Focus should be on ending poverty in the country, says Dr M

FORMER Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stressed that he does not intend to return as Prime Minister for a third time if Perikatan Nasional (PN) takes over the administration of the country but will only act as an advisor.

According to the 100-year-old statesman, age no longer allows him to be at the forefront of leadership, but he still wants to contribute more than 80 years of experience in politics to the country.

“I am old, 100 years old. I can no longer make fiery speeches like I used to and I do not want to take over the place of young people. We accept young people, it is not that I want to be Prime Minister again, two times is enough.

“But I want to share my advice because I have been Prime Minister for 24 years, in the political arena for more than 80 years,” he said when speaking at the Himpunan Mandat Negarawanrally at Stadium Suka Menanti in Alor Setar, yesterday.

Also present were PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang; Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin; Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor.

Dr Mahathir said that if PN takes over the administration of Putrajaya, it will be a government that is willing to accept advice to ensure that the people's problems can be solved, including the issue of poverty.

"If we change the government, we will have a Prime Minister who is willing to accept advice. I am confident that we can overcome many problems, including poverty," he said.

According to him, Malaysia is a country rich in various resources and the people should live happily if the country's assets are managed well.

“This country is rich, everyone should be rich. But if we don't know how to use the assets we have, we won't be rich.

“As a government, their focus must be on solving the problem of poverty in the country. PN can solve it, can reduce poverty. This is our hope, that's why we are holding this rally,” he said.

He also stressed the need for the people, especially the Malays, to venture into business to overcome poverty.

“I want to advise all the Malays. Why are the Malays poor? Because they don’t do business. You can’t get rich by earning a salary, and you don’t even have enough money to send your children to university.

“That’s why we need to go into business and enterprises. I’ve met many Malays who are now doing business and showing their abilities, including in the field of information technology.

“God willing, if we choose to do business, we can overcome poverty and the problems can be reduced,” he said.

Himpunan Mandat Negarawanrallyis a prelude to a larger gathering scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, aimed at urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down. - July 18, 2025