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.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Halal industry, fisheries, education, Gaza among matters discussed in meeting with Prabowo, says Ahmad Zahid
Rising star Jeneath Wong will join the stars of South-East Asia and the world at the Chevron Championship, this year's first golf Major
Teacher arrested in Johor Baru for alleged sexual assault
Water cut: Penangites urged to store up to two-and-half days' supply
Traces of blood from Zayn Rayyan's room matches victim, court told
MetMalaysia to test tsunami warning system in Batu Ferringhi tomorrow (April 23)
Bomba to get 16 new trained dogs from UK for RM2.4mil
MACC's forensic report on alleged Sabah corruption scandal almost complete
1MDB's law firm had no role in US$1bil transfer for PetroSaudi joint venture, court told
Driver claims trial for alleged death of motorcyclists

Others Also Read