Dr M: Delaying polls may benefit opposition

Delaying the general election can benefit the opposition, for it can use the time to better prepare for election, says former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The New Straits Times today quotes Mahathir as saying that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak could afford to wait before calling for the election, "but if he waits, other people will also be ready".

"I think any time is a good time (to call for the election)... Now that we are coming to the end of the year, it does not really matter whether it is end of the year or beginning of next year," he is reported to have said.

Mahathir also commented on the 'donation' of RM40 million made to Sabah Umno as nothing new.

"During my time, people donated a lot of money to parties, not just ruling parties but also opposition parties," he said.