Dr M says won’t contest against Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not contesting against Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the Pekan constituency in the 14th general election.

The former prime minister said he would likely contest in his home state of Kedah.

“I want to go to a place that is easier (to win),” he told reporters yesterday.

“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.

On Saturday, Dr Mahathir was reported considering 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.

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.