DR Mahathir Mohamad today ruled out contesting in Pekan, the stronghold of Prime Minister Najib Razak, in the coming elections, adding that he would likely contest in his home state of Kedah instead.

“I want to go to a place that is easier (to win),” Dr Mahathir told reporters in Putrajaya, today.

“I have many responsibilities. I cannot campaign for myself. Maybe in Kedah, anywhere that is easier, but not Pekan,” he said, adding that he would also consider running for his former seat in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, which he first won in 1974 and held until 2004, the year after he stepped down as prime minister.

If he were to run in the polls, it would be the first time in his 70 years or so in politics that he would contest under the opposition banner, and as the opposition coalition chairman no less.

On Saturday, Sin Chew Daily reported that Dr Mahathir may consider going head-to-head against Najib, who holds the parliamentary seat of Pekan, Pahang.

“I didn’t say I intended to contest, I said if there were no other candidates, I might consider it,” Dr Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairman, said.

Pekan is a BN-stronghold with Najib winning 51,278 votes to PKR’s Fariz Musa, who garnered 15,665 votes in the 2013 general election.

Najib first won Pekan in 1976 when he was 23, and has held the seat ever since.

Dr Mahathir said PBBM may contest in Kedah, Johor, Perak and Malacca.

“We found that where ever we go, there seem to be many people who come out and show their support for us. We have many choices (in seats to contest),” he said.

Dr Mahathir was named the opposition coalition chairman after the Pakatan Harapan line-up was revealed on July 14. Since then, he has been touring the peninsula, giving talks and speaking out against the prime minister’s administration, which he has described as a kleptocracy.

“That’s his way, cash is king. When there is a problem, he throws money at it,” Dr Mahathir said today, referring to Najib’s Sunday announcement of RM1.59 billion in cash incentives and assistance programmes for Felda settlers.

“Where does the money come from? The government coffers. Now there are many universities that have to cut their budget by 40%.

“He wants the support by vote-buying. This is a forward payment for vote-buying,” Dr Mahathir said. – July 25, 2017.