What Dr Mahathir is not happy about....

• 'Yes, I've resigned' - Dr M

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"I have been there as adviser for 10 years, and in that time I am older by 10 years...I am old whether I feel it or not and if I misbehave, I'll end up in hospital." (file pix by Hussein shahruddin/The Mole)

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed reports that he had tendered his resignation as Petronas adviser effective Dec 1.

Citing his age as a factor and the need to slow down, Dr Mahathir said: "I have been there as adviser for 10 years and in that time I am older by 10 years. No other factor. I am old whether I feel it or not, and if I misbehave, I'll end up in hospital."

"My doctors told me to slow down...They said an old man has to slow down."

"I am slowing down already. My wife controls my appointments. I can only go abroad once a month and even that is being slowed (down).

"I am not happy about getting old but I seem to get older with the passage of time."

In a statement issued by his office, Dr Mahathir had submitted his hand-written resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Nov 29.

Quoting sources, The Mole had earlier reported that Dr Mahathir had resigned as the Petronas adviser and that his resignation is expected to spark off numerous speculation, chiefly on the issue of the national oil and gas conglomerate failing to honour its commitment of pursuing the Bumiputera agenda.

Utusan Malaysia has also reported the resignation.

Speaking to reporters after attending a luncheon hosted for foreign delegates who are in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Umno general assembly, Dr Mahathir said: "There are numerous opportunities for Bumiputeras (in Petronas)...a lot are given to Mokhzani bin Mahathir," he said albeit sarcastically, obviously referring to some vicious comments that accused Petronas of extending huge projects to Dr Mahathir's son, Datuk Mokhzani.

Dr Mahathir further said: "I've always supported small entrepreneurs but maybe others cannot extend such support. I do not place hope that what we want can be achieved.

"When I was the Prime Minister, I did not manage to do everything (that I wanted to)."

The fourth Prime Minister also said that Petronas is doing well.

"It has made more money (profit) and can give the Government more money. There is nothing more that I can contribute." - The Mole