He also said in an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (24th) that he would not run for the next general election.

This is the first time Mahathir has stated that he will not stand for election after he resigned as prime minister in February this year.

The quoted his cronies as saying that this may be related to his advanced age, but he will continue to participate in political activities.

When talking about life after retirement, Mahathir also said in the interview that he hopes to use his rich experience to play a role behind him, and he intends to participate in politics as a consultant.