LANGKAWI – The infamous “Sheraton Move” that formed a backdoor government in 2020 is the main driving issue preventing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad from retiring at the age 97, the former two-time prime minister said today.
Mahathir, who now leads Pejuang and its coalition Gerakan Tanah Air, claimed that his work to prepare the country for the 21st century was derailed due to unjustifiable moves by some of his former allies in their bid to assume federal power.
“I would not be here if not for the Sheraton Move,” Mahathir told journalists after completing his nomination process in defending his Langkawi parliamentary seat – 58 years after his first foray into politics in 1964.
The medical doctor is embroiled in a five-cornered fight against Datuk Armishah Siraj of Barisan Nasional, Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah of Perikatan Nasional, Zabidi Yahya of Pakatan Harapan and independent Datuk Paduka Abd Kadir Besa.
Stressing that age is just a number, Mahathir says that he has big plans to continue with the development of Langkawi as a preferred tourist destination.
He said that since the election has been called for this year rather than next year when it is due, he felt that he has the means to contest.
First on his to-do list in Langkawi is to rejuvenate the cross-channel ferry service between Langkawi and the mainland jetties at Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis.
He stressed that ferries are presently only operating four times daily due to low tide and sediments in the sea.
There is also a need to put in place a proper waste treatment system on the island, he said.
“All these can take place if Pejuang and I are in the government,” he said.
He added that Pejuang will cooperate with anyone just as long as they are not proven to be corrupt.
Mahathir remains fairly confident of defending his seat. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022
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