Mixed opposition reaction to Mahathir's plan to stay out of polls
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that he will not call for a general election prior to his retirement elicited mixed responses from opposition leaders today.
Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the premier's words have to be treated with caution.
"It is difficult to trust him because he has lied before. He once told the world that (his former deputy) Anwar Ibrahim's black eye was self-inflicted," she said when contacted.
Anwar's black eye was among the injuries he sustained after being assaulted by then police chief Rahim Noor while in police custody in 1998.
Yesterday, Mahathir who is Asia's longest-serving leader told Reuters that he will not call for election while he is still in office and will leave the decision to his successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Mahathir's words were said to have ended speculation that he will lead ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general election prior to his retirement in October.
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