Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has pledged he will not leave behind a political dynasty after stepping down in October, reports said today.

The 77-year-old veteran premier was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying that he would not allow his children to contest the next general election, which must be called by late 2004.

"I give my assurance that I will not allow any of them to stand here or in other constituencies," he told his political followers after a meeting at his Kubang Pasu constituency in northern Kedah state.

"This is my assurance. I do not want to have a dynasty. I don't wish to create o­ne."

His comments came after members of his ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) in his constituency appealed to him to continue to lead the country.

Sticking to decision

Mahathir reiterated he would stick to plans to handover power to his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after hosting the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit from October 11-14.

"If I renege o­n my promise (to step down in October), my leadership will no longer be credible," he said.

"People will say this is Dr. Mahathir's (acting). He just pretends to resign but actually wants to continue. Umno and I will be ridiculed."

The 63-year-old Abdullah has already rehearsed for the top job, taking over the running of the country during Mahathir's two-month holiday earlier this year.

Mahathir, who is credited with dragging Malaysia from a commodity-based economic backwater into the manufacturing mainstream of Asian exporters, has given the crucial thumbs-up to his successor's performance during the period. - AFP