logo
At 100, Dr Mahathir says advisory role in PN better than PM

At 100, Dr Mahathir says advisory role in PN better than PM

ALOR STAR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has no intention of returning as prime minister for a third time, saying he would instead serve in an advisory role should Perikatan Nasional (PN) come to power.
Dr Mahathir said his age no longer allowed him to take on front-line leadership, but his decades of experience in politics could still serve the nation.
"I'm old now… a hundred years old. I can't give fiery speeches like I used to. I'm not here to take the place of the younger generation.
"I'm not looking to become prime minister again. But I do want to offer advice.
"I've been prime minister for 24 years and involved in politics for over 80 years," he told a crowd at the Himpunan Mandat Negarawanrally at Stadium Suka Menanti yesterday.
Also present were Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was a resource-rich country and that poverty should not exist if national assets were managed prudently.
"This country is rich. Everyone should be wealthy. But if we don't know how to make full use of the assets we have, we will never progress," he said.
He added that a PN-led administration would make eradicating poverty a top priority, claiming the current government had failed to do so.
"As a government, our focus must be on resolving poverty. PN can do it. We can reduce poverty. That's our hope, that's the purpose of our gathering tonight."
Dr Mahathir said that, should PN take over Putrajaya, its leadership would be one that listened to advice.
"If there is a change in government, we will have a prime minister who is willing to listen to advice. I believe, if that happens, many issues can be resolved," he said.
The rally was described by PN leaders as a curtain-raiser for a larger gathering scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 26, aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to step down.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysia Reiterates Ceasefire Call On Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
Malaysia Reiterates Ceasefire Call On Thailand-Cambodia Conflict

Barnama

time4 hours ago

  • Barnama

Malaysia Reiterates Ceasefire Call On Thailand-Cambodia Conflict

PUTRAJAYA, July 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reiterated its appeal to Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine peace efforts. As the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia said it is deeply concerned over the escalation between the two nations, which has resulted in increasing casualties on both sides, destruction of public property, and the displacement of a large number of people along the border areas. 'We reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine it,' Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said in a statement Saturday. bootstrap slideshow He further urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability based on the spirit of the ASEAN family, unity, and good neighbourliness. 'We stand ready to continue our work through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair in facilitating both immediate neighbours and fellow members of ASEAN to resume talks and end the fighting,' he added. In the latest development, Malaysia will continue engaging with the leaders of both states to propose a peace process in response to the border conflict between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had expressed appreciation for his initiative to propose a peace process and a ceasefire. On Friday, Anwar said the government does not take lightly the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Malaysia. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have been escalating since May 28 following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.

Armizan proposes allowing RM100 Sara credit to be used at mobile Rahmah sales locations
Armizan proposes allowing RM100 Sara credit to be used at mobile Rahmah sales locations

The Star

time8 hours ago

  • The Star

Armizan proposes allowing RM100 Sara credit to be used at mobile Rahmah sales locations

RANAU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has proposed allowing the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) credit to be used at mobile Madani Rahmah Sales locations. Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the proposal aims to improve access for communities in rural and remote areas, who may otherwise struggle to redeem the aid due to limited fixed retail premises in their districts. At present, there are 4,152 authorised premises nationwide where the credit can be used, including only 470 in Sabah. These are mostly permanent outlets such as supermarkets approved under the Finance Ministry. 'To reach more people, especially those outside urban centres, we are propose that Sara redemptions can be made at mobile Rahmah Sales locations,' he said at the ministry's carnival and Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign in Ranau, Saturday (July 26). 'These mobile outlets include sales of local Malaysian products and essential items, and are regularly deployed across rural districts. We believe expanding redemption options beyond the fixed premises would significantly improve access, particularly in Sabah,' he added. The RM100 Sara credit — a one-off cashless aid credited to MyKad starting Aug 31 — is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. It is part of an additional RM2bil allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 23, bringing the total allocation under Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) to RM15bil this year. The expansion of mobile Madani Rahmah Sales is supported by an additional RM300mil allocation under the government's Payung Rahmah initiative. The Cost of Living Ministry is targeting 20,000 mobile Rahmah sales sessions nationwide this year, with 2,276 planned for Sabah alone. Between January and July, 1,089 sessions have already been carried out in the state. As of July 2025, Sabah has received RM410mil in STR aid for 830,000 recipients, while RM500mil in Sara assistance has been disbursed to 506,000 people. The carnival and KBBM in Ranau is part of a broader outreach initiative to promote local products, reduce import dependency, and bring government services directly to grassroots communities. 'This is not just about aid distribution, but strengthening our local economy and empowering micro and small enterprises,' Armizan said.

Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets
Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets

Borneo Post

time8 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Anwar reaffirms commitment to free speech after KL rally, urges dialogue beyond the streets

People gather for the 'Turun Anwar' rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur July 26, 2025. – Malay Mail photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 26): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his administration's commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, following the 'Turun Anwar' rally in the capital that drew an estimated 18,000 participants. In a Facebook post today, he expressed gratitude to security and emergency personnel and called for continued democratic engagement beyond protests. 'I extend my utmost appreciation to all members of the security forces — from the police, fire department, medical teams, and volunteers — who have served with agility, discipline and high dedication,' Anwar said, crediting them for ensuring public safety and a smooth event. Addressing the crowd that had gathered, Anwar wished them safe journeys home and urged continued participation in national discourse. 'Criticism and differing views should not be seen through the lens of hostility,' he wrote. 'In fact, they must continue to flourish and thrive as the lifeblood of a mature, progressive and sovereign nation-state.' Anwar, who has long styled himself a reformist leader, said he remains 'steadfast and consistent' in upholding democratic principles, particularly the right to free speech and criticism. He also pointed to the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) in Parliament as proof of his administration's openness to scrutiny. 'Members of Parliament are free to ask any question directly, and to raise objections to me as prime minister directly,' he said. 'I urge you to continue pressing MPs to attend and actively participate, especially in PMQT.' The prime minister went on to invite Malaysians to move beyond protest alone, encouraging them to 'engage in dialogue and discourse, find common ground, and chart and build this nation together.' He added, 'Not merely on the streets, but by rising to explore, master and seize new frontiers so that this country can be propelled forward with strength and vigour.' Ending his post on a forward-looking note, Anwar invited the public to return to Kuala Lumpur in the near future, highlighting upcoming restoration efforts at historic sites such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. 'These landmarks are undergoing large-scale conservation so we can boost tourism and support the economy in the capital, rich with historical value, hope, and national spirit, especially in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. The Facebook post comes after a peaceful rally earlier in the day, organised by Opposition figures and civil society groups to protest against the rising cost of living and demand political accountability. Among the speakers were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Perikatan Nasional information chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau. Police said the event ended without incident. – Malay Mail Anwar Turun rally free speech kuala lumpur

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store