Mahathir poses strongest challenge to PM Najib in Malaysian election: Observers
Kuala Lumpur: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is seen as the strongest candidate to challenge the rule of current premier Najib Razak in the country’s upcoming election, say observers and analysts.
Mr Mahathir, 92, was Malaysia’s longest-serving leader when he stepped down in 2003 after 22 years as head of the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government. He is now expected to contest the next general election, which must be called by August 2018, under the opposition banner of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Over the weekend, the PH coalition named him as the candidate for the post of interim PM should they win the 14th general election.
“I think he will stand for elections,” said Kadir Jaasin, a close associate of Mahathir, told Channel NewsAsia.
“He has shown every indication of leading the opposition to topple the BN.” Mr Kadir is also a member of the Supreme Leadership Council of Mahathir’s new party, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (PPBM), which was launched earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Wan Saiful Wan Jan believes Mahathir personally does not want to run, but will do so to swing votes to the opposition.
“I have asked this question to Mahathir personally,” said Wan Saiful.
“My understanding is that he prefers not to stand because he believes that a new generation should take over. But the decision is not completely in his hands, because he is willing to let the PH leadership decide.
“He understands that he still has influence and may be able to swing votes towards Harapan by contesting.” Malaysia’s ruling UMNO party has hinted elections would be held “days after Chinese New Year” in 2018. According to PPBM’s Kadir, there are many calls from the public and within the opposition coalition for Mr Mahathir to stand for elections.