Dr Mahathir ready to contest in Langkawi again

LANGKAWI - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was prepared to consider contesting in the 15th General Election (GE15) to defend the Langkawi parliamentary seat.

The 96-year old, however said Pejuang has already identified several candidates to contest in the constituency, but it was too early to reveal it to the public.

He added that if the there was no suitable candidate, he was prepared to come back and contest.

"We have candidates but we could not announce it yet. If there is no one (candidate) and if someone proposes that I should contest, I will consider it.

"If there is no suitable candidate, I might contest and defend my seat," he told reporters after a meeting with ferry operators at a hotel in Kuah, here, yesterday.

In March, Dr Mahathir said he would not be contesting for any seats including Langkawi in GE15.

He cited his poor health as he has not fully recovered and to make way for the younger people to be involved in the political arena and the general election.

Meanwhile, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir admitted that he felt more comfortable to compete in GE15 as a candidate for the Jerlun seat compared to Langkawi. - AWANI