Malaysia

Dr Mahathir: I’m not backing anyone for PM job

In a special Facebook message, the Pejuang founder has dispelled rumours of him backing anyone as prime minister

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 13 Oct 2020 6:40PM

Dr Mahathir: I’m not backing anyone for PM job
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied supporting anyone for PM job. – The Vibes pic, October 13, 2020

by Amar Shah Mohsen

KUALA LUMPUR - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has rubbished speculations that he is throwing his support behind a candidate for the top job.

The Langkawi MP said that he has never backed any of the current lawmakers in their quest to be the prime minister.

“I am with my new party Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), and this party is independent.

“It has nothing to do with any parties or individuals with ambitions for certain positions.

“I hope there will be no more attempts purportedly claiming I am supporting so and so. There is no such support,” he said in a minute-long video that was uploaded on his Facebook and YouTube account today.

Although Dr Mahathir did not mention any names, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Istana Negara this morning to convince the latter that he has enough support to be the next prime minister.

In a press conference later, Anwar said he has the backing of 120 MPs and that the list of names have been submitted to the palace, and that the Agong would be meeting with head of all political parties in the coming days.

However, in a statement, the Istana Negara denied Anwar’s claim, saying that the opposition leader had merely given the number of MPs who supposedly back him, but not the names.

Apart from Anwar, Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah also had an audience with the Agong today, arriving at the palace in the afternoon.

While it is uncertain what the audience was about, an aide to Tengku Razaleigh had told The Vibes that the meeting was to discuss matters related to the political development in the country.

Some have speculated that Tengku Razaleigh, or popularly known as Ku Li, had likely himself obtained the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat to form a new government, including from Pejuang. – The Vibes, October 13, 2020

Related News

Malaysia / 2y

Dr Mahathir denies being ashamed of his Indian ancestry in suit against Zahid

Malaysia / 2y

I’ve been Malay since birth, says Dr Mahathir in suit against Zahid

Malaysia / 2y

PMs attack me instead of correcting, explaining themselves, says Dr Mahathir

Malaysia / 2y

MACC again extends declaration of assets deadline for Dr Mahathir’s sons

Malaysia / 2y

No plans to arrest Dr Mahathir yet, says MACC chief

Opinion / 2y

Call for non-Malay contribution to Bumiputera Economic Congress rings hollow – Kua Kia Soong

Spotlight

Malaysia

Nhaveen murder trial: Accused admits taunting victim but denies fatal assault

Malaysia

MCMC probes alleged AI sexual abuse targeting Kedah pupils, teachers

Malaysia

Anwar checks final preparations for Budget 2027

Malaysia

Sarawak election could be called within weeks of Budget 2027

Malaysia

Anwar contacts Prabowo over ‘alarming’ transboundary haze

Malaysia

King calls for schools in haze-hit areas to close

Malaysia

Parents worry over children’s exposure as haze worsens

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Malaysia

Irene Sofiya murder: Police cite rejected advances as suspected motive

Malaysia

Budget 2027 allocates RM490m for border security while doubling disaster home repair aid

Malaysia

Police probe yet another alleged assault of 14-year-old by senior in school dorm

Malaysia

Attorney General directs PDRM to record Mohd Shuhaily's statement

Malaysia

Nhaveen murder trial: Accused admits taunting victim but denies fatal assault

Malaysia

Bullying case involving student with ruptured spleen referred to Negeri legal office

Malaysia

Private jet chartered for RM210,000 by Philippine syndicate mastermind

Malaysia

Budget 2027: MOE continues to receive highest allocation