DR Mahathir Mohamad will defend the Langkawi parliamentary seat in the coming general election. 

The former prime minister said the decision to contest in Langkawi was made during a meeting with the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition this morning.

“I’m not contesting to be the next prime minister, but to be the people’s representative,” he said in Putrajaya.

He also said that they have not decided on a prime minister candidate. 

“We still haven’t decided on the post, because the candidate for PM is only relevant if we win. But, if we lose then it’s not relevant anymore.” 

In the last general election, Dr Mahathir won the Langkawi seat for the first time with 8,893-vote majority.

He polled 18,954 votes as a Bersatu candidate under the Pakatan Harapan banner, while his rivals Nawawi Ahmad (Barisan Nasional) and Zubir Ahmad (PAS) received 10,061 and 5,512 votes respectively.

Dr Mahathir also said that they are looking to cooperate with other parties with similar principles. 

“We are willing to work with them (other parties) who want to save the country from Umno.

“Umno doesn’t care about the people. What they want is the PM post and to be the government.”

When asked if he would work with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Mahathir said that the question should be asked to Anwar. 

“The question is will he work with me? I don’t think he wants to. I’m a very nice man.”

He said also said that if they are chosen to be the government their focus will be on the problems people are facing. 

“We will focus on the Malays who are in dire need and also the non-Malays.”

Dr Mahathir also said that the people should not believe Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that Umno will win the election. 

“They don’t care about the welfare of people because they are having an election during flood season.” – October 11, 2022.