Dr Mahathir steps down from Petronas post on doctor's advice

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced that he has stepped down as Petronas adviser.

The former prime minister said Monday that he had relinquished the post effective Dec 1, as he had been advised by his doctor to slow down.

Dr Mahathir said he had written to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to inform the Prime Minister of his intention.

"I have been with Petronas for 10 years, I feel that Petronas has performed well and made huge profit.

"I hope Petronas will continue to play its role in nurturing young entrepreneurs," he told reporters after hosting a luncheon for Umno International Forum 2013 participants here Monday.

Dr Mahathir was discharged from the National Heart Institute on Nov 25 after being admitted on Nov 16 for a chest infection.

In 2003, Mahathir Mohammad was appointed advisor to the national oil firm.

Even before accepting an advisory position, the former PM was already contributing ideas to improve Petronas' operations and was personally responsible for Petronas' expansion overseas.

On whether he will also resign as Proton Holdings Bhd adviser, Dr Mahathir said he was not thinking about it yet.