“I am retired (from politics), I do not have any intention to return but I am actively helping to campaign for those who once helped me to become prime minister,” he said during a press conference last night.
He was responding to the challenge put forth by former West Malaysia Malay Teachers' Union president Nordin Mahmood (left) yesterday, who felt the former premier has long wronged Anwar in many ways, and the latter must be defended.He accused Mahathir of escalating the intensity of his attacks against the former deputy prime minister, despite bowing out of politics.
Nordin said the combat between the two would also serve to test Anwar’s strength and popularity in taking over the country’s helm.
He further suggested they fight it out in Anwar’s stronghold of Permatang Pauh in Penang, as a loss for Mahathir there would be less humbling for him.
'Coming down from the sky' to help.
According to Mahathir, however, his campaign plan now is to show appreciation for the deeds of those who aided him when he was actively politicking, to the point that he became PM.
“This is returning the deed... nowadays, people don’t often repay deeds but I still appreciate them.
“Once, they supported me, I reached the sky. Now, I come down from the sky and support them-lah,” he jested.
Mahathir
had earlier officiated at a dinner organised by Malaysia Small and
Medium Entrepreneurs Alliance (Ikhlas), where he urged the audience to
be more prudent when managing their business cash flow.“Malay entrepreneurs are not skilled at managing cash. When they have money, they want to spend it.
“This causes us to be lacking money for our businesses,” he said later.
Also attending the dinner were his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah and Ikhlas president Ridzuan Abdullah (above, right in photo).
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