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Mahathir Mohamad, 97, on why Malaysia still needs him: ‘I’m still functional, I can still move around, make speeches’
- The two-time leader says he is standing for election because of the people’s will and a desire to block former protégé Najib Razak from retaking power
- Younger generations need to work to address growing wealth disparity, poor economic management and a weakening education system, Mahathir adds
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Ninety-seven years old, walking without a cane and as whip-sharp with a sound bite as any of his rivals, two-time prime minister Mahathir Mohamad insists he has the energy for one “last effort” in the bear pit of Malaysian politics as he prepares for his 11th general election.
One of the world’s oldest politicians, Mahathir says his supporters cajoled him into contesting the November 19 polls as the head of a new party in order to right the wrongs of his previous United Malays National Organisation (Umno) party.
“I don’t have to continue. In fact, I don’t want to continue,” he told This Week In Asia at his spacious office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya.
“But my own supporters felt that this should be my last effort because although I am 97 years old, I am still functional, I can still move around, be active, still debate and make speeches.
“They felt that I should still, for the last time, perhaps lead the party. I cannot deny them for selfish reasons. If I’m only thinking about myself, I will not be in politics now.”
02:24
97 year-old ex-PM Mahathir makes ‘last effort’ to serve in Malaysian politics
97 year-old ex-PM Mahathir makes ‘last effort’ to serve in Malaysian politics
During his first 22-year tenure as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, Mahathir rose to international fame, or infamy, depending on who you ask.
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