JOHOR BARU: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has stressed that he does not plan to be prime minister a third time if Perikatan Nasional takes over the government.

Dr Mahathir said he just wanted to play the role of adviser.

Malay daily Sinar Harian quoted him as saying that at the age of 100, he would not be able to lead from the front owing to his age, but could still contribute to the government with his 80 years of political experience.

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“I am already 100. I cannot make fiery speeches like before. I do not want to take the place of young people. I have already been prime minister twice. That is enough.

“I (can still give) advice as I have been prime minister for 24 years and have been in politics for 80 years,”  he said during a gathering in Stadium Suka Menanti in Alor Setar here on Thursday (July 17).

Also present was PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, his deputy Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

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Dr Mahathir said that if Perikatan were to take over Putrajaya, it would be a government that listens to the people and settles issues, especially poverty.

“If we change the government, we will have a prime minister who listens. I am sure many issues can be resolved,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia is a rich nation, and the people’s lives would be easier if the country’s assets were managed properly.