Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is willing to defend his parliamentary seat in Langkawi in the next general election if Pejuang does not have any other candidates to field in that constituency.
However, he noted that Pejuang already has several names suggested as a candidate for Langkawi, though he said it is too early to reveal them.
“We have candidates already, but at this time, we will not announce them yet.
“If there aren’t any (suitable candidates) and there are people suggesting me, I will consider it,” Mahathir said, as reported by Utusan Malaysia today.
Mahathir, who is also Pejuang chairperson, had previously said in March that he would no longer contest any parliamentary seat, including his incumbent seat Langkawi in the 15th general election (GE15).
He said this was to provide opportunities for suitable younger candidates to participate in politics and the election.
His health at the time was also a concern, as he was still recovering after several hospitalisations within a few months.
Meanwhile, Mahathir said Pejuang’s campaign to introduce the party to the public, including a nationwide roadshow, is going well.
However, he claimed that many people still do not know the party in detail because they are not getting much coverage as an opposition party.
“We have visited every state, even to Sabah, but there have been no (media) reports. We have many people (members), more than Bersatu last time.
“They no longer support Bersatu; they support Pejuang,” he said. – Malaysiakini