State polls: Dr M won't contest but will support 'Malay movement'

SEPANG: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ruled out contesting in the coming state elections.

"However, I will be very active in supporting the movement of Malays who want to have a share of this country," the former premier told a press conference after returning from his 13-day trip to Europe and Turkiye on Wednesday (June 28).

"My objective is not to become prime minister," he added.

Although not directly mentioning his Malay Proclamation, he said there are worries among the Malays that they are losing power in the country which is becoming more secular.

He was asked if he will stand as a candidate in the coming state elections.

Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will hold simultaneous elections soon.

In a recent interview with Japanese financial publication Nikkei Asia, Dr Mahathir also ruled out standing in the next general election, but wants to see Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), which he recently joined, to set up an anti-corruption coalition for the purpose.

Dr Mahathir quit Pejuang on Feb 10 following the party's dismal performance in the 15th General Election (GE15), when he also failed to defend his Langkawi seat.

It was his first election defeat since 1969.

The former premier announced his exit from the party he formed in 2020, along with 12 other members, after cutting ties with Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA)

He had been Pejuang chairman until he resigned from the post in December.

Dr Mahathir and the 12 subsequently joined Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) on March 1, a Malay-based party headed by Datuk Ibrahim Ali.