DR Mahathir Mohamad today dismissed claims that he founded the Malay Proclamation movement to just to become the prime minister again. 

The former prime minister who was in office twice said he does not intend to run again. 

“I’m not fighting for the Malays to become the prime minister again. I’m not even interested in contesting again but I hope there are others who will contest and (fight) for the Malays who love the country,” the nonagenarian said today in a press conference in Sepang. 

The Malay Proclamation was founded with the aim of “uniting the community”. The document lists 12 key problems said to be faced by Malays.

Dr Mahathir, who ran for the Langkawi parliamentary seat last year, suffered a humiliating defeat to Perikatan Nasional’s Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah. Dr Mahathir did not even win enough votes to be refunded his deposit.

It was the 97-year-old’s first election defeat since 1969.

At the same time, Dr Mahathir also ruled out contesting in the state polls. 

“But I will be very active, supporting this movement of Malays, who want to have a share of the country.

“My objective is not to become the prime minister,” he reiterated, when asked if he would contest in the state elections.

Six states – Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu – are expected to hold elections simultaneously. 

All states, except Negri Sembilan, have dissolved their respective legislative assemblies. 

Negri Sembilan will dissolve its state assembly on Saturday. 

Dr Mahathir held the press conference after returning from his 13-day trip to Europe and Turkey. – June 28, 2023.