Oposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is “running away” from his parliamentary seat in Permatang Pauh because he is not sure he can win there, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says.

"This is a free country, he is free to go and contest anywhere... If he wants to, run away from Permatang Pauh," Mahathir told reporters in Seri Kembangan today.

permatang pauh by election results map 260808 He was asked to comment on Anwar's statement on Wednesday that he may forgo his hometown seat and contest in Perak instead.

Asked to clarify what he meant by Anwar “running away”, Mahathir said his former deputy may have doubts about winning his current seat.

“Yes he is running away. Maybe he’s not confident of winning the seat.”

Opposition heavyweights have been eyeing new seats in the coming general election, in particular DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Liew Chin Tong, who will take their battles to the Umno stronghold of Johor.

‘Veterans should leave things to the young’

Asked about several veteran politicians expressing their wish to contest for seats in coming election, Mahathir said those who have had their time in the sun should give way to the next generation.

“The veterans should leave things to the young people,” he said.

Of late, at least two veterans, Kuala Kangsar MP Rafidah Aziz and former MIC president S Samy Vellu, have expressed their readiness to contest, if they are selected by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Asked about international transparency NGO Global Witness' expose on land corruption in Sarawak involving those close to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Mahathir said he has not seen the video.

“So I cannot comment,” he replied.

Mahathir also refused to comment on a new sex video, purportedly of Anwar, posted by Umno-linked blogger Papagomo, saying that he has not seen it either.

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