'Twice was enough': Tun M will advise, not lead, if PN forms government
The 100-year-old statesman said his age no longer allows him to be at the forefront of leadership, but he still wishes to contribute his more than 80 years of political experience to the country.
ALOR SETAR – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stated clearly that he has no desire to return as Prime Minister for a third time if Perikatan Nasional (PN) comes to power.
Instead, he said he would only take on an advisory role.
The 100-year-old statesman said his age no longer allows him to be at the forefront of leadership, but he still wishes to contribute his more than 80 years of political experience to the country.
"I'm old now, 100 years old. I can no longer deliver fiery speeches like before. I’m not trying to take over the role of the younger generation. We accept the youth.
"I don’t want to be Prime Minister again, twice was enough.
"But I do want to offer some advice, because I have been Prime Minister for 24 years and have been involved in politics for over 80 years," he said during the Himpunan Mandat Negarawan at Stadium Suka Menanti on Thursday.
Also present were Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Dr Mahathir said if PN takes over the Federal Government, it would be a government open to receiving advice to resolve the people's issues, including poverty.
"If we change the government, we will have a Prime Minister who is willing to take advice. I believe we can overcome many problems, including poverty," he said.
He stated that Malaysia is a country rich in resources and its people should be living comfortably if national assets are well managed.
"This is a wealthy country, everyone should be well-off. But if we don’t know how to use the assets we have, we won’t become rich. As a government, their focus must be on solving the issue of poverty.
"PN can do this, they can reduce poverty. This is our hope and that’s why we are holding this gathering," he said.
He also stressed the need for the people, especially the Malays, to venture into business to overcome poverty.
"I want to advise all Malays, why are Malays poor? Because they don’t do business. You can’t get rich on a salary alone, even sending your kids to university becomes a struggle.
"That’s why we need to enter the field of business and entrepreneurship. I’ve met many Malays who are now in business and have shown their capabilities, including in information technology. God willing, if we choose business, we can overcome poverty and reduce the problems we face," he added.
The Himpunan Mandat Negarawan gathering is a precursor to a larger rally scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down.
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