SEPANG: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ruled out standing in the impending state elections.
The former prime minister said he would, however, remain “very active” in supporting the movement championing the Malays.
“No, I’m not going to stand for election,” the former Langkawi MP told reporters at an event here today.
Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will hold state elections soon.
Mahathir also poured cold water on Muda’s decision to go solo in the state polls, saying that there was nothing much a party could do if it won a “few seats”.
“You must be in the government,” he said.
Separately, Mahathir said he would like to meet Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin to explain his Malay Proclamation.
“The proclamation is not in support of anyone in particular, but the Malays in general,” he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that Muhyiddin, who is also the Bersatu president, would meet Mahathir to discuss the matter soon.
The Malay Proclamation aims to “unite the community” across the political divide. The document lists 12 key problems said to be faced by the Malays.
The document has been signed by several Bersatu and PAS politicians in their personal capacities, including PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
Mahathir also urged Malaysia Airlines to improve its services after his flight back from overseas had been delayed for 13 hours because of technical issues.
He said the national carrier should follow Singapore Airlines by adding the Airbus A380 to its fleet, as the aircraft had a passenger capacity of over 500.
