DR Mahathir Mohammad said he has many plans for Langkawi if he is voted in again in the coming general election. 

The former prime minister faces a five-cornered fight in his attempt to defend the seat. 

He faces Barisan Nasional’s Armishah Siraj, Perikatan Nasional’s Suhaimi Abdullah, Zabidi Yahya of Pakatan Harapan, and independent candidate Abdul Kadir Sainudin. 

In GE14, Dr Mahathir won the Langkawi seat in a straight fight against BN’s Nawawi Ahmad with an 8,893 majority. 

“Five people, not too many. I think I have a good chance of winning, I don’t know the qualities of the other contestants. I came (for the nomination) with good support, and we are in good spirits. 

“I think we have a good chance,” he told reporters in Langkawi.  

To a question on his plans for Langkawi, Dr Mahathir said he would first look into the ferry services from the mainland to the tourist island. 

“I have lots of plans, provided that I win, and we become the government. 

“The ferry only plies four times a day and there is shallow water at Perlis. We know how to sort out that problem. 

“There are other problems too…the rubbish issue is not resolved. We must resolve this to make Langkawi attractive and clean,” said the 97-year-old. 

He also said that this “should be my last election”. 

He added that he didn’t want to contest but “since an early election (has been called) and I didn’t finish my term as PM before I lost my place through backdoor action, I hope that I can finish my job”. 

He, however, said this did not mean he wanted to become the PM again. 

“That depends. We have not named a PM candidate, but if we have sufficient numbers and can form a government, we will decide on who can become PM,” he said, adding that his Pejuang-led pact Gerakan Tanah Air will work with “clean parties, not crooks and jailbirds”. 

He also said that he did not feel his age. 

“At 97, I am still around and talking to you. I have been fortunate to be able to function just as well as younger people,” he said. – November 5, 2022.