K KANGSAR POLLS Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has dismissed former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's message as irrelevant to the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections because Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak isn't contesting.

This was after Mahathir visited Sungai Besar today to endorse Parti Amanah Negara's candidate Azhar Abdul Shukur after the latter signed the Citizens' Declaration petition calling for Najib's ouster.

"What was raised by Mahathir in his ceramah in Sungai Besar is unrelated.

"I would like to remind that Najib is not contesting in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

"What does issues touching on Najib has to do with Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar?" Hishammuddin told a press conference in Kuala Kangsar today.

However, Hishammuddin said the government will not stop Mahathir from doing so but expressed disappointment that the statesman would go this far.

Hishammuddin also said he was puzzled by Mahathir's endorsement of Amanah.

"It is strange because in the early stages, Tun said he will support the opposition in defeating BN but now it appears Tun is only supporting Amanah.

"PAS is also the opposition. I don't understand Tun's rationale," he said.

In Sungai Besar today, Mahathir was asked whether he would support PAS too but the former premier said PAS needed Najib instead.

Mahathir will visit Kuala Kangsar tomorrow where he is also expected to endorse Amanah's candidate Mohd Termizi Yusof.

The twin by-elections are set to be held on June 18.