A former trade union leader today challenged former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to battle his one-time deputy Anwar Ibrahim, whom he constantly smears, in the coming general election.

"To me, Anwar has been wronged for so long. He should be defended," said former West Malaysia Malay Teachers' Union president Nordin Mahmood.

Nordin said he felt Mahathir was in fact attacking Anwar, who is the current opposition leader, with more force now, despite having retired from politics.

NONE "I suggest they (Mahathir and Anwar) compete to end the actions or wrongdoings against Anwar," Nordin ( left ) said.

He said Mahathir should do this to prove claims he has contributed much to the country.

"To verify if indeed he is one who has contributed to the rakyat, especially to the Malays and to the country, and that he still has the support of the rakyat, Mahathir should contest against Anwar in the 13th general election," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

“I am confident the rakyat will be a fair judge in this contest,” added Nordin, who was also a member of the National Economic Consultation Council in the 1990s.

The contest, he said, would also serve to test Anwar’s popularity and strength in taking over the country’s leadership.

Nordin further suggested that the two political leaders should compete for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.

“Should Mahathir lose (in Permatang Pauh), he won’t feel humbled as the constituency is Anwar’s stronghold.

“If they contest in Kubang Pasu and Mahathir loses, he will lose his stature.

If not, Nordin said, the pair could contest in any constituency, even in Kuala Lumpur.

Nordin expressed his confidence that in whichever seat Mahathir and Anwar contested, Anwar would be the one accepted by the people.

Related stories

Dr M: Only a few Chinese extremists back gov't change

Mahathir: Malaysia's debt level still at 'healthy' position

Boosting Proton's image core of turnaround plan, says Dr M