Malaysia’s longtime former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is making his acting debut in a cameo for a historical science-fiction film.

The 90-year-old, who ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, said his role in the movie ‘Kapsul’ was to act like himself when he was still leader, reports said today.

“I have a small role,” he is quoted by the Malaysian Digest news portal as saying during a press preview in Kuala Lumpur. “I just followed the instructions given to me.”

In the movie, Mahathir is seen sealing his Vision 2020 for the future of the country in a time capsule. This is then stolen by the hero, who travels back in time to 1942 and helps fight the Japanese invasion.

While he never put together a time capsule, Mahathir did lay out a Vision 2020 programme in 1991, outlining a nine-point plan for the country.

Producers say the film underscores Malaysian solidarity, and is not intended as a comment on the country’s political situation, theSun daily reported.

Mahathir has recently urged the resignation of current Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak over corruption allegations, and has been summoned for interview by police for his comments at a recent protest.

Mahathir admitted to feeling “nervous” about his film appearance, according to the Malaysian Digest . “But at least I can tell people that I’m now an actor.”

‘Kapsul’ is scheduled to be shown in cinemas throughout Malaysia next week.

- dpa