Dr Mahathir Mohamad has again reminded BN supporters not to use the selection of candidates as an issue in order to ensure victory for the BN in the coming general election.

NONE The former prime minister said it was pointless if the particular candidate won but the party lost and could not control the state or country.

"I feel what is important is not the candidate, but the party. If the candidate wins, but the party loses, it will be useless. This time we don't focus on the candidates, regardless of the candidate, we just vote.

"We support because we want a government that can give benefits to us. Don't care who the candidate is, as long as he is from the (our) party, we support," said Mahathir who was asked to comment on the selection of BN candidates for the coming general election.

He said this at a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the forum on Islam and Peace at the Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani today.

Opposition seeks to emulate Arab Spring

Commenting on the demonstration frequently held by the opposition lately, Mahathir said it was the strategy of the opposition if they were to lose in the general election.

"Some people want to stage the demonstration every day on a large scale up to 200,000 people in all towns, (they) want to emulate what transpired in the Arab countries," he said.

Meanwhile on another development, Mahathir said the war among the Muslims occurred because they did not follow the teachings of the Quran.

He said: "War occurred during the Islamic civilisation because the Muslims had ignored the teachings of Islam. Islamic teachings tell us to give priority to peace especially among the Muslims."

In his speech at the forum, Mahathir said Islam was linked closely with peace but factionalism among the Muslims had led to killings as could be seen now.

"Muslims wage war against other Muslims because there are groups who hijack the Islamic religion for personal interest. What is happening now is that the Muslims kill each other. Sometimes, the Muslims give weapons to non-Muslims to kill the Muslims. This is very sad," he added.

- Bernama