said he may be “forced” to reconsider if the pact wishes so.

“I can’t go behind my friends in Pakatan Harapan, if they have such a proposal and if there is agreement (on it), maybe I will be forced to consider,” Dr Mahathir had said then. He would be the world’s oldest prime minister if that happens.

Dr Mahathir left office in 2003 after serving 22 years as Malaysia’s fourth prime minister. He formed the Bumiputra-centric PPBM last year with several former United Malays National Organisation leaders, following a fallout with Prime Minister Najib Razak. Dr Mahathir has accused Mr Razak of corruption following the news of RM2.6 billion (S$829 million) being deposited into the prime minister’s private accounts, as well as of financial irregularities in state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

On Tuesday, Dr Mahathir proclaimed himself the “top dog” in PH. “We can’t have a country ruled by three prime ministers,” he added, when asked if the other two leaders of PH — de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is president — are on equal footing in the coalition.

This came after ruling Barisan Nasional leaders criticised PH’s announcement of its leadership line-up, claiming that having a chairman, president and de facto leader made it unclear who is the main decision maker.

Malaysia’s 14th general election must be held by next year, but there is speculation that it will be held this year. AGENCIES