If there are calls, I am open to being PM for a third time, says Dr M

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) says he is willing to become the prime minister for a third time if there are strong calls for him to helm the post and if no other suitable candidates are available.

"In reality, I prefer to just rest and only play a role in advising others.

"(But) if I am continuously persuaded to be the prime minister and there are no other candidates, I will accept," he said during a Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) convention on Saturday (Sept 24).

The GTA chairman said that if he did helm the position again, it would only be for a year.

"It won’t be five years. Maybe just one (if I am persuaded to do so).

"I don’t want people to think that I formed Pejuang or GTA to become the prime minister again.

"I just want to play a part in forming policies that can help the Malays, through a government that loves the people, country and religion," he said.

On GTA’s candidates for the 15th general elections (GE15), the Langkawi MP said it would be determined based on each individual's qualifications.

"When I was in Umno, I suggested that only those educated should be candidates but many were upset, as even those without it (education) wanted to stand during elections.

"The problem is, how can these people steer the country?

"That is why a weak government cannot go through hard times," he said.