Dr M may consider becoming PM again - if Harapan has this plan

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad admitted today that he may be forced to consider becoming prime minister again - if Pakatan Harapan has such a plan for him.

Mahathir was responding to a question during a live session on his Facebook page, when asked whether he would agree to become prime minister again if the opposition defeats BN in the 14th general election (GE14).

"I cannot ignore my friends in the Pakatan Harapan coalition. If they have such a plan and it is agreed upon, I may be forced to consider," he said.

However, he stressed that he does not agree to become the prime minister again.

"I have stated that once I have retired, I won't become prime minister again," he said.

Mahathir has repeatedly stated that he has no plan to contest in the next general election, and neither does he have any plan to become the country's top leader for the second time.

Despite his stand, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim is among those who believe that Mahathir is the best candidate to become prime minister, should the opposition win GE14.

Mahathir also came out on top in a recent Malaysiakini poll as Harapan's prime minister candidate.

Hopes to give views to Harapan gov't

In the live session, Mahathir also expressed hope that he would be given the opportunity to give his views should Harapan win GE14 and forms the new government.

He said this when asked on the possible role he would play in the new government.

"When I retired, I thought that my views should be considered by the government in certain issues as I was prime minister for 22 years. I have a lot of experience and information that can be useful.

"(In the new government), if there are issues that need to be discussed, I am willing to take part in the discussions to find the solutions," he said.

Pointing out how he formed committees that consisted of experts in their own fields to better understand issues during his time as prime minister, Mahathir said this was also one of the ways he employed during the Asian financial crisis.

"I hope the new prime minister will do the same and I am willing to be a part of these committees."- Mkini